The Shires - interesting fact
Mon Mar 02, 2015 9:13 pm
The duo known as The Shires has been getting a lot of air time lately and seem to be a bright new prospect as good as anything coming out of Nashville nowadays. I wouldn't quite call them "country" although many do. "Americana" seems more appropriate, anyway, they are pretty good. Their new album "Brave" was released a few days ago and is doing well.
I had an interesting exchange with Ben Earle, one of the duo. I chided him that his album has pedal steel "programming" - MIDI sound-alike stuff - instead of real steel. He said "We did all this before we had a record deal, and had to do it on a shoe string. We were helped by friends and well-wishers. We approached some steel players, but could not afford their fees, so we had to fall back on MIDI (i.e. fake) steel".
Now I know many established steel players have been lamenting the lack of paid engagements, and I quite see the point there. But what a pity that budding "prospects" like The Shires couldn't find a steelie who would take a punt, or just give some time to encourage them. I told him they approached the wrong people, and to come here next time they need a steelie. Of course, by then maybe they could afford a session player, although maybe they might avoid those they approached before, who knows.
I just see it as a missed opportunity. Am I a lone voice here?
I had an interesting exchange with Ben Earle, one of the duo. I chided him that his album has pedal steel "programming" - MIDI sound-alike stuff - instead of real steel. He said "We did all this before we had a record deal, and had to do it on a shoe string. We were helped by friends and well-wishers. We approached some steel players, but could not afford their fees, so we had to fall back on MIDI (i.e. fake) steel".
Now I know many established steel players have been lamenting the lack of paid engagements, and I quite see the point there. But what a pity that budding "prospects" like The Shires couldn't find a steelie who would take a punt, or just give some time to encourage them. I told him they approached the wrong people, and to come here next time they need a steelie. Of course, by then maybe they could afford a session player, although maybe they might avoid those they approached before, who knows.
I just see it as a missed opportunity. Am I a lone voice here?
Re: The Shires - interesting fact
Mon Mar 02, 2015 10:14 pm
I have given some of my time recently to put steel on tracks by young singer/songwriters who are struggling to put something together. I don't mind doing it under the right circumstances, but it will be interesting to see if my efforts are reciprocated if they achieve any degree of success.
Re: The Shires - interesting fact
Tue Mar 03, 2015 11:26 am
Will ,they did not ask in the right place! I would have helped them ,I am used to working for nothing 
Re: The Shires - interesting fact
Tue Mar 03, 2015 3:49 pm
Yes John, that's what I said. Well, I didn't say "Go to JD", but I did say "You didn't approach the right people" and said to come to the BSS next time.