Shane Scarazzini & EightFingers have delivered a captivating country ballad titled “Sixteen” that takes listeners on a journey down memory lane. The song’s soothing melodies and heartfelt lyrics delve into themes of reminiscing and youth, touching the hearts of anyone who has experienced the bittersweet pangs of nostalgia.
With a masterful blend of folk influences and modern guitar tones, “Sixteen” creates a unique sonic experience that is both comforting and emotionally resonant. The mix of the track is pristine, allowing every element to shine through, particularly the well-defined higher register that adds a touch of sonic clarity to the spectrum.
The lyrics of “Sixteen” paint a vivid picture of lost times and cherished memories, evoking a sense of longing for simpler days. Shane Scarazzini’s heartfelt vocals draw listeners into the narrative, making them feel as if they are reliving their own pasts alongside the artist. The song would be a perfect fit for the indie music scene, as it beautifully showcases Shane Scarazzini & EightFingers’ ability to combine traditional country elements with a contemporary twist, making it stand out in a genre often associated with conventional themes.
In conversation with Shane:
Sixteen sounds like it draws influences from Singer/Songwriter and Alternative Folk music. Can you tell us a little about your inspiration for the song?
That’s a really interesting observation, particularly the Alternative Folk side of things! I come from a big traditional country background, but I would say that Sixteen is a solid example of many of my influences coming together, from Hank Williams Sr all the way to Green Day. My inspiration for the song as it is written comes from a place of strife with nostalgia as I’ve gotten older. For years, I’ve wondered what it would be like if I could buy back my innocence from my youth. I’ve come to the realization that much of what I’ve been pursuing in life is motivated by this craving to feel that ecstatic wave that you feel when you’re a kid discovering the wonders of life for the first time. So this song begs the question – if you could buy back your innocence, would you or should you do it?
Walk us through the production process. How does the studio version differ from your live interpretation of this track?
The bones of this song came together during quarantine in 2020, with a few rough sketches drawn up over the next couple years. I sort of abandoned it for a while, thinking it wasn’t strong enough to stand on its own. Eventually, I shacked up in a cabin and focused my attention on the structure and dynamics, recorded the guitars, vocals and bass, and came up with a concept that I sent out to a few session musicians who expanded on that blueprint. That was super exciting, and I am so grateful to the musicians who helped bring this song to life.
At the time of this interview, I have actually only performed this song in a stripped-down acoustic format. The band and I are currently rehearsing our full live instrumentation of Sixteen, and I am stoked to see how it comes together!
Your 2023 releases Sixteen and Free to Roam both explore different sonic palettes. Is there a particular sound that you are aiming for?
Right – I would say those two songs are on different planets, but the same galaxy! I can’t say with conviction that there is one particular sound I’m chasing, because I’m still learning the way my emotions translate into the sonic world, and I’m just so fascinated by the way it’s playing out. However, I have been able to confidently commit to a genre I like to call “Cosmic Americana” as I feel that the music is taking an ethereal trip with traditional roots in tow.
Is it safe to say that fans can expect a new full-length record real soon?
Absolutely – that’s the plan. We may continue the strategy of releasing one song at a time to eventually fill out the entire album. I understand that attention spans are short these days and that’s the way most music is digested, but most importantly, that strategy allows us to give each song the chance it deserves to have the story told and understood individually.
Four years after Dear Madeline, how has the reception been so far? How has the band grown as an act since?
Oh boy, we have absolutely lived multiple lives since then. In my eyes, the Dear Madeline record was a proper example of a new, green band figuring things out by jumping in headfirst and just trusting the process. When I listen to those songs now, I feel a bit like I’m looking at my middle school yearbook – a bit cringy at some points, but I’m glad it happened. We’re proud of what we did and we still get a couple of those songs requested live.
From then to now, we’ve certainly grown sonically and as a brotherly unit. We all went our own ways for a bit and experienced some transformative life experiences, and we have come together again prepared to paint the world in a whole new way. I’m so stoked to be working with Don and Lucas, and I love them so much. We’re ready to hit the road, get loud and tell some good stories out there!
A Nostalgic Country Ballad Reviving Lost Times
“Sixteen” could seamlessly complement the soundtracks of movies, with “Easy A” being one example. Its reflective and emotional nature aligns perfectly with the coming-of-age themes depicted in the film, adding depth to the characters’ journeys. Additionally, the song’s blend of folk and modern influences would make it a great addition to cult classics like “Boyhood“, adding an authentic touch to the storyline.
With a history rooted in dedication and hard work, the journey from a hired guitarist to a frontman and original artist Shane Scarazzini showcases his unwavering passion for music. His decision to step into the limelight with “Shane Scarazzini & EightFingers” demonstrates his relentless pursuit of artistic expression and growth. “Sixteen” is a testament to his evolution as a musician and a glimpse into the promising future that lies ahead for this talented artist in Nashville, Tennessee.