John Shanks | #014 The Kenny Aronoff Sessions

Joining Kenny for a truly fascinating conversation is six time Grammy-nominated songwriter and Grammy-winning producer, John Shanks. In addition to being a thoroughly accomplished guitarist, John has produced and/or written 43 number one hit singles, 86 number one hit albums, and sold over 60 million records. 60 million! In today’s episode, he shares details of his remarkable journey within the music industry, peppered with stories of collaboration, creativity, and the evolution of songwriting and production. From the historic Cleveland Indians stadium to Hollywood's A&M studios, he and Kenny review their personal and professional history together, especially their collaborative experiences with such iconic artists as Rod Stewart and Melissa Etheridge. 

These two very close friends also cover topics ranging from the impact of streaming on the music business to the balance between artistic expression and commercial success. Their discussion touches on the themes of humility, adaptability, and the significance of personal connections in the music world as well. Going beyond their own professional and personal connection, they conclude this far ranging discussion by sharing that their families, too, have forged powerful bonds, as is evidenced by John’s particularly moving story of his father’s final days. In all, this revealing and entertaining episode serves not only as a treasure trove of wisdom for those aspiring to succeed in the world of music, but also a heartwarming reminiscence highlighted by mutual respect and effortless humor between two seasoned professionals at the top of their game.

Episode Highlights:

• John Shanks’ musical influences
• His perspective on touring, studio work, and producing
• John’s work with Van Halen
• His early music research and playing
• John’s start in writing, recording, and working with sounds
• His inquisitive mind and learning from others
• Songwriting, producing, and splits
• Streaming and publishing deals
• Kenny’s pivotal moments with John
• John’s appreciation of Kenny professional and collaborative approach
• John’s work with Michelle Branch, Natasha Bedingfield and Ashlee Simpson
• John and Kenny’s collaboration with Rod Stewart
• Their historic night at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Their collaboration with Mellissa Etheridge
• Kenny’s first attempt to play with John Mellencamp
• The deep bond between John and Kenny and their families

Quotes:

"There are times to push and there are times to let things flow. So I can do a lot by doing nothing at times.”

“Because of digital recording, you can overthink something to the point where nothing happens.”

“Dare to suck, dare to dream.'"

"It's important to come from a place of humility and curiosity.”

"I’m not into that place of just stealing the information so I can compete with you and stamp you out.”

"You're learning something from the producer, from the other guitar player on the session."

"We're on this journey together - musical, personal, spiritually, as a friend, as a copilot, it's incredible."

Links:

Kenny Aronoff

John Shanks