Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Elder.
Hi Shannon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m the Executive Producer of PietschHouse (pronounced Peach-House), where I collaborate with creatives to run DIY showcases that help Austin artists and musicians be seen, be paid, and build community. I co-founded PietschHouse in the summer of 2021 and it quickly became a space where I found my passion for music, art, and connection all colliding.
I grew up immersed in music, playing bluegrass fiddle competitively, violin in orchestra, piano, and voice for 14 years. I mostly play bass now, but music has always been at the center of my life. Alongside music, I create collage work, which I’ve exhibited in shows locally. I’ve worked in radio, music promotion, and music venues, and I’ve curated international photography exhibitions. I’ve also collaborated with Austin creative organizations like Future Front Texas, Almost Real Things, and Downtown Austin Alliance.
I wanted to advance my career in the arts, but I wasn’t always landing the opportunities I wanted, so I began creating them myself through PietschHouse. I love building spaces that prioritize artists, support them financially, and fosters genuine community. Others saw me as a producer before I saw it in myself, but it’s clear that’s the path unfolding for me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think I’ve felt every emotion there is to feel on this journey, and it hasn’t always been smooth. There have been many times when I’ve second-guessed myself or talked about quitting altogether. When I first started PietschHouse, I was also working full-time, and I quickly realized that wasn’t going to be sustainable. Now I freelance while building the business, which gives me more flexibility, but it’s still challenging to help PietschHouse grow when my attention is divided.
There are moments when I feel like I need to quit everything else and focus on the business full-time, but I haven’t yet gotten to the place of making it sustainable for myself. Then on top of that, there are all the unpredictable factors: bad weather when the show is taking place outside, all the nerves leading up to a show, or wondering if people even had a good time when it’s all said and done.
I’ve been doing this long enough now though that I’ve learned those emotions follow a pretty predictable pattern, and I’ve gotten better at managing them. There are always struggles, but I always end up convincing myself to keep going because I truly believe in it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a producer, curator, and creative collaborator. At PietschHouse, I work with a team of creatives to produce DIY showcases that help Austin artists and musicians be seen, be paid, and build community. I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of music and visual art. What I’m most proud of is creating spaces where artists feel supported and audiences feel welcomed (and of starting a project that’s still going strong five years later).
This year we shifted into a new format: smaller, intimate shows every other month, featuring two bands of similar genres alongside eight visual artists. Each event has its own vibe and sound, so the experience is constantly evolving. Since 2021, PietschHouse has produced over twenty days of events, welcomed over 7600 attendees, showcased 271 visual artists (who have collectively earned over $123k) and featured 109 bands (who have made over $64k). For a DIY project that started in the ‘backyard’ of a warehouse in East Austin, those numbers are pretty wild.
What sets us apart is our values. Our showcases aren’t just about performances, they’re about creating relationships. That’s why our lineups are always a mix of returning PietschHouse alumni and new faces. The community aspect really makes it more than just an event.
At the end of the day, my work is about holding space for folks. Holding space for artists, for musicians, and for audiences to come together in a genuine way.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If artists or musicians want to be part of PietschHouse, we have an open call live on our website that’s also linked in our Instagram. I’d love to get you in the mix. We’re always looking for volunteers, too. If you’re interested you can email me at contact@pietschhouse.com.
I’m also looking for sponsors to help bring our 2026 calendar to life, and financial support with that would allow me to focus on this project full time, which would be a total game changer.
Beyond PietschHouse, I’m always open to freelance collaborations! Whether you’re planning an event, you need production support, or if you’re looking for a curator – my books are open. I’d love working with you to bring something to life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pietschhouse.com/ and https://www.shannonelder.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pietschhouse/ and https://www.instagram.com/shannon.raynae/
Image Credits
There are multiple photographers to credit, let me know how I can identify each one to the image they took.
Jessica Joseph
Nick Williams
Mariah Howard
