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Shawn McDonald
Acoustic / Folk Rock / Christian

What we do in life echoes in eternity-Maximus



SEATTLE, Washington
United States

Profile Views:  3532871




Last Login:  12/23/2009
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   Shawn McDonald: General Info
Member Since2/1/2005
Band Websitehttp://www.shawnmcdonaldmusic.com
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InfluencesThese are all people I think are premo! Ben Harper, Damien Rice, Dave Matthews, Martin Sexton, Patty Griffin, Dave Barnes Jeniffer Knapp, Bebo Norman, Matt Wertz, Mindy Smith, Bob Marley, David Grey, Frou Frou, Mat Kearney, Jem, Jamie Culum, Paul Wright, Griffin House, Bethany Dillon, Logan Martin, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Simon & Garfunkel, Mr. Luie Armstrong, Monk & Neagle, Jason Mraz, Shane & Shane, Ray Lamontagne, Beck, David Crowder Band, Jack Johnson, Switch Foot, Star Field, Robbie Seay Band
Sounds LikeWell as you can see my influences are many, and I kinda like it like that. I really don't want to sound like anybody, but being there is so much out there, I guess I am Just letting all the others influence the process.
Record LabelEMI CMG, Sparrow Records
Type of LabelMajor


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   Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Dec 31 2009 10:00P
Lake Ann Camp- The Break Lake Ann, Michigan
Jan 17 2010 10:40A
Sharon Baptist Church Knoxville, Tennessee
Feb 12 2010 7:30P
Philadelphia Biblical University Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Feb 17 2010 8:00P
South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota
Mar 5 2010 7:30P
Cheyenne Berean Church Cheyenne, Wyoming
Mar 6 2010 7:00P
Historic Downtown Upland - Revelations Music Festival Upland, California
Mar 13 2010 7:30P
Simpson University Redding, California
Jun 18 2010 11:00P
Stone Mountain Park - Atlanta Fest Stone Mountain, Georgia
Sep 5 2010 5:00P
Revelation Farms - Revelation Generation Frenchtown, New Jersey

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   About Shawn McDonald
Picture 1

The most unique sound that reaches the ear upon listening to “Roots” isn’t the sinewy, snaking interplay of percussion and bass, or the empyrean voices wafting through the ether. Nor is it the watery, warbling guitars, skewed tinkling of toy piano, drowsily yawning horns or reedy wheezes of accordion, though those rich sonic textures definitely aren’t the makings of just any old song. The rarest sound is that of an artist and a truly wise man describing the soil in which he’s grounded his soul through the changing seasons.

Oh, men like these, they are just like trees planted near streams of water…

That artist and wise man is Shawn McDonald and his chronicle of lived wisdom is Roots, a collection of 12 transparent meditations on the divine sustenance that feeds the soul, his third dispatch from the studio and fifth overall album. These earthy folk-soul pearls explore elements that the 30 year old Oregon-raised, Seattle-based singer-songwriter has learned are essential for life, health and growth—clear, uninterrupted vision; fear-shattering trust; delight in truly good things rather than stomach-sickening junk; an unhurried rhythm of life that embraces each season as it comes; the contentment to hold whatever God brings in an open hand.

If Simply Nothing—McDonald’s 2004 debut—was the cathartic cry of a young man who’d traveled darkened paths alone only to be stared in the face with his desperate need for God, and Ripen was the raw-hearted vignette of a young man stretched by the weight of new responsibilities, then Roots is a portrait of that same man savoring the wealth of lessons learned through marriage (he and his wife Kate are entering their third year), new fatherhood (baby boy Cohen Reid McDonald arrived in April of 2007) and a pilgrimages to foreign lands (Zimbabwe and Israel, to be exact). You might call it musical wisdom literature of a sort. “This is the message that I want to come across: being a man that flourishes in Christ,” he shares. “For me it was a time of rejoicing in the growth that I feel like God has put into my life.”

McDonald is known for lending his fluid, breathy rasp to intoxicatingly passionate spiritual anthems (a quick visit to YouTube reveals just how many listeners have identified strongly enough with his songs to pick up a guitar and belt them out themselves). This new batch still contains plenty that could unite a roomful of voices in intimate communion with God, but songs like “Clarity”—with its syncopated, stop-on-a-dime acoustic groove—and “Greed”—best described as folk-funk seasoned with cursive strings and banjo—display a deepening and broadening of his artistic voice.

Incidentally, both songs were inspired by McDonald’s transformative experiences in Zimbabwe. “I’m a fan of perspective-changing. I’m a fan of seeing things through different eyes.” That’s exactly what happened when the artist and his wife opened their hearts to their African surroundings. “Here these people have complete need—they need medicine, they need food, they need education; they need all these things,” reflects McDonald about the impetus for the song “Greed.” “But what I found in these people was peace and joy that somehow despite all the needs they still retain this sense of life that I don’t always experience in the States and for me that was really profound.”

For someone as deeply moved by the arts as McDonald, it’s not surprising that music isn’t his only mode of artistic expression. He plumbs the depths of his soul through songwriting and turns his perceptive gaze outward with photography. “I almost feel like I have to do it—it’s a part of who I am. The art’s already in me. I just let it out.” McDonald took loads of photographs in Zimbabwe, compellingly capturing the spirit of the people he encountered in villages, clinics and orphanages. The couple has made a series of trips abroad and has more planned for a book of stories and images that he and Kate are creating for international relief organization World Vision. “We just want to bring awareness and help people in need. I think it’s good to step outside of yourself and help others. That’s the call of Christ.”

Likewise, McDonald found an approach to touring last year that wedded creativity and generosity. As an art-lover who strives to foster a unique sense of community at his shows, he welcomed visual artist Scott Erikson to paint new works each night on stage, and the paintings were eventually auctioned off to benefit the Transpire Project. Knowing firsthand what an uphill struggle independent artistry can be, McDonald invited unsigned singer-songwriter Alli Rogers to join him on the road. “If the art is good and I believe in it, I want to share it just as much as I want somebody else to share my music.”

McDonald’s Zimbabwe experience was only one of the nutrients feeding his songwriting on Roots. The artist plunged deeper into the fertile soil of scripture than ever before, concluding the album with a trio of songs firmly planted in scriptural ground. “Time” echoes the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3—a reminder that God has created various seasons within the cycle of life. “Shadowlands”—previously included on McDonald’s Scattered Pieces: Live—borrows from Psalm 23 to confess faith in the midst of danger. “Hallelujah” comes like a gorgeous exhale at the album’s close: his hushed voice is born aloft on a regal swell of strings, as he moves between meditation on the virtues lauded in the Beatitudes (found in Matthew 5) and wholehearted assent to those divine truths. As the music fades, he can still be heard singing, as if to say ‘Let the meditation on these things continue even after the last note has rung.’ “In my experience, sometimes scripture says it in a way that’s way more powerful than I can say it,” McDonald explains.

Roots also marks the first time he’s done much collaborating in songwriting. “I think with the past records it was almost a sense of pride—I just didn’t want other people’s names on it,” he shares. “With this record, I came into it with a new mindset. I just want to make the best art that I can make, and if that means that I sometimes have other ideas given to me by other people, then I guess that’s what I’m going to do.” Songs like “Slow Down” are the best of both worlds—McDonald’s hallmark soul-bearing honesty delving into new territory. The short, spare tune—co-written with Ben Glover—speaks from their wives’ perspectives, offering a rare glimpse into the often hurried, harried home life of a touring musician. Throughout the song, crackling—like that of a dusty, old phonograph—hearkens back to a slower, simpler time, and the music’s lulling pulse literally slows at the end.

Other collaborators include Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman, Marc Byrd and Christopher Stevens, the latter of whom has manned the production helm during all three of McDonald’s studio albums. Stevens and McDonald waxed experimental on Ripen with an Indonesian Timor guitar from eBay and a broken thrift store piano, and further widened the range of unorthodox instrumentation this time. It’s a true reflection of McDonald’s own adventurous spirit. “I love stuff that’s out of the ordinary. You hear the bass-drums-guitar thing all the time. We’re trying to create our own sense of music and use different things in ways that they’ve never been used before. I don’t want to make music because it’s what’s popular—I want to make music because it’s what I love, and what drives me as a person.”

McDonald knows that fostering growth means finding and sustaining community, especially when you find yourself in a cycle of planting and transplanting one’s roots. “Being a musician and traveling is a hard lifestyle—you’re always away from home. I love it, but at the same time family can hurt because of it. I never realized before how much having people that relate to us and understand what we’re going through in our lives really effects our growth.”

…with roots that grow deep, deep into the ground.

Roots are like branches beneath the earth, ever-pushing and spreading to support the weight of the entire tree. They’re simultaneously old and new, all that they’re becoming with traces of all that they’ve been. Shawn McDonald is like that. Some nights he unfurls the gripping story of a drug dealer in trouble with the law-turned God-seeker with a burning heart, a guitar and a down-to-earth way with words. Some nights he tells the story’s latest chapter. “Whatever I feel led to talk about in the moment I usually do. It can be all over the place. I think that’s the beauty of life—we’re all figuring it out. I want it to be that people come and it’s an experience and they learn something different every time. For me personally, when I go see an artist that’s what I want—I want to hear new things; I want to hear new thoughts and ideas; I want to hear growth.”

A wise man, indeed.


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Shawn McDonald's Friends Comments
Displaying 25 of 15179 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Jordan Lake

Jordan Lake



Dec 10 2009 4:09 PM

(For Seattle): SHOWBOX January 15th, HEADLINING on Friday Night. Half the set will be ALL NEW SONGS released here first. Message or comment for ticket deals :)

Recorded versions will be up on the page soon

Hope to see you soon!

- Jordan Lake
facebook.com/jordanlakemusic
Caforis consulting

Caforis Consulting



Dec 8 2009 7:36 PM

Hello, dear Shawn !!!

We are very proud to have you as friend on Myspace ! We hope you have a very happy day.

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Kind regards,
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Billy Redfield

Billy Redfield



Dec 8 2009 7:36 PM

How's it going?
C-MANG

C-MANG



Dec 8 2009 4:25 PM

hey thanks for the add. check out the remix i made of take my hand:

search "take my hand remix" or youtube channel: 89cman

let me know what you think!

Cameron
Jimbo Rocko

Jimbo Rocko



Dec 8 2009 4:25 PM

hey stranger, how ya doin?
Colette

Matos Nancy



Dec 7 2009 5:18 PM

Good morning,

Thank you for add.

Have a great week ahead!

defow.com

:)
Raphael

Raphael



Dec 4 2009 8:34 PM

Hi friends,

Thanks for your friendship and beautiful music.
Enjoy our music and send us a email !

Blessed week

Raphael

Anke Zohm

Anke Zohm



Dec 4 2009 8:34 PM

Music is a language understood by all. I’m glad to meet you on myspace and I wish you all the best. Anke
*t-baby*

tabetha golt



Dec 4 2009 8:34 PM

love your music! "gravity"....awesome!
grammie

grammie



Dec 4 2009 8:34 PM

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU and YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS
Brett Hill

Brett Hill



Dec 4 2009 8:33 PM

Happy Thanksgiving to you!!! Thanks for being a friend, Please take the time to click this link and register to vote. My 3 yr old daughter Judah and my self have been nominated in several categories at this year's Agape fest. Help us out by placing your vote. Your vote would be greatly appreciated.

www.kingcountryagapefest.com

God's Blessings on you,

Brett
Awaken

Awaken



Dec 4 2009 8:33 PM

hey, thanks for the add. check out our music and let us know what you think. thanks!
Sam

Sam Reid



Dec 4 2009 8:33 PM

Hola! whats up ol' freind havent reall talked to you since the old AO house. I'm really glad to see that every thing has worked out for you and it looks like it is continueing to go well. i remember sitting around playing guitars and telling stories. we should get in touch if you have any free time do so. i know your in seattle and im in florence but we could meet in between
Stephen Osprey

Stephen Osprey



Dec 4 2009 8:33 PM

Thanks a ton for the friendship!
::. Nicole Elena .::

::. Nicole Elena .::



Nov 24 2009 8:11 PM

Hey Shawn,
I hope your having a great day! I just wanted to tell you that you are amazing! I'm sure you hear this a lot but you truly are. Whenever I'm in a down mood or just unsure of things I put your songs on and they just make me feel amazing inside!! So thank you for your amazing talent!
- Nicole (:
Jeana

Jeana



Nov 24 2009 8:11 PM

Good concert last night at the Moore... it was fun to see you play there... definately had the right vibe for the music....Can't wait to hear more of your amazing new songs. (thanks for also playing some of the older ones so my son and I could sing along).
JEFFREE STAR

Sesame Ellis



Nov 24 2009 8:10 PM

Good morning,

I just stopped by for a visit and to say "HI".

Have a great week ahead!

defow.com

:)
JesusLantern

JesusLantern



Nov 23 2009 4:15 PM

No one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. Luke 8:16 We are all about spreading the light of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your friendship.
JENNIFER LEIGH

Jennifer DEtjen



Nov 20 2009 7:30 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xuJ-4CpXr8 Thankyou for your story on you tube, tried to comment, wouldnt let me so I will here. JESUS is proud of you and your continual faith in HIM. God has prepared his children with a place that is nothing we can imangine. I am thankful for JESUS and his grace. Dont let anyones harsh word effect you because you are a child of GOD. Those who deny Jesus will inevitably be blown away when HE returns. We need to pray for the non-believers. Keep singing you songs for the LORD, they are beautiful. GOD bless you and your family.
PAPA'S WORLD

PAPA'S WORLD



Nov 20 2009 7:29 PM

HAVE A BLESSED AND WONDERFUL WEEKEND!
obie

Rob Sorter



Nov 19 2009 6:11 PM

Long way from Island lake and Starbucks. Ha. Congrats. Can't wait to see you play again.
Irish Eyes

Dolly Harder
Online Now!


Nov 19 2009 6:11 PM

Thankyou so much for adding me!
LocalAntz LLC.

LocalAntz LLC.



Nov 19 2009 6:11 PM

Thank you for joining our friends at LocalAntz
Stop by and post a comment sometime
Take care and God Bless
Fi2 - Needs Piano/Synth player Singer, M or F

Fi2 - Needs Piano/Synth player Singer, M or F



Nov 19 2009 6:11 PM


Thanks so much for the support
and Friendship

myspace.com/fallingintwo

Falling In Two
Shorty

Teresa Mullins



Nov 17 2009 9:27 PM

Love the music and page! Thanks for adding me! Have a great week! Peace, T
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