"Sometimes a kids’ just gotta sing,” replies Shawn Brown with his patented quiet smile, when asked about his music. Although the answer itself seems simple, it is indicative of the Oakland, CA native’s attitude towards his chosen trade - simple and soulful. Although having just released another successful EP this spring, the response has been anything but quiet. "Shawn Brown's The Risk is an enervating blast of soulful pop. The hooks are big and rhythmic, the songwriting is thoughtful and the arrangements are fresh; plus, Brown's got the kind of voice that knows how to take the corners nice and smooth. He glides through each number with an effortless, melodic grace."(Alex Green, Editor Caught in the Carousel).
After a small run of warm-up shows throughout Northern California, Shawn is looking to drop his own soulful brand of pop rock on as many people as he can get at. “For me, ‘The Risk’ represents a lot. As a song, it’s a big, bold ballad. But the sentiment of the song also gets at what a ‘risk’ the music business is these days. You just kinda have to put your head down and handle your business.” For this sky-rocketing artist, his business has become continuing to build on his national audience garnered from his 2007’s full length debut Just in Case.
As a record, Just in Case, combines Brown’s signature acoustic rock with an urgent contemporary street feel. The result is a potent mix of upbeat, radio friendly fun and Shawn’s soul-drenched, emotive voice. Shawn describes his disk as “singer-songwriter vibe mixed with a generous helping of urban, hip-hop soul.” His sound has fueled comparisons to artists such as Marc Broussard, Gavin Degraw, and Jason Mraz. “This guy gives Rob Thomas a run for his money!" Away Team.com.
The disks’ standout tracks include the gospel drenched “Testify”, the equally funky and socially pointed “How Much Money is Enough”, and pop gem“Movie of Your Life”. But even with a record filled with hooky, danceable songs; it’s the title track that gives Shawn the most pride. The final track on the album, “Just in Case”, is a heartbreaking and intensely personal piano ballad that features the talented singer at his emotional best. “That was a tough studio day. I’m really happy folks have gravitated towards that song. I guess when you write a tune about loosing a friend; it shouldn’t be too shocking that people relate to it.” After first gaining national exposure with his 2005 Lucky Boy release, Shawn has continued to fine-tune his songwriting and sound. “It’s always a rough go, trying to really figure out what the songs should finally be. Its one thing to write a tune and sing it well – it’s a whole nother thing to get into a studio and get all those ideas focused into a track that folks will dance to.”
As to all the attention that the last year as heaped on him, Shawn smiles wide and says softly “Pretty wild, huh?” He continues to tour nation-wide and is looking forward to recording his next record. This fall, Shawn’s songs have been splashed all over TV shows such as ABC’s Brothers and Sister and MTV’s The Hills. Shawn bleeds excitement for what is coming for him down the road. “Man, I just love to sing for folks. I love it.” Simple and soulful, it’s just the way he does it.
