Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Shanks.
Hi Michael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At 15 a friend played me his dad’s vinyl copy of the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour and immediately knew I wanted to be a guitarist that wrote and recorded songs. That was my sole focus from that point on. I took piano lessons before that and played saxophone in middle school band, but discovering all those 60’s groups- Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors- that was the catalyst to propel me to really learn music and want to make recordings. I didn’t really know what a music producer was back then, but that was exactly what I envisioned myself doing.
Fast forward to now, 2025, and most of my day is in the studio, working with artists, producing songs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but when you love the journey then you’re willing to put up with the daily struggles that it takes to get to your destination. One thing I would say is finding my niche has been an interesting ride. As a music lover, on any given day I could be listening to Schubert, Depeche Mode, Charley Crockett or this English folk singer I just discovered, Labi Siffre. As a musician I wanted to play everything, but it’s not really possible to be a jack of all trades and to be a first call guitarist for every genre. But as a producer, it’s totally possible to work with many different genres, sometimes all within the same day!
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?
I’m a music producer, musician and also an educator. I’ve got a little project studio in the Heights where I’ve produced anything from modern R&B to renaissance cello music. I’d say I specialize in working directly with the artists and understanding exactly where they want to go. Sometimes the artist only has a vague notion of what they want their music to sound like, and using a few techniques I’ve developed over the years, I can usually get a pretty good idea of what they’re looking for by asking questions and jamming a little in the studio. Reference tracks also help a lot, for example choosing related songs and making playlists.
As a musician I’ve toured the world playing guitar for many different artists like Duncan Sheik, Suzanne Vega and Mando Saenz. I do play many gigs around Houston, just wrapped up a couple of musical runs for Theatre Under the Stars at the Hobby Center this summer.
And as an educator, I’m a professor at Sam Houston State University. I teach guitar, music production and a very fun history of rock and roll class.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Don’t wait for inspiration, just start doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaelshanksmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelshanksmusic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelshanksmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IShYbdiPs4Y&list=PL9jB_6lnDG-4dUmwEh5poUuRikLo7u18y
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Y9jCOPTgSnKz2WRO49bcn?si=6dcdd625633e491a
Image Credits
Paco Esteve
