Shane Smith and The Saints

From opening a sold out show at the oldest dance hall in Texas, to singing on the top of a snow-covered mountain in Colorado, Shane Smith and The Saints have managed to cover serious ground in the Texas music front without an album to their name. After two years of hard work, the wait is finally over with the highly-anticipated release of the debut album Coast.

After playing music throughout his adolescence, Smith decided to take the leap in 2010 and devote his life to music. Though never easy, Smith looks at the opportunity with nothing but humility and wide-eyed enthusiasm. "When I listen to songs from artists like Guy Clark, Hayes Carll and Adam Carroll, I'm reminded of how powerful music can be and the ways it can move people. I look at music as a never ending opportunity to truly impact a listener." It is this unyielding passion and love of the open road that have provided Smith and The Saints with a deep seeded relentlessness to perform on as many stages as possible. "Music's ability get through a day of work, relieve a tough time or even causing a person to dance for the first time in years, I think that is my favorite part about doing this… seeing a reaction from the song. I hope they find that in Coast."
Almost all of the miles traveled have been spent with the passenger seat occupied by fiddle player and long-time friend, Bennett Brown. Accompanying Smith and Brown are Tim Allen on lead guitar, Jordan Rochefort on drums and Brian Wolfe on bass. The past few years of travel and camaraderie have helped the band develop the weathered grit sound of old roots rock and traditional country. Many different audiences have been able to kick up their heels to Smith and are now looking forward to hearing the band on the air.

The album's music reflects relationships made on the road over the past years. Recorded and co-produced by Bob Gentry in the pines of east Texas, the debut album Coast features 13 tracks of powerful multi-part harmonies, in-your-face fiddle riffs and the driving rhythms that make roots music so unique. Coast features guest appearances from Aaron Watson and members of both The Trishas & Turnpike Troubadours.

Tracking the record was no easy task. Spanning a total of two years in and out of studios, all while juggling a 180 shows-per-year schedule; Smith has fought a very long fight to arrive at this debut. That effort along with the relationships made between the members of the band over the years are reflected in the debut single "Coast," carrying their sound to Texas radio airwaves this summer.