Drumming is something I don’t talk about often on this site. I suddenly find that as odd because it is one of the primary identities of my life. I got my first trap set when I was in 5th grade as a ‘get well present’ from my grandparents. I played in my share of local Denver rock bands (All American Heroes, 18 Inch Drop*, Pieces and the Fat) before moving to KC. And being a drummer at IHOP has been my main identity.
I had originally considered not going back to the drums once I was done with Merchant Band, but a short conversation with “The Bick” led me to chose otherwise. (I knew it was going to happen before I even met with Him but I couldn’t stop it. He just made sense.) I took my month off in January. That was a nice breather. Then around the beginning of February I jumped on with “The Rizz.” Rizzo. Justing. JR. Etc….
Well, It has been nearly a month since I joined Justin Rizzo’s team. Things are going much funner and better than I had expected and my all-around new schedule is a blast. I realized as I was drumming today during the 4-6pm intercession meeting that many of you would probably love to hear an update (wether you know it or not).
(I have to be careful what I write here because rumor has it that Justin reads this blog. I wonder if anyone else at IHOP reads FTSA.)
It has been a great change of gears for me to play with Justin and his team. It’s been an ability stretch for me to say the least. A lot more technical and detailed arrangements. I have really enjoyed pushing myself during our sets and learning new songs and playing a new style. I feel like a drummer again.
One thing that really stands out to me is Justin’s commitment for musicians to prophecy and intercede and to get Moracles. I feel like I’ve been given a double barrel shotgun with the freedom to fire it off whenever I think is a good time. Just don’t hurt anyone.
Something I am looking forward to helping build on the team is a greater sense of family and camaraderie. The only thing I’ve seen is that Justin needs to help lead the team into deeper friendships and ownership of our slots on the wall.
Any comments from the crowd? Who wants to compare Shawn Blanc with Merchant Band vs. Shawn Blanc with The Rizz?
* Download an old recording of “18 inch drop - Wrong Words” here. This was my favorite song we did. [back to top]
Jesse Gardner said:
Great tune, but the volume needs to come up on the drums (especially considering the title of this article). Not sure how you recorded this, but if you ran the drums through an amp simulation (for instance, in GarageBand) you’d like bigger bass and a crisper snap of your snare.
FWIW.
Keep up the jammin!
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 8:27 am
{Shawn} said:
@ Jesse: That song was recorded almost 10 years ago in a friend’s basement. He had an 8-track Analog recorder. Mac OS X didn’t even exist yet, let alone Garage Band.
All I have left now is that poor quality CD to remind me of the good ‘ole days before in-ears and click-tracks.
If you want to hear the new stuff I”m recording then pick up a song or two here. “You Love me Forever” and “Come As Close as You Want” are my top two picks.
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 8:34 am
Josh said:
You were always a solid drummer with Merchant band, no doubt about it. With Captain Rizz, you are a WMD.
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 9:16 am
ChriS said:
Shawn,
Glad you and “The Bick” had that conversation. It is great to hear you again. Also a joy to see the fluidiness with which someone can switch teams.
Josh is right…Shawn Blanc WMD
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 10:00 am
Hollie said:
I’ve always admired your talent and style, but I’ve noticed a change since you joined Rizzo’s team. And especially yesterday at the 4pm. You’re different, and so that whole team is different now, too. The Lord is really kissing your new season… and the rest of us are getting to enjoy the benefits as well.
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 10:36 am
Anna said:
I wholeheartedly agree. I don’t think this has anything to do with MB vs. JR… it’s just that the Lord has given you great grace and perfect placement in this new season. You are more alive as a drummer than ever, and your abilities have already grown. It’s so fun to sit towards the front on the left and watch you go crazy!
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 10:41 am
loud said:
Hey Shawn, what do you use for loops? Garage Band? I’m trying to weigh my options (I’m running off my Powerbook…). What do the other IHOP guys use for loops?
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 6:07 pm
{Shawn} said:
@ Loud: Now that I’m playing with Justin I don’t run loops anymore. But when I ran them with Merchant Band it was through Ableton Live. That is a stellar program! I used my PowerBook G4. And how’d you know I ran loops?
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Jo said:
I agree with Anna and Hollie. So many times I’m like “Man, who’s that drummer?” and since I can’t see you I actually have to think about it for a minute. I can’t recognize your style as easily. So definitely a different season.
The quality of “musicianship” has definitely gone up recently. The Lord IS opening up many “moracles” as you put it. A-mazing!
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 7:54 pm
BenDShaffer said:
Hey, this is Kristin. I’ve never posted on a blog, so here I go.
Shawn, do you remember a girl named Amy Cochran? She did a photo shoot in 2000 or around there for a little band she was really stoked about called “The Pieces and the Fat” ! She was my maid of honor and desperately wanted me to hear this band, she was convinced, would be the next big thing!
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 8:18 pm
{Shawn} said:
@ Kristen: NO WAY!! She took a bunch of pictures of us. She was great.
What a small world… Did you know I went to Colorado Christian University for a year?
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Jared Diehl said:
Did you ever play with Niki Guns the drummer for Season at Sea, they were solid metal but popular….that’s all
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Jared Diehl said:
And Nicki happens to attend CCU just like the last girl said
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 11:11 pm
{Shawn} said:
@ Jared: I never knew Nicki personally but I think I played a few shows with them.
Posted on March 1, 2007 at 6:40 am
Corneliu M Bere said:
Shawn you are His warrior and drummer, I am looking forward to see you in Sacramento
Posted on March 2, 2007 at 8:58 pm
steve offutt said:
hey, I took that pic…sweet!
Posted on March 3, 2007 at 3:21 am