Gunslingers – Shadows (2024)
Borne of singer-songwriter Lou Heneise’s solo project, Gunslingers draws together the natural talent of Heneise (vocals, guitar, banjo, fiddle and percussion), John Swan III (banjo, percussion and trumpet), Michael Vasquez (mandolin) and Jon Howard (fiddle). While her live shows continue as a solo artist, the melting pot of instruments swirling in harmonic singles had Heneise saying “…it didn’t feel right to call them Lou Heneise songs anymore and Gunslingers was born…” Skills and experience influence Gunslingers’ music with each adding something special into the mix. In 2023, the group released the six-track EP Green Acres Motel to critical acclaim described as bold, unique and graceful. From France to the UK, the USA, Portugal, Australia and Germany, Gunslingers are turning heads across the globe, and they continue to grab audiences’ attention with the new single ‘Shadows’.
The first single released by Gunslingers, the US-based foursome enters 2024 with a blast. Sliding listeners into a warm sonic pool of country, Gunslingers capture the classic country sounds of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers in a fresh way. Heneise’s heartwarming vocals carry across lilts of acoustic guitars, banjos, fiddles and a slip of percussion beneath. Soft and soothing, ‘Shadows’ is the song you play in the background to warm your soul; then again, the tender harmonies make ‘Shadows’ ideal for any country bar. Toe-tapping and chilled, the single sneakily creeps into your brain and has you humming ‘Shadows’ for hours on end.
As intricate and complex as the kaleidoscopic melodic tapestry may be, the profoundness of Gunslingers lies in their themes. Inspired by humanity and life experiences, Green Acres Motel acknowledged the good and bad sides of mental health. Heneise explains that ‘How To Sleep’ and ‘Step Up’ are coping songs and should “take on a different meaning for each listener…” ‘Shadows’ continues to explore human experiences by touching on intricate familial relationships. Heneise further explained that:
“’Shadows’ is inspired by a letter John Steinbeck wrote to his teenage son enrolled in boarding school. The letter and the song address the true nature of unconditional love….”
Produced at a home studio with Nick Lee, ‘Shadows’ oscillates between tender warmth and delicate fragility. Sincere, sentimental and introspective, Gunslingers can move people to tears with their new single.
For more from Gunslingers, check out their Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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