Check Out Paul Shaw’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Shaw.

Hi Paul, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Millville, New Jersey. My earliest musical influences were family. Several nights a week, my Granddad and two uncles held rehearsals with their respective bands. I would sit on the basement stairs soaking up classic country, popular rock, and classic rock. I inherited my youngest uncle Steve’s drums at the age of four. By nine, I was studying drums formally.

From age 11 and through high school, I studied drum set and music generally with Chris Orazi. His influence was profound. I chose music as a career path because of his mentorship. After college, I enjoyed a 20-year career as a touring jazz and pop drummer.

In the Air Force, I had the opportunity to play or record with artists such as Wynona Judd, Vince Gill and Amy Grant, CeCe Wynans, and Celine Dion. I had the good fortune of touring extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. While stationed in Germany, at the age of 32, I began studying acoustic guitar. Around 2009, I formed Acoustic Station with my wife, Melanie.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nope:)

Professionally, I learned early that developing a “thick skin” is a must if one is to persist and thrive as a touring drummer. For example, in a 16-piece big-band, the drummer is likely to hear 15 different opinions about how the drums should be approached. I remember frequently feeling confused, trying to please everyone. Of course, those moments usually proved to be deeply educational. Navigating personalities and opinions in those moments helped me forge my own concepts and approach to the instrument.

Personally, touring was a challenge for our young family. Melanie and I had our two children by our mid-twenties. Safeguarding quality family time when home wasn’t always easy, especially during the four years I was drumming and tour managing. We are still going strong despite the rollercoaster ride those first two decades often felt like. It helps that we just like each other so much:)

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My life’s work is music. I compose, write lyrics, teach, and perform. I play drums for several local songwriters.

For my group, Acoustic Station, I write most of the songs (we all write), manage our songbook, book shows, and occasionally provide sound for our live shows. I serve as Artistic Director for The Artshare Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by my partner, Melanie, last year.

I have an M.M. in Jazz Studies from NYU and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Union Institute and University. My field of research pertains to second-wave feminism and the women’s music movement. I have also published on the subject of Gullah Geechee music with Melanie. She earned her Ph.D. long before me:)

I have written three drumset/rhythm books.

I am always thinking in terms of social justice when I engage with music. At least I try. This is true for me now more than ever before. I certainly attribute my education to my social justice consciousness.

How do you define success?
I usually feel like I have been successful with a project if the process is protected. I do not necessarily judge the outcome. If the process of creation is honored and tended to, the outcome is likely to be a good one.

On a practical level, I suppose I have been successful because I have had a modest salary and good health benefits my whole career. I hope there is some truth to my contention that, wealthy or poor, honoring an artistic process is going to be personally beneficial in various ways. It will ensure an outcome one can be proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paulshawmusic.com
• Instagram: @artsharefoundation