Consummate Guitarist SHANE DOSS Unleashes “Melodic Mayhem” in New Solo Album
Image & art…art & image – the two coincide in theory (& in logic) for shredder guitarist Shane Doss, known as “Dossman” to his fans. Peel away at the layers – the tats, the braids, the multiple facial piercings, chains, & such (adorning his male bravado)…& housed within his rebellious posterior is a musical phenomenon & cutting-edge artist with insanely raw talent.
Shaking sponsorship hands with Ernie Ball (Premier Guitars), Clayton USA (Custom Guitar Picks), & Orange Amps this year – in addition to signing with new management (Dan Blades of “New Age Productions”), Doss is anything but your typical front guitarist. He’s an unequivocal showman that’s crossing over the chasm of ambiguity, & into a rising & explosive musical career. “He’s (Blades) a renowned sound man, & he has a lot of “ins” for getting me out on tour…I trust him.” said Doss. “A lot of these other managers want to change the way you look & change the art. Dan let’s ME be ME. That’s such a liberating feeling, as an artist.”
Releasing his first solo project this year, “Infinite Galaxy” – an eclectic collection of instrumental tracks, a detour from his fast playing, & a focus much more drawn to melody – Dossman’s track, Symphony of Insanity, expresses his admiration for his craft, by showcasing three & four part guitar harmonies that mimic the celestial sounds of a symphony…which he finds mesmerizing. A member of previous bands including X-List, Strech, & Hottboxx – Doss & fellow band members have been featured artists on various radio & television programs in the Atlanta market, including: CBS Morning Show, NBC 11 “Alive Movie Palooza”, CNN Radio, Project 96.1 Radio, & “Big In” (Columbia, SC).
“It’s hard to keep a rhythm section together…bass players, drummers. I think a lot of times they feel left out because they don’t write a whole lot. It’s usually the singer & the guitar players that shoulder a lot of the writing, for whatever reason.” It’s simply a freak thing, referring to the time & place that he’s at right now in his career. Bloodying his hands on pots & pans to “Boston” tunes as a youngster, Doss is now serving up a delicious approach to his music with a pure candor, & intense fusion, of guitar riffs & rhythmic melodies.
Something To Prove
Byrd: How did your solo album come about?
DOSSMAN: It’s really weird how it all happened. I wanted to do a solo album, but I wasn’t going to let anyone hear it. I just wanted to prove to myself that I could make an album on my own – without a producer & no other musicians. It’s taken on a life of its own. I sent a couple of tracks off the album to a few companies that I truly believe in…& the rest has evolved.
Byrd: Why did you choose to release an instrumental album?
DOSSMAN: I became a Steve Vai fan, recently. His album “Flexible” is so ingenious to me…it opened him up to play for Whitesnake. I love vocals, but I always wanted the opportunity to not need a lead singer…this album provided that. I’m really blessed with the ability to play some really fast melodies, & memorable stuff, that people want to come & enjoy listening to.
Byrd: What was your source of inspiration for the material on this album?
DOSSMAN: I’m huge into non-guitar music…I love Japanese coda, & I love playing the piano. There are so many influences! There’s one song on the album, called “Motor” – it has a Ted Nugent influence. I wanted “the vibe” – where you could picture a jam session with me all alone in a room…I wanted to show a different side of what I play. I love the kind of music where the guitar is served on a “silver platter” beside a piano. I was inspired by a train to write the track “Punch” on the album. It’s the most basic guitar scale, but it’s the way that it’s played.
Byrd: What does your band think about this album going in an instrumental direction?
DOSSMAN: They love it! I never even planned on putting a band together for it. When they started playing it at a local musical store, it started freaking me out & I thought, “This is incredible!” It’s really fun for me. It’s not as serious as some of the other bands that I’ve been in…it’s like a breath of fresh air. A songwriter’s greatest gift is to have a band that believes in your stuff.
A Soul Separation
Byrd: What separates you from other artists?
DOSSMAN: The live show separates me…you have to bring a show. Guitar smashing, lighting stuff on fire…the greatest compliment I ever received, was when a fan pulled me aside at a concert & told me that…”for an hour & a half, I took their mind off their problems”.
Byrd: Explain the varying hairstyles…
DOSSMAN: I like trying new things. I like to bring a cool look – the braided hair, straight hair, & colored hair…it’s another pallet, like painting.
Something You Didn’t Know
Byrd: Who is your favorite artist…dead or alive?
DOSSMAN: I’m a huge fan of dance music…I love Robert Miles’ “Madness” – I like to drive at night to it. The Foo Fighters’ “Sensation” – those are the best lyrics, & it’s a songwriting influence for me. But definitely, John Denver…& Mike Patton from “Faith No More” – he’s the craziest front man, & I like that about music. He went to Julliard…he’s like the “Greg Maddox” (baseball) of singers.
Byrd: What is one thing that your fans don’t know about you?
DOSSMAN: I’m an avid birdwatcher…now that breaks the “GUITAR MONSTER” image! I’m back to normal, when I get off stage…it’s the simple moments in life that mean the most to me.
Doss attributes his success to the support system behind his music – his wife of six years & talent photographer, Brandy Landen…sound manager, Todd McGee…website designer, Kristen Issac…& owner of TimeandMotion.com / video producer, Rick Foye. Originally from Chicago, Doss moved to Snellville, GA (a suburb of Atlanta) in 1984. He recalls skipping class in high school to attend a “Civil War Memorial Event”, where he watched his friend playing guitar in a band – he was completely enamored.
The rest of his time in high school was focused on developing his guitar skills…no girls, no dances…just playing with bands. His commitment to his craft enabled him to win a “Battle of the Bands” contest with Power 99 Radio (Atlanta) in ’86, & led to an eventual audition with the Red Hot Chili Peppers…a moment he savors.
Recently invited to play on an Ozzy Osbourne tribute album…Doss regards that Ozzy (along with Black Sabbath) have always served as a continual source of inspiration for him, as a guitarist. He’s excited that this album will be featured in many major retail stores across the United States. “I want to take people somewhere else.” said Dossman. “If I can affect the inner workings of a person, then I’ve achieved what I wanted to do. It’s always good to take gigs like this…because they always lead to something else.”
Solace & inspiration these days (for Doss) can be found on the intra-coastal waterway in Ormond Beach, FL – night fishing & star gazing…an obvious reflection, as depicted in his latest CD cover art. An independent artist on a mission, Doss remarks that he would definitely take a look at label…if the right opportunity came along. “I want to be known as someone that took chances to break out on my own, & never sold out to what trend was in.” said Doss, “I want to make timeless music.”
Luanne Byrd – November, 2011
To learn more about guitarist Shane Doss or to purchase his solo debut release “Infinite Galaxy”, please visit:
www.shanedoss.com
