A songwriter like Sam Shea knows no boundaries.
Shea, a Kearney, Nebraska native now attending the University of Nebraska Omaha, contacted Tone Tree Audio, LLC in summer 2018 to record, mix, master and produce his song, ‘Broken Plans.’ He and his mother, Sanae, wrote the lyrics after two of Sam’s friends passed away from unrelated causes (one from a tragic accident and the other from suicide).
Shea laid down acoustic guitar scratch tracks and incredible vocal parts at A NOTE-Worthy Studio in Kearney to utilize for overdubbing other elements. Upon asking him what direction he wanted to go with the song (a track with deep, emotional lyrics concerning loss and moving on after tragedy), Shea simply said: ‘Feel free to try out anything.’
Sam Shea performs vocals for his single ‘Broken Plans’ at A NOTE-Worthy Studio with Tone Tree Audio, LLC in summer 2018.
Tone Tree Audio collaborated with Kearney-area guitarist and composer Jacob French to introduce a 1950s ballad style, with electric guitar, Rhodes piano and ambience. Kent Lutt added bass and drum programming to finalize all the elements around Shea’s smooth, emotional singing.
‘Broken Plans’ is an incredible example of artistic collaboration without boundaries, and the track expanded into a unique mixture of 1980s dream pop, coffeehouse and post rock.
In honor of his friends and providing hope for others dealing with tragedy and depression, Shea is donating proceeds from the single to McKenna’s Rae of Hope Foundation, established in 2017 to prevent teen suicide by fostering awareness, resilience and social change.
To support Sam Shea’s ‘Broken Plans’ release:
- follow the McKenna's Rae of Hope Fundraiser Facebook page
- follow his Instagram account SamSheaMusic
- visit his official CD Baby page
- ‘Broken Plans’ is also available on Sam Shea’s Spotify artist page.