Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Eierdam.
Hi Shawn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Shawn Eierdam – Owner/Operator
Tony Trejo – Owner/Operator
Angela Caravello – Houston Operations Manager
SHAWN: Common Cause began life as an idea 3 15 year olds had in a bedroom in little suburb outside Houston, TX. The idea was to pool the resources, which didn’t amount to much, of each of our collective bands into a record label to help each band get bigger followings.
These plans went the way of these high school bands often do.
Fast forward to 2023, after the pandemic most venues had changed ownership, most bands that took a hiatus were getting back on their feet and Tony Trejo and I were looking at a way to, once again, pool the resources we had as we had amassed a following of multiple bands we were booking with along with. We had a sizeable collection of gear to put on live shows that we were looking to rent out to supplement income and we were looking for an idea, a brand to bring this all together.
I reached out to Angela Caravello to ask her “What was the name of that record label we wanted to put together as kids?” and Common Cause Productions was formed.
ANGELA: Its so crazy to think of how this started, and where we are now! the idea spawned from the realization that there was not enough mutual support among musicians in our area. it seemed everyone had to be stuck into one genre or another, and we thought, why? why can’t we make A production collective built on collaboration, culture, and crossing lines.
Common Cause isn’t just a studio
We unite four powerful genres — hip hop, rock and roll, rebel country, and reggaetón, metal or even concept bands. You name it— We build raw, genre-breaking music that speaks across cultures and crowds.
In a world that wants to box artists in, we’re doing the opposite. We create a space where sounds collide, stories matter, and the only rule is: make it real.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
TONY: I think that if you’re going to attempt to do anything in this industry, struggle is just part of the game. The cards are so stacked against gigging musicians and behind the scenes people, but at this point i’ve grown used to it haha. The buildup of Common Cause has been somewhat of a slow burn since Shawn and Angela were in Houston and I was in Austin when we decided to form. However, recently Shawn has moved back to the Austin area and that has coincided with alot of demand for what we have to offer from local musicians we’ve met over the years.
SHAWN: We are still in the brand awareness phase. Our goal in the immediate future is to reach out to as many Houston and Austin bands as possible who need representation, who want to be a part of their scene and connect them. We take no percentage of anything from these bands. We want to help them build up their online presence, and increase their fan base by cross pollinating their fans with the fans of other common cause brands.
I think the biggest hurdle we’ve had so far is getting our message across. Some bands hear the word “Label” or “Union” and they run. We have to explain we are not taking anything away from them and instead trying to build a community through the shared fandom of all these bands.
ANGELA: Its true but what we want everyone to remember is: we are more than a label, we are a movement.
TONY: I think that if you’re going to attempt to do anything in this industry, struggle is just part of the game. The cards are so stacked against gigging musicians and behind the scenes people, but at this point i’ve grown used to it haha. The buildup of Common Cause has been somewhat of a slow burn since Shawn and Angela were in Houston and I was in Austin when we decided to form. However, recently Shawn has moved back to the Austin area and that has coincided with alot of demand for what we have to offer from local musicians we’ve met over the years.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
SHAWN: I am currently wrapping up mixing and mastering of our band, Horse Drawn Hearse’s debut album “Dining With Demons”. In addition to the live element of booking and promoting these bands, I operate a recording studio in Austin, TX. We did an EP for Waterproof Toaster and are now finish the Hearse album. I’d say I’m most proud of my wife’s and my work on that. I am definitely most known for my producer/songwriting roles. Before Hearse I was main songwriter for Scarlet Theatre in Austin and we had a pretty loyal following there before covid tanked the entire scene.
ANGELA: I’m proud of the fact we have been able to bring a childhood dream to life, just to be a part of something so huge, that we designed so long ago is exhilarating,
TONY: I think Shawn pretty much summed up all of what Common Cause has to offer. As for my individual stuff, my band Full Metal Jackalope is currently producing a music video for our latest single release “Monolith”. I’m currently editing the project as well as rehearsing/gigging with FMJ. We stay pretty busy year round playing around town. I’m most proud of our live shows, so if you’re reading this, check us out and come out to a show!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
SHAWN: You can reach out to us on our website CommonCauseProductions.com or on our Facebook or Instagram. Whether it’s a straight up equipment rental for your wedding or your a band interested in joining our movement.
ANGELA: We are always on the lookout for new talent and opportunity.
TONY: Ya, just reach out to us through social media. Common Cause or FMJ
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.commoncauseproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commoncauseproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=common%20cause%20productions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CommonCauseProductions
