J Shogren Shanghai’d is a “catawampus american” band from Centennial, Wyoming. Shogren has a long and interesting resume, having a career in economics and politics, as well as impressing audiences with his well-worn voice and brilliant storytelling through song. We are eager to invite this refreshing Americana artist to the NewSong stage.
When asked about his songwriting inspiration, Shogren says to simply “play and play some more, and when the muse shows up, run with her as long as you can — and listen.” He shared more wise words when asked about how his past informs his music, as well as what we can expect from his latest album, Why So Blue, Bird?
You have a fascinating backstory as an economics professor, former advisor to both President Clinton and the King of Sweden, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner as a member of the United Nations Team working on climate change. How do these experiences inform your songwriting?
Science affects art, and art affects science. It is a two-way street. The precision you need in science helps with songwriting. The vision and emotion you need in songwriting helps you be more creative in doing science. It all works together for me. Arts, or science — or both? I choose both.
Your latest album, Why So Blue, Bird?, was released this fall. Can you tell us what sets this album apart from your previous works?
Why so Blue, Bird? is a concept album, and it is my most cohesive record to date. It is a stripped-down, four-piece band album, with few overdubs and very little ornamentation. The subject matter is immigrants and family. My family immigrated from sweden in 1984 or so and carved a homestead in the middle of the deepest dark forests of northern Minnesota. These songs take the viewpoint of many members of my family, men and women, who eked out a living up there. They were normal folks working hard trying to make a good life for themselves and those who followed. The lyrics and backstory for each song is found at www.jshogren.com.
What does being a NewSong finalist mean for you?
To me, this means meeting more folks who appreciate the power of the song, both the creative process and the joy in listening.
To learn more about J Shogren Shanghai’d, visit www.jshogren.com and follow J Shogren Shanghai’d on Facebook. You can also listen to his music on SoundCloud, and YouTube.
