Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Atkins.
Hi Shawn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Early on I became (on the side) a church musician along with working all around Sacramento detailing cars.
One day as I completed my work at one of my client’s shops one of the young employees was excited to introduce me to one of their customers who happen to be super-producer Raphael Saadiq.
We exchanged info and he called me to book an appointment to detail his vehicles the next day at his home where he had his personal studio…
At that time circa ’92, it was the beginning of the “SONS OF SOUL” project where I met all the TTT bandmates/musicians and various artists that came through to work and hang out.
I would come through to detail everyone’s vehicle 2 to 3 times a week, which eventually changed to 5 days a week detailing cars… What can I say, they liked my work.
One day Saadiq says “you can come to hang out sometimes” you don’t have to always be working. After that, I became a fly on the wall at Tony Toni TONE recording sessions.
I started soaking up as much info as I could about the process of recording an album, which was all new to me. This was the big leagues.
The time came when the recording process was completed and now on to mix, master and package. I’m still in disbelief at the notion I just witnessed this amazing process up close and personal with this amazingly talented and successful team.
Even to this point, I had no desire to acknowledge my artistic side. I just want to help out and hopefully, learn something.
Now, the band is preparing to start rehearsals for an upcoming promo tour, guess who’s helping out… ME even though I’m still detailing cars.
Rehearsals going great, label, management, and press are showing up and I’m getting to know everyone. I get an advanced copy of the alb and to my surprise, my name is in the credits! I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Again, “one day” after rehearsals Raphael walks up and asks, “you wanna go on tour?” I said yes, but I didn’t know what that meant. I didn’t want to say no in case it meant something good.
Just like that, my first tour TONY TONI TONE.
That set the wheels in motion… I started as an assistant to backline tech, up to stage manager, and on up.
I’ve written songs since as early as 8 or 9 years old. I’d write songs thinking I’ll get other artists to perform them. I collaborated on a few projects here and there but that wasn’t enough.
I started to think, how about I learn to sing and start performing my own music… so I did! I went full artists mode. I started enhancing my style, recording material for me, putting my wardrobe together, rehearsing, and showcasing, all at my own expense.
I took a lot of what I learned from TTT and others and implemented it into my own campaign and it’s paying off nicely. My career in tour production has enhanced my approach to my solo career where there’s never a dull moment.
I’ve met great people behind the scenes responsible for putting up major shows worldwide.
I’ve been privileged to grace the stage alongside major artists and musicians around the world in different settings…
Now I’m preparing to present myself… My soulful vibed-out brand new single entitled: “ITS A BEAUTIFUL THING” is on the way… It’s been some time but the wait is almost over… stay tuned.
Once the single is released I will be booking shows, one-nighters, tv shows, radio shows, concert tours, opening acts, and residences worldwide.
SHAWN ATKINS LIVE is coming.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In all that I’ve been so blessed to be part of, I’ve always had a small battle with being a part of the secular music scene stead of the Christian music scene. That’s right, a part of my religious upbringing saw secular music as a bad thing.
While I’m touring with the likes of George Benson, Mariah Carey, Parliament Funkadelic, Raphael Saadiq, and others I would sometimes have to deal with internal conflict.
My biggest musical influences Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and D’Angelo share a similar sentiment.
I manage to work through a lot of the feelings and emotions with focus and preparation. Me knowing why I do what I’m doing makes it all the easier.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I come to the table wearing several hats. I know my role and play my part but I work to be at my best no matter what duties are assigned to me.
When I come into an established production my objective is to contribute and be consistent with the level of excellence already established as well as enhance any part deemed lacking…
I’m known for my pursuit of excellence and my abilities as a leader and team player. I take pride in the relationships I’ve built over years of maintaining the standard required to stay at a top-tier level in all areas.
I believe it’s a passion that makes me wake up early and stay up late to get a job done right. That keeps me amongst the top-tier artists and production staff anywhere.
What are your plans for the future?
After being in the music industry for the length of time I have been working I strive to take my talent to the top of the top in both production and as an artist.
I’m preparing to release a hot new record entitled ITS A BEAUTIFUL THING… this is coming very soon, stay tuned.
WE WANT TO MAKE THIS SONG GO #1 worldwide.
I anticipate this record doing great things. It’s sure to stimulate good vibes as well as get everyone up on their feet and dancing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shawnatkinssoul
- Youtube: Shawn Atkins Live
Image Credits
Shawn Atkins & Kai Morrison
