Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Callahan.
Shannon, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have been a performer my entire life! I started as a dancer at 5 years old, performing and competing until I was 20. I was also an OCHSA kid! Growing up, I also played piano and sang. In my 20s I picked up guitar and drums. I have fronted several bands, and currently I am the Front man/Rhythm Guitarist for the band Cut Elements, although we are now going by the name Blood Sells, instead. Cut Elements was a cover band and in 2018 we performed a series of full on Marilyn Manson shows! Cut Elements was made up of myself on vocals, guitar and some keys, Frank Lima as the lead guitarist, Kitty Porter on bass, and Jaime Morales on drums and launching live sequences. Now as Blood Sells, we are writing a progressive-metal album that we can’t wait to take to the stage!
The most prominent thing that I am involved in musically is my music production company, Planet Mischief, that I co-own and run with Jaime Morales, who is also the drummer in my band. As Planet Mischief, we write music of all genres and moods to be used in TV, film, and anything else! We are also working on an album called Melodisea that will encompass electronic/acoustic elements and vibe on genres like trip hop, new age, etc. It’s a real blend of our sound.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I personally enjoy writing primarily on keyboards and vocals, using virtual instruments for synths and other instrumentation to create a beautiful and unique sound. As Planet Mischief, we are creating music to suit all moods and to complement stories. When we write music that we submit to productions, the goal is to adhere to a description that is provided in order to match the sequence of events happening on screen, although we rely only on keywords to do so. As a vocalist, my words must convey a message, whether I am following someone’s description, or to tell my own personal story.
When I write vocals that are not being submitted to anything, just for our own catalogue, my message usually centers around dealing with painful events and describing psychological processes. I think the key with creating music is to let go. Let go of inhibitions, of doubt and of judgement. When we release these things, we end up with something almost magical. Jaime and I trust that when we write a song, there is no limit to what each of us can come up with, so that trust creates an empowered writing process.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
As a woman, I have been affected in the past as far as having my creativity thwarted or dismissed entirely. Women must sometimes employ such a distinct level of confidence and tenacity to demand their place at the table. With Planet Mischief this was a non-issue as there is nothing but respect and a completely equal working environment between us. In my band as well. I am truly empowered playing with mostly male individuals who take me seriously, appreciate my musicianship, and encourage me to constantly strive for more. We now have a second female in the band, Kitty Porter on bass, and it is a really great working relationship among all of us. I feel truly blessed and we love kicking ass on stage!
Something that affects us as artists, however, is unfair compensation. We toil away at our instruments, at music education, networking, etc. all to create something amazing that will affect other people; yet, to perform sometimes means little to nothing in return. So how are we supposed to sustain? The musicians who do not take their craft seriously are affecting the perception of those of us who do.
Our goal is also to inspire others to create and follow their heart. We want to be a part of others’ journeys and hope that in the future with the broadening of Planet Mischief that we can create better opportunities for musicians through artist development, creating opportunities and fair compensation.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
The music of Planet Mischief can be found on Soundcloud. There are two accounts: One account is for our music cues: https://soundcloud.com/planetmischief. The other account is for the demo of our album, Melodisea: https://soundcloud.com/planet-mischief. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook @planetmischief.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.planetmischief.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planetmischief/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/planetmischief/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/planetmischief?lang=en
Image Credit:
Juan Martinez – Construct Images & EFX
Isabella McGrath – artisabella
Seth Neuffer Photography
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