Dan Shanahan releases new full-length album “Staring Down the Moon”
February 9, 2024
Oregon musician Dan Shanahan dropped a full-length album of new, original music produced by Bon Vivant Studios (Tumalo). The folk rock album, “Staring Down the Moon” also features some of Central Oregon’s favorite musicians: Dennis Plant (bass, keys) Mitch Johnson (electric guitar), Katherine Hilst (cello), Sarah Gribionkin (drums), Jess Rusling (keys), Jamie (Houghton) Shanahan (vocals) and Meshem Jackson (drums).
“Staring Down the Moon” was a decade in the making and features Shanahan’s exquisite writing, soulful vocals and melodic guitar picking. Shanahan plays acoustic and electric guitar and harmonica while being accompanied on cello, drums, keys, additional rock guitars and vocal harmonies. “Staring Down the Moon” is a departure from his acoustic first album, “Waiting on My Train.” He incorporates the acoustic picking he is known for, while also bringing warm, alternative undertones like in the rock ballad “Don’t Let it Be Me.” The album shows off Shanahan’s full range as both a writer and musician on tracks with pop-leaning aesthetics like “No one is Alone.” Shanahans’ vocals have been compared to Ryan Adam’s and Jay Farar, ranging from falsetto to gritty.
“Staring Down the Moon,” tells the story of the musician's struggle with his own personal demons, including alcoholism, small town tragedies and young relationships. Shanahan’s dedication to craftsmanship infuses tough topics into dreamy, cerebral soundscapes with tight songwriting. It's not a dark album by any means, despite the content. It’s an album to listen to on repeat, the sound suggestive of a bright, adventurous spirit.
“This album challenged me to bring everything I have to offer, both in terms of pushing myself as a musician and the emotional output it took to tell these stories. I hope listeners connect to the story I am trying to tell and find a bit of their own story somewhere in my songs,” Shanahan says of the 9-track album. “I’ve been sober for 8 years; I was a very different person when I wrote a lot of these songs. I believe as songwriters and artists we should challenge ourselves to tell our whole story and this is my journey of how I got where I am today.”
This is the second album Shanahan recorded with Tumalo producer and musician Dennis Plant of Bon Vivant Studios. “It was an honor for me to be able to work with Daniel on his record. In His songs exude an artistic thoughtfulness with lyrics that are filled with layers of kindness, concern and generosity. Also, he's a super cool guy that is fun to hang out with!”
To listen to the album and to find out the latest news about Dan Shanahan music and writing/cartoons: