WORDS / KODY FORD

Shawn James spent much of the last year and a half cultivating a devoted fanbase and showcasing his diverse sound on the “The Wolf,” “The Bear,” and “The Hawk” EPs. During that time, he graduated from a solo artist with a kickdrum to fully developed five-piece band. Now they are writing their first full-length album “The Gospel According to Shawn James and the Shapeshifters.” Recording isn’t cheap despite the advantages of the digital age. Now James is reaching out to his fans to help them fund the album with a campaign on Kickstarter.

“We think it’s a unique and effective way to partner with our fans in making a record,” said James. “They pre-order something and that money goes directly into funding the production of our new album and merchandise. They enable us to produce an album and merchandise of the highest quality.”

The record will expand upon their sound, showcasing more of an electric-swampy, high-energy rock ‘n’ roll style, something James has dubbed “Rock & Roar.”

Fans will be happy to know that James and the Shapeshifters won’t spend all of their time cooped up in the studio. Touring is also at the top of the agenda with several festival appearances lined up including Wakarusa, Ink N Iron Fest, Muddy Roots Nashville, Muddy Roots Belgium and more. They hope to spend time in Europe this summer along with other stops overseas towards the end of the year.

James is no stranger to the road and cites touring as one of the favorite aspects of his career recently. “For me, it would have to be all the people we met, different cultures we experienced and all the shows we played. I reached a personal goal of touring Europe and that feels great.”

Although they aren’t signed, James is pleased with the trajectory of their career.

“I love where we are,” he said. “We’re a DIY band who work with other DIY people and we’ve been getting incredible results. I’ve put out a lot of solo material in the past and this year is focused on the band and our sound as a whole. I’m excited about this new sound and where it will take us this year.”

According to James the new album is their hardest hitting record yet complete with haunting fiddle and plucking banjo amidst swampy, fuzz driven slide guitars. Some parts are like a fog rising from a cave, some crashing like a thunderstorm.

If you want to support “The Gospel According to Shawn James and the Shapeshifters,” click here.

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