Meet Shane Tanksley: Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shane Tanksley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shane, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
To me, if you ever think about giving up, then what you think you want is exactly that—a “want.” But if you truly need something—more than anything in the world—then you will rarely, if ever, think consider giving up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I know, without any doubt in my mind, that I was born to make music. This has made getting where I am today both easy and challenging at times. Ever since the moment I found my calling, I knew I could never pursue anything else they way I would pursue creating and performing songs, but still—life has a way of putting pressure on you—the pressure of society’s expectations. Riding the slow stream to success can sometimes seem like absolute torture, but I persevere and make it work, no matter what. Of that I am proud. I will always take pride in my commitment to staying the course, defiantly marching to the beat of my own drum, and giving my all, always. Sadly, I see far too many people these days imitating trends and chasing after cheap, short-lived fame—disrespecting what art should be—the process, originality and integrity it takes to make something good that will stand the test of time. I could never bring myself to make a mockery of music and try to cheat or copy my way to the top—if the world were ever to know anything about me, let it be that. I may never “reinvent the wheel,” but I will always be genuine and original in my own way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in LA but I am generally a nature kind of person. The city doesn’t do too much for me most of the time. Los Angeles has a ridiculous amount of incredible spots to enjoy hiking or just hanging out, from the mountains to the beach. With how inundated and sometimes suffocated we can be by technology, we could all use more outdoors and connection with mother earth.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a big shoutout to the good people of Mar Vista Artwalk. They are an art collective that is one of the few I have ever witnessed to tirelessly strive to genuinely promote local art. They have generously given me so many opportunities to showcase my music, over and over again. Wherever my journey in music takes me, I will always appreciate what they have done for me.

Website: thestrayngers.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thestrayngers

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC_c68Y8iQttGgm-qNAfN-qQ