Interview: Shawn Eckels Shares His Musical History as a Solo Artist and as Part of Andy Frasco and the U.N. and Talks About the Local and Non-Local Influences Who Shaped His Music
During the Covid-Era, there has been a shift in mentality to doing whatever we can to simply keep the music alive. Musicians, venues, and industry workers have been focused on keeping the lights on and getting the music into people’s hands - because we need music to get through all of this - and we need stages to be there when we get to back to normal. Shawn Eckels has gone above and beyond to keep music as a part of our Colorado community, and despite all of the hurdles Covid has thrown out, has continued to grow and advance his already prolific musical career. You may know him as the Lead Guitarist for Andy Frasco and the U.N., but Shawn is also constantly playing with other musicians locally and around the world - making music with his own bands and playing a multitude of socially-distanced shows and live streams as a solo artist. I’ve had the extreme pleasure of working with Shawn on various things for a few months now, and I’m so excited that I got to pick his brain about his musical history, favorite bands (local and non-local), and what he’s accomplished during Covid - which has been a whole freaking lot. Please enjoy my interview with Shawn Eckels, and make sure you head to one of his solo gigs, buy some of his merch, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to show your support.
How long have you been playing music as a musician? How did you first get into playing music?
I picked up a guitar at 11. I pestered my older brother, Joel Eckels, until he’d show me some licks. I owe my love for rock n’ roll and the guitar entirely to him. I was into anything and everything he was into.
What inspires you to make the music that you do?
EVERYTHING. The ups, downs, lefts, rights and WTFs of life.
Tell me about all of the different projects that you’re a part of, including your solo project and Evil Dave.
Currently I am the guitarist for Andy Frasco & the U.N.. I write and play with Kory Montgomery (The Kory Montgomery Band, The Drunken Hearts), as much as possible. When off the road (non-Covid times), I play regularly in the Shakedown Bar (Vail, CO) line-up. Full bands, duos, etc. with Scott Rednor (Brother’s Keeper, Dean Ween Group) and a big cast of amazing players. I gig solo around the area when off the road and as much as I can during Covid, but now that the weather is colder it’s much harder to get a gig! I toured and fronted a band called Speakeasy from Springfield, MO from 1998-2012ish. Evil Dave is a cover band formed as an excuse to rock out with Todd Smallie (bass) and Shaun Gilmour (drums) when in Denver and off tour. Total blast! I write and play with a whole lot of other musicians all over the world that I’ve made friends with as well.
Tell me a little about isolaShawn and what inspired you to create the series.
Covid happened and all the gigs went away. No repeats for 23 weeks now. That’s all on me. I couldn’t imagine doing the same 10 songs every week. I’d be sick of me. hahaha
What have you accomplished as a musician in 2020 that you’re most proud of?
I’ve played & written with so many fantastic friends/musicians that I regularly couldn’t have if I was touring. Grateful to have time for that. Proud of isolaShawn and how it’s been received and also super proud of doing the Shit Show with Andy Frasco (his livestream). Dude has it going on, never stops. More coming from the Shit Show soon. It’s gonna be amazing!
How did growing up in a Navy family and moving all the time contribute to the music you make?
Our parents unknowingly prepared us for the ability to adapt in new situations. We moved every couple of years, so you got used to starting over. I think that definitely prepared me for the touring lifestyle. Constantly moving around keeps you on your toes.
When did you land in Colorado? How does living in Colorado influence your music?
I’ve been playing shows in CO since 2002 (Speakeasy days) and have always considered moving here. Moved in 2014 and love it. The music scene and the scenery are vibrant and exciting to be a part of. Can’t wait to get through covid and get back to the madness. The good madness. Not this shit (Covid). Lol
What’s your favorite thing about the Colorado music scene?
What’s not to love? The venues, every genre, amazing community of artists that support each other. Weed EVERYWHERE!
If there’s one thing you want people to take away from your music, what is it?
To have a good time, to maybe have such a good time that you forget all the bullshit for a second or a minute. That’s what I love to get out of music.
Who are your musical role models? Do you look up to any local or non-local musicians? Why?
Led Zeppelin, Beatles, old Metallica, James Brown, John Hartford, NIN, Soundgarden, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Motown and soul music.
Local: Tori Pater, Vince Herman. Legends.
What is something you have learned or taken away from 2020 that you’ll apply to the rest of your life?
Breathe.
If you could give a piece of advice to musicians just starting out, what would it be?
Take every gig and play with as many different people as you can.
What’s your favorite show that you’ve ever played? Why was it so special to you?
Talbertal Music Festival 2014 somewhere in Germany with AFUN (Andy Frasco & The U.N.). First packed big festival stage we ever played. Andy had the whole crowd & band running left and right while we were in double time gospel or something and you could see the pure joy in every person’s face including ours. it felt insane. We felt different after that set. Like, “Oh! It works!”
If you could play your dream show, what would it look like?
It would look like Red Rocks with a crowd. Lol
What’s your favorite song to play? Original or cover.
Impossible to answer.
Who are some of your favorite local Colorado musicians and bands?
Magic Beans, Float Like A Buffalo, Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Matt Flaherty, Kory Montgomery, Thermos Arnold, too many…
Where can fans catch your solo act or side projects in the coming months?
I’m at Ace Eat Serve on 12/26/20, 1/9/20, 1/23/20 from 3:30PM-6:30PM on their awesome patio. Fire Pits, heaters, 3 igloos from which to dine from. They have amazing asian fusion food and killer drink specials. It’s one of the only things to do in denver that feels “normal” and is super Covid-safe.
You’ll be playing a solo set at Speakeasy 303 on February 1. What attracted you to play at this pop up?
Cool folks that run the show!
What’s a great local Colorado business for people to support this holiday season?
Beauty Bee Salon, Cannijuana Medical Dispensary, Stueben’s & Ace Eat Serve!
When did Andy Frasco & The U.N. become a band?
I think he started it in 2008.
How long have you been a member of the band? How did it happen that you wound up joining?
2010ish. I was splitting duties with my old band and Frasco on the road. He had a different band almost every time he came through the midwest when I was in MO. We met through mutual musician friends. I started doing a weekend, then a month, then a year or 2 went by and we were doing 200+ shows a year on the road.
What do you love most about being in the band?
I love these guys like brothers and the energy on stage and between the audience is insane. It’s the greatest feeling in the world. Pure joy.
What’s your favorite city that you toured to and why?
Bamberg, Germany is gorgeous and a wild time at the shows. Denver is wild AF too. NYC is special everytime, feels like a movie. Too many to list!
Tell me about your upcoming NYE shows (Dec. 30-31) at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom!
Hope they happen!
Can fans expect to see/hear anything special that night? Any surprises in store?
It would be a surprise to be able to play the shows!
What upcoming plans do you have for 2021 with Andy Frasco & the U.N.?
New single should be coming out early in the year. Super stoked to get that to some ears. And the Shit Show will be airing early 2021. It’s so crazy. Thanks to the rock gods for Andy Frasco.
How can people support both the full Andy Frasco & the U.N. band and your solo project/side projects during the current shut down?
BUY MERCH: www.andyfrasco.com
Watch my Wednesday night livestreams on Facebook and Instagram and tip if you’re having a good time! I have isolaShawn shirts and stickers available. All of this helps when there are no shows to play for the immediate future, and very much appreciated!!!