Shannon McNally: One Day at a Time.
Shannon McNally is a great singer-songwriter. She has smoky vocals and is a skilled guitarist. McNally tours constantly and has played at Wakarusa and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. She is based near Oxford, Mississippi. Shannon recently wrote in to discuss her first time onstage, her favorite guitarists, and busking in Paris.
What inspires you lyrically?
I'm always looking to twist a thought to my own personal spiritual sense of universal compliance. I look for the strength in weakness, I look for the roundness in corners.
How does your songwriting process work?
It's like a phone call. When the phone rings, I answer it if I can get to it before they hang up.
How do you feel that your sound has elvolved over the years?
My sound has gotten more confident and relaxed. It's a long walk, I'm trying to wear comfortable shoes.
Do you have a favorite place to write songs?
With my guitar and a pen and paper.
What was your oddest experience from busking in Paris?
Meeting some gypsy children that wew horribly deformed and filthy. Realizing that busking was how they survived.
Do you have a quote or motto that you live by?
One day at a time.
What was the first song you learned how to play on guitar?
"Down on the Corner."
Who were some of your favorite guitar players growing up?
Santana, JJ Cale, and Lindsey Buckingham.
How old were you when you wrote your first song, and what was it about?
About 19. I don't remember what it was about.
Do you remeber the first album you ever bought?
The soundtrack to "Grease." I was five.
Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?
Freddie King from the Shelter Record years.
Do you remember your first time onstage?
I was in kindergarten in a musical called 'Kids are People Too.' I recited the story of Brer Rabbit and the tar baby.
Do you use a setlist when playing live?
I use a master list of songs, but call them out as I feel them or as I perceive the audience's energy.
What are some of your favorite venues to play?
Right now, I most like the Shed in Maryville, TN. I like stages with excellent sound systems. The better the sound system and folks working it, the better I like the venue.
How did your backing band, Hot Sauce, come together?
Slowly but surely. They're all friends who keep coming back to do more shows. I couldn't thank them enough.
What was your experience like living in New Orleans?
Magical, often hot.
What are your favorite bars in NOLA?
I like the neighborhood bars..Ones that never close.
You play NOLA a lot. Do you have a favorite venue in New Orleans?
The Maple Leaf or d.b.a. or Tips, it's hard to pick.
What is the music scene like in Oxford?
Oxford is a great music town because it 's stockpiled with musicologists and blues freaks who catch ever reference you could fling at them, no matter how obscure.
What advice would you have for up-and-coming artists?
Hang out with old musicians. Listen to your favorite artists' favorite records. Learn how to play your instrument very, very well. Send thank you's.
For more info on Shannon, check out
http://www.shannonmcnally.com/
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