Shannon Canterbury

Interview with Shannon Canterbury 

February 26, 2016

Describe your band, telling a little about it.

"The Canterbury Acoustic Show" is what I titled the "Band".  Reason being is many entertainers from the O.V. have came and played with me. "The Band" is a group of guysgirls that play all acoustic- guitars, harmonicas, djembe drums, cahon, bass - anything acoustic.  We enjoy putting our "spin" on great music.

What are your names? / Who plays what?

Shannon Canterbury- Lead Singer, Harmonica, Lead Guitar, Loop Samples

Dean Whittle - Blues Harp, Acoustic Guitar, Loop Samples 

Jeremy Pasztor - Djembe Drum  

Have members played with any other bands?

Band members usually play with other bands or have bands of their own...  

Dean Whittle plays with another band called 

"Bucket of Puppies". 

Do you write your own music or perform covers?  Has it always been this way?

We play originals and also covers. To date we play about 14 originals. As time goes on...I'd like to play nothing but originals.  Its always been this way. 

What year did the band form? Band formed in July 2015 with me and Jeremy Pasztor playing our 1st show for Floatzilla 2015 in Shadyside, Ohio. 

Where is bands home?  Martins Ferry, OH

What's your style or genre?  Thats a good question lol.  I have been asked this question alot.  The style or genre is loosly-acoustic, light rock- heavy acoustic blues and story telling folk....Its pretty hard to say. I like to say that we play the music that folks LOVE to sing

What inspires your music?  Life. I write alot about real life, love, heartache, and happiness.

How often do you rehearse?  I rehearse daily on average 2hrs...the band gets together 1x per week to go over the next show.  Its not enuff I feel.  I feel to be true organic and free flowing, a band needs at least several times a week to grow together. 

What gear do you guys use?  I play a Lag acoustic guitar and I use Honer harps.  Dean Whittle plays "Oscar" harps and a Guild acoustic guitar. 

Do you utilize a booking agency, and what are your thoughts around that?  The band, at the moment, does not use a Booking agent,  however, I play alot of solo acts where I have the help of a booking agent here in the Ohio Valley by the name of Jon Banco.  He has definately helped me in more than 1 way.  When an agent puts his name together with yours, it solidifies your act.  You are no longer a free lancer trying to push gigs.  You are a professional with tepresentation.  Jon is highly respected and very good at what he does.  Alot of venues wont even entertain the thought of booking you unless they know that you are "good enuff" to be represented by an agent. So, I'm all for agents and what they do.

Who does the writing, and describe the process?   I write all the music at the moment although other members are starting to colaborate.  Life inspires the songs. I always start with words and a theme - usually the words will flood me in seconds and I'll run to a pen and a song comes out within minutes. The nuts and bolts of the music notes always come later.  I can be walkin my dog and a song comes out....lol.  I draw inspiration everywhere.

Have you done any covers live?

We cover alot of songs.

What are the least and most people to attend one of your gigs?  Well its hard to say what the "least" is...I wouldnt know that but....the last show we played to ggover 200 in attendance. That doesnt mean they were there just to see us- but it does mean that they aLL heard us. The show b4 that about 75 showed up at. That show was advertised so I can ruffly say they were there to see us. Its tuff to figure somtimes

Do you always play the same songs live, or do you vary?  We are constantly writing and adding new songs...we try and play alot of request so every show is different and I NEVER use a set list. The audience always determines the set- what ever the "mood" theyre in...

Do you have a regular place you play live often?  Bills Famous Ribs and Wings in Yorkville has really supported us and I have been playing there alot!  B4 that The Ohio Valley Farmers Market was my regular weekly spot. 

What was your first gig like?  My 1st gig after a 20 yr break from music was the scareist moment of my life- They asked me to play again and I was so nervous I couldnt commit- I told them I had to think about it. lol.. 

What was your latest gig?  My last show was at Wheelings Capitol Music Hall with over 200 in attendance- It was a Ball! 

Have you ever had to cancel a gig? I've only had to cancel 2 shows, each because of snow.

Where have you played and where do you plan to gig the coming year?  Since July of 2015 to date I have played either by myself or with the band at Floatzilla, O.V. Farmers Mkt every Saturday.  Thanksgiving Eve Band Bash I opened the show at The Strand in Moundsville, W.V, Oglebay Towngate Theatre, I've been on The Watch Dog Radio with host Steve Novotney 3 times and played my originals and covers plus my harmonica.  As well as Undo's St.C, Undo's Weirton, Bills Famous Ribs and Wings,Yorkville, Vagabond Kitchen and Resturaunt, Farmers Market in St.Clairsville. I've played for my great friend Dean Barath for Ideal Provisions. The Nugget in Bridgport, Wheelings Home for local talent Down on Main Street and The Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling.  There's more shows I'm missing ... I cant remember them all.

When did you start to sell merchandise, and what do you have for sale?  At the moment I am working on a 3 song single to be released. We dont have merch otherwise yet. 

What do you think about people downloading music instead of buying records now a days?

Live Music streaming sux, song writers arent commisioned like they used to be...shows used to be alot cheaper to see.  Because of free streaming the artist can't be compensated like they used to be. 

What advice would you give other bands or artists?  The only advise I would give is to listen to what your people are saying- its your audience that matters most. 

How do you get psyched for a gig?  I always get nervous b4 a show, so I dont try to "Psych up", I try to Psych down.  I always walk on stage and strum my guitar 1 time- there is a nervouse voice that I hear everytime that says "Shannon, you can set this guitar down and run like hell and never come cack"...But then I always strum the guitar the 2nd time and the love starts!

How can people reach you?

People can reach me on Facebook at Shannon Canterbury --- or -- Band Page on Facebook at "The Canterbury Acoustic Show" they can find all show dates there. 

What do you think of my work?  I love the work you are doing.  It is inspiring and I love the focus.  I pray you get all the success in The world and am confident you are on the right path. Congrats. Thank You for your focus on the people here in the O.V.  The Best of the Best are Right Here-You are Part of It!

How do you think that this interview could help you in the local music scene and beyond?  I think this interview will help me and the local music scene get noticed. We have SO many great musicians here in the O.V. that can recieve great attention from this spot, this page and interview.  TY!  I'm always looking to grow. 

What is one thing even your biggest fans don't know about the band?  My #1 secret that most people dont know in the O.V. is LOVE.  Literally Saved My Life- The Love of My Friends and Fans!  Every day I wake up, I Thank God for my friends and fans....Thank you guys- you ROCK!