He’s cute; he’s modest; he sings; and if all that wasn’t exciting enough, get this: he goes to our school. A first-year, a Virginia Gentleman, and a singer-songwriter sensation, Struan Shields opens up about life and music. Get to know more about him (and then go find him on iTunes)!
When did you get started? What are your plans for the future?
I got into music because my older brother played drums and I wanted to be just like him–I never could drum like him so I picked up guitar, writing, and singing. I started playing in the local Northern Virginia scene and recording with my good friend David Pavluk of The Downtown Fiction, who I grew up playing in bands with. As for the future, I plan to take music as far as it will go! I look forward to seeing where that is!
Who are your favorite music artists? Who/what is your inspiration?
I go through all sorts of phases–currently I am listening to The Script’s new album, “Science & Faith.” Some of my all-time favorite artists are Matt Nathanson, Green River Ordinance, Taylor Swift, The Beatles, and Simon and Garfunkel. I find inspiration comes from all sorts of things, but for the most part my songs deal with relationships, whether pertaining to romance, faith, or anything. I also read quite a bit, which gets things going.
Which of your own songs is your favorite?
I tend to go through a “honeymoon” stage with each song I write (sometimes even the bad ones). Luckily that honeymoon phase always comes to an end, and I don’t get complacent. Currently my favorite song is a new one called “This Town” that I wrote with my buddy, Brandon Young. I just finished recording it for the next EP, but it isn’t released yet. It is autobiographical, and there are no “throw-away” lines in it that don’t mean anything. It’s one that I feel no matter how many times I sing it. Of the released songs I’d have to go with “A Little Bit Longer.” I’d say that one is always easy for me to lock-in to emotionally–how I felt at the time, why I wrote it, and what I wrote it about. I’d say it’s also easiest for others to relate to.
How are you balancing school and music?
Funny you should ask! I should probably be studying right now. It’s tough, but I love music so I am always going to make time for that. I like school too, but it occasionally falls by the wayside. I have managed to keep above water so far!
What are some of your other hobbies?
I am obsessed with skiing, which has me on crutches at the moment with a broken leg.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments (in music or in life)?
Recently I have mastered taking entire flights of stairs at once on crutches. The fact that my last EP was the number one singer/songwriter slot on the iTunes charts was also very exciting, I suppose.
How and when can we see you perform?
I’ll be announcing some shows very soon. A Charlottesville one is currently in the works!