Main

Fashion Bytes

Mascara

+Added Buzz

chat

email

contact

www.stylinzine.com

In 1998 radio stations across the United States and the world simply couldn't get enough of the poetically provocative  lyrics and soulful voice of singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins and his song 'lullaby' of the Grammy nominated platinum album Soul's Core.

The album's international success led to promotional tours leading up to the release of 'Beneath the Velvet Sun' in 2000. Shawn also released an album with his short lived band 'The Thorns' and recorded an acoustic album called 'The Sunset Sessions'.

He then focused on his solo album, the latest in his expanding list of releases titled '9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor'. With around a dozen albums to his credit Shawn Mullins is one of those rare artistes who embrace the music industry out of sheer passion for making music.

Though currently busy with events, shows and live performances across the country Shawn Mullins found time to answer a few of our questions and shared his thoughts on trade secrets <shhh> behind success and longevity in the ever demanding entertainment industry.

read on....

Stylinzine.com: Hey Shawn thanks for taking the time to chat with us. You’ve been in the industry for years so tell us a little bit about how it all began.

Shawn Mullins: Well, I started playing music as a kid; I was always singing and making up songs. I then studied music in college fell in love love with theory and composition. After a short stint in the Army I decided to try music out full time. Around 1992 I made my first official record (I had made two tapes earlier)

Stylinzine.com: What/who has been your biggest inspiration?

Shawn Mullins: The poets... Kris Kristofferson, Townes Van Zant and James McMurtry

Stylinzine.com: As a songwriter what is your source of motivation behind the creative process of writing?

Shawn Mullins: Life, Love, Fear and Heartache

Stylinzine.com: When did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?

Shawn Mullins: I'm told when I was 2 or 3, that's when I wanted to play the drums

Stylinzine.com: Which of your albums do you consider your best effort and most exceptional?

Shawn Mullins: My new one, 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor. I think that I was able to do everything right this time around without the pressures of a third party.

Prudence

Stylinzine.com: Soul’s Core went platinum and the song Lullaby became an international favorite; what was the inspiration behind that song?

Shawn Mullins: It's based on a true story. There's this woman, a friend now, but not when I met her in 1997. I met her after a show in L.A. that I was playing at an Acoustic Venue / Chinese Restaurant. She shared with me some stories about her childhood in Hollywood in the 70's. The character in the song is quite tragic- but the real individual has it quite together. Many people think that the character in the story is Drew Barrymore or another famous child-star - but this woman is not famous at all. A lot of my songs are inspired by real people and then I mix it up with some of my own personal experiences.

Stylinzine.com: When you first started out what were your core aspirations and do you feel you’ve met them?

Shawn Mullins: When I was a kid I wanted to be a big star, but as a young adult I thought the big goal was to be signed. After about three years in I lost hope of getting a deal concentrating on just putting out my own records. Making a living as a musician was the new goal. It took nearly nine years of touring on my own and doing it my way to reach any of the goals, I'm fortunate to have reached all my goals- even if in my own head :)

Stylinzine.com: What did you grow up listening to and what is your favorite album/record of all time?

Shawn Mullins: We had just about everything in the house growing up: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Cat Stevens, Joan Baez, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Beatles, J.T., Mozart. I don't think that I have a fave of all time- I love so many... maybe Joni Mitchell's "Blue" 

Stylinzine.com: What would you say aspiring musicians need to be aware of most and what words of inspiration would you give to anyone trying to make it in the music industry?

Shawn Mullins: Follow your dreams, chase them. But be careful or they will chase you. Kill your own snakes... the ones in your head

Stylinzine.com: What is the most fulfilling thing about the music industry?

Shawn Mullins: Performing live for people and making a connection.

Stylinzine.com: What’s been the most unique experience you’ve had in terms of your fan base?

Shawn Mullins: Going somewhere else and people knowing your name. When I got off the plane in Australia for the first time, getting off the plane and people come up to you left and right "Hey Shawn Mullins, We love ya mate" or "Good on ya Shawn"

Stylinzine.com: What has been your most memorable show or performance thus far and why?

Shawn Mullins: Playing Madison Square Garden solo and having the entire crowd singing along. That's pretty sweet

Stylinzine.com: What can you tell us about your latest album - 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor?

Shawn Mullins: The title gets its name from a studio in New Orleans where we tracked a good bit of this record. I named the album after the studio and dedicated it to the spirit of New Orleans. Musically, I believe that it's my best yet- there are lots stories- partly fact and partly fiction

Stylinzine.com: Well thanks for dropping by Stylinzine.com, before we wrap up; tell us how you coin the term ‘success’ and what message would you like share with our readers?

Shawn Mullins: Success is doing what you love and doing it well. The rest will just work itself out! Thanks so much...Shawn. ¯

Published: May 28^th 2006

|| Main || Site Map || Awards || Disclaimer || Editor || Horoscope || link to StylinZine || Advertise || How it all started|| info || Submit Articles || JOBS ||

Copyright ©  www.stylinzine.com All Worldwide Rights Reserved