SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Acclaimed singer-songwriter Shane Hall has not one, but two incredible new releases out via Pacific Records this month. Playing a soulful mix of blues, rock and Americana, Hall has established himself as a formidable performer, with a setlist full of songs that will touch the heart.
Originally from Harrisburg PA, Hall relocated to San Diego after a stint as a Marine at Camp Pendleton. Honing his craft at area venues, it wasn’t long before audiences and labels started to show their interest. His hard work has paid off, with Hall now an established festival favorite, regularly touring throughout the U.S., and now signed to San Diego based label, Pacific Records. It’s been a successful union. In 2021, Hall’s song “Under My Voodoo” won the San Diego Music Award for Best Americana, Jazz, or Blues Song. More recently, his 2024 album, Howl & Sway, reached #1 on the Apple iTunes Blues chart, also winning Best Blues Album at that year’s San Diego Music Awards.
Which brings us to these much-anticipated new releases.
First up is a new single, “Storm Bird,” in collaboration with Hawaiian singer, Tavana. “I was made aware of him about twelve years ago by some mutual friends who live in Hawaii,” said Hall. “Two years ago, I did my first tour in Hawaii and I made it a point to catch one of his shows. We jammed. And got on like Bros right away.” The following year Hall and Tavana toured together, so a studio collaboration was the natural next step. “Spending time in Hawaii and playing with Tavana showed me some deep truths about the Hawaiian culture and soul,” Hall said. “I connected with the symbol of the Iwa bird instantly, and it resonated with me. So, I use that inspiration for the single “Storm Bird.” I wrote it in a style close to Tavana’s, but not far from my own. The perfect middle ground for our collaboration.”
Standalone single, “Storm Bird,” is released at the same time as Hall’s new EP, The Residency. “It’s a collection of songs I wrote and recorded in the Mission Pacific Hotel in Oceanside, Ca, where I stayed for 74 days. It was a difficult time for me, but that opportunity brought peace and healing. The songs are written from the perspective of living in that room and the hotel. Each song represents different elements and various times of day and the vibes that were inspired. That is why the album is called The Residency.” The album is a stripped-down effort. “It’s very moody, with more of an Americana vibe as opposed to my previous couple records which have been more band oriented and louder.” Notably, The Residency features a couple of guest performances from guitarist Kaleo Wassman of Pepper and drummer Rymo of Slightly Stoopid on the song, “The Edge.”
These two new releases are just the opening wave of new projects and touring ahead for Hall. “What music is made of feels really good to me,” he said. “The power to create is a blessing. I’m super grateful to be able to do so. I’m really inspired to make music that people can make a part of their lives in any capacity that they would like. The inspiration comes to me. I filter it through my creative feels and skills, and then it belongs to the world. I love that.”