Free Event Highlighting Local Curated Artists
Join us every Thursday through March 9 for a FREE concert by one of Hampton Roads' best local bands, hosted live by WHRO's Paul Shugrue! Every Out of the Box concert starts at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. Concerts are standing room only - please contact info@sandlercenter.org or call 757.385.2535 regarding a VIP table purchase or sponsorship.
About Shane Cooley
Shane Cooley’s nuanced lyrics stand at the forefront of his hauntingly minimalist alternative folk music. “He’s one hit away from radio stardom,” wrote Billboard critic Jeff Miller. Deemed “exquisite” by Songwriting Magazine editor Duncan Haskell (U.K.), Cooley’s newest album, Forest (released April 2022), continues to receive airplay and acclaim, both in the U.S. and internationally. “(Forest) stands out for its peculiar production and lyrical beauty, which is highly remarkable considering that Cooley himself played all the instruments and produced this work in its entirety,” wrote Javier Rodriquez of Right Chord Music. Tracks from the album were featured on Spotify playlists such as Release Radar and Discover Weekly. Throughout the album release, Cooley raised awareness for the benefits of nature on mental health.
Cooley, age 34, has been writing, recording, and performing music for over 20 years. The son of a high school principal and an art teacher/wildlife magazine writer, Cooley grew up in rural Virginia. After raising money for the 9/11 Red Cross Relief Fund with a self-penned song at age 14, he found a purpose and identity as a musician. He has been releasing music ever since. Shane returned to his hometown of Mollusk, VA during the pandemic, where he now has his home studio. He spent the greater part of a decade in the music hub of Austin, TX, where he still often hangs his hat.
After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature at The College of William & Mary, Cooley hit the road, touring both the United States and Europe. His 2015 release, Kings Highway, was deemed “an absolute triumph” (The Daily Press), earning his reputation as a skilled and prolific songwriter. Along his travels, he has shared the stage with Grammy-nominated artists Wood & Wire, along with Shakey Graves, Wild Child, and more. “I’ve worked in radio since 1963, and over the years I have learned how to recognize talent. There was something in (Shane's) sound that made me want to listen,” wrote KUTX Austin radio legend John Aeilli.
Cooley’s songs have found their way to the airwaves of television shows such as NBC’s “The Mysteries of Laura,” and IBC’s “The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman.” He also composed the music for the Amazon Book Trailer for bestselling author Lori Foster’s Tough Love. The CW television show Songwriters Across Texas recently aired a documentary episode and podcast about Cooley’s life as a singer/songwriter.
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world in 2020, Cooley leaked his acoustic anthology, 50 Songs to boost the spirits of his fans, along with performing weekly live-stream concerts on his Facebook page. The live streams continue to occur on most Wednesdays at 8pm. With live performances coming back into action, Cooley is currently touring behind Forest. When he is not on the road, he is churning out new songs at his home studio, Cooleyland.
Shane Cooley’s new summer single, “Stella Ray,” releases July 8 on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and more.
"With a naïve charm that can only be achieved by an accomplished arranger (think Brian Wilson), ‘Stella Ray’ is a chance for Shane Cooley to show off his breezy side. Injected with the sounds of 60s pop, it’s a serious summer jam." - Duncan Haskell, editor of Songwriting Magazine (U.K.)
Photo © Tony Drewry
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