SHANE GRAHAM
The phenomenal combination of 12-string and electric distortion and classic 90’s style vocals, acts as a magnet to any music lover’s ear. It is clear that Shane Graham is a natural entertainer, with music and arts alike. Each chord strikes a powerful message of inspiration. “Soul For Rent”, the song itself is lyrically saying, I’m not just for fun, I’m not your fling, I not your every now & then thing and I am not for rent”.
S.G. “Soul For Rent” the album, is set to Release August 6, 2021 with tour dates to be announced.
BIO BACK HISTORY
Shane, never having known the concept of stage-freight, at the age of 16, stepped up on to his 1st big stage in 1992 at Mt. Trashmore in Virginia Beach, VA), further fueling his future goals, passion, and hunger for music. Born in Norfolk, Virginia and a Virginia Beach native, he began his musical journey at the young age of 8 when he was first introduced to music from his father’s vinyl record collection. Musicians like The Beatles, Neil Diamond and Billy Joel touched Shane’s heart, allowing him to learn firsthand the gravitational pull and power of music and lyrics.
During his childhood, all odds were against him flourishing in music. As a youth Shane wanted to get involved in anything music from singing to dancing but had many obstacles coupled with not enough financial support. When Shane reached middle school, he started his musical journey by joining the school band playing the alto-saxophone, later branching to tenor-saxophone. He acquired a newfound love for music while playing the saxophone and continued to play for three years. During those three years, many musical influences from The Doors to Guns n Roses, & Motley Crew really grabbed his attention. Shane’s musical interest quickly shifted into the Hair Bands of the 80’s, Hard Rock & Metal. The first Rock concert Shane ever attended was Poison.
It was there that he fell in love with everything the show had to offer and began the chase of his dream; to have his own band. At the time, Shane didn’t play guitar, but was really into poetry and loved to sing. Shane fell in love with the power and expressive outlet of words and lyrics. He wrote numerous poems influenced by his first heartbreak, which were later published. It was by the luck of fate and a great friend that Shane was introduced to some musicians. As this small dream grew to be bigger and determination set in, he severed ties with the high school band, pawned his saxophone for a bad ass leather jacket, and joined his first Rock band, Bad Stretch. Even though Shane was still in high school, Shane and his bandmates booked and played gigs at local bars at night. Shane used his hard-earned landscaping money at age 16 and started taking voice lessons. Shane continued fronting different bands and writing songs. With lyrics and melodies always floating around in his head and not knowing how to play the guitar, Shane reached out to his band members to show him some chords. Shane was taught some basic notes on a 12-string guitar. Soon he began writing original material. Shane later went on to purchase his first guitar in 1996, a 12-string George Washington Festival Series Washburn.
In 1991 The Grunge scene took over the world of music. Shane, a huge fan of STP and Alice N Chains, at this time had already been in multiple bands and traveled on some small tours. On November 29, 1992, and still in high school, Shane and his band Bad Stretch, appeared on the front page of the local paper for winning a three day battle of the bands event. The prize, their own concert at Mt. Trashmore in Virginia Beach, VA. Shane continued playing in many bands over the years, in search for key players. In 2005 Shane reconnected with a long-time friend, Loran Johnson and started his first original band project. Loran plays an active role of the drummer and co-writer on the new album, Soul for Rent. Together, they have traveled through their musical careers with many other musicians, but Loran has always remained the main drummer when writing percussion for Shane’s songs. Searching to be a great front man, Shane was very influenced by vocalist like Scott Weiland.
Later in 2009 Shane joined another group of musicians and formed an original music project called O.C.D. and started rocking big venues like The NORVA in Norfolk, VA. Shortly after their 1st album was released and things were looking good for him, Shane found himself and family in an almost horrific car accident on the interstate. This near miss left him and his family stranded with a flat tire. While changing tire, the vehicle collapsed catching his hand between the jack and the car which resulted in the need for immediate surgery on his left hand. After a few months and extensive travel to both medical, surgical and therapy specialists, Shane was left unsure if he would be able to play guitar again. Between this accident and unexpected divorce, this led to a five year gap in his music career.
Without having all manual dexterity recovered Shane could not help but pick up the guitar and it was then that the true physical therapy began. The highly influenced and self- taught guitarist then found himself gravitating back into the mainstream. With only being capable of playing three songs at a time, Shane started playing at Open Mic nights. Shane found himself merging his physical therapy sessions into his guitar playing. Accepting how difficult it would be to jumpstart another project, Shane continued to play his originals solo.
Shane continued to play solo until 2019 when he was discovered by an RMR (Rare Metal Records) representative and thus the Album “Soul for Rent” was brought to Life, his First Global Album Release, set for August 6th 2021. Shane’s lyrics not only allows the listener’s soul to relate, but also covers many of his own personal struggles in life. It is no wonder that he has a keen ability to keep others naturally entertained.
