SHAWN BROWN

"Sometimes a kids just gotta sing,” replies Shawn Brown when asked what brought him to music. Although the answer itself seems simple, it is indicative of the Boise native’s attitude towards his chosen trade - simple and soulful.

Shawn’s new full length record Just in Case, is a showcase of all that he has been working towards since first finding a national audience with his Lucky Boy EP. The new disk, produced Pat Mosca, successfully 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. “Its 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 is continuing to play shows nation-wide and is looking forward to his next tour. 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.