Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Madden.
Hi Shane, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey begins when I was eight years old. I heard the “Devil Went Down to Georgia ” and instantly wanted to learn the violin. Over the years, I studied classical violin with some of the best teachers and won a full scholarship to UT Austin music school where I studied music composition. After UT, I wanted to see the world so began my travels that led me to find my blood roots and the music started to flow. Indian, Middle Eastern, Flamenco and “gypsy” sounds made their way into my style and of course electronic music and bass had to be woven into these styles to give it relevance and punch. Thus Govinda was born. I made my way back to Austin to form a band and play my first show in about 1997 at the old White Rabbit on 6th (Eventually became the Mercury and then the Parish). My first show there was packed with a line out the door. I had no idea how this happened but it definitely helped get the projected kickstarted.
Over the next 20 years, I would go on the sign a big label deal and land a few key compilations like Buddha Bar and Nirvana Lounge. Also signed with an agency and management company that booked me at all the best music festivals Coachella and Lightning in a Bottle and kept me living out of a suitcase in hotels for many years. The music evolved over the years to stay in the pocket of what my community and I were inspired by. Now 25 years later here I am about to release my 13th album called “ReMystify”. The sound of Govinda has been inspired by my bloodline, my travels, lovers, community of friends and of course, the pursuit of an original modern sound. As a composer and producer of modern electronic music, I never retired the violin and it has remained a huge part of the sound and my live show experience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s almost never a completely smooth road in any journey. Mine was balancing having children and a family while on the road and figuring out how to survive and support a family on musician’s budget. Luckily I landed jobs making music for video games in the early 2000’s that helped me provide a better life for the kids. Also, one of the biggest inspirations to the Govinda sound (also my daughter’s mother and best friend) passed away. At that point, I became the sole caretaker and that definitely made it harder to tour and stay productive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been releasing music as Govinda since 1996. The music is hard to describe but my best guess is “ambient gypsy psy bass”. I play live violin on stage which makes it very unique. I also incorporate dance and visual performances. I’ve been doing this since the late 90’s which pre-dates many who did these things as well. I appeared on the cover of NAV magazine (a music industry mag) in 1998 as a pioneer of a new world of electronic sound which would come to inspire many acts today. Through the years, I have sold over 500,000 albums/downloads combined with compilations and now over 10M streaming count on Spotify/Apple music. Produced successful remixes for Thievery Corp., Motorcycle, and others.
I am most proud of pioneering a sound that has inspired some of my contemporaries and heroes though I have mixed feelings when they approach me at a festival backstage to tell me their mom loves me or they were listening to my albums in middle school and I’m a legend.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe more in the power of clear intention and creating consciously a life and opportunities. There have definitely been setbacks but I don’t think it was a matter of being unlucky. The timing of the fortunes plays into a complex network of others’ fortunes and setbacks. Overall I have created a beautiful and successful life and business.
Contact Info:
- Email: govindagrooves@gmail.com
- Website: www.govindamusic.com
- Instagram: govindaadventures
- Facebook: govindamusic
- Twitter: govindamusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqb4ysA1OAAHYjoS1AxdmA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/govindamusic
Image Credits:
Cameron Jordan
