photo by Tony Drewry
Shane Cooley and Lori Ellen: Joint Biography
Modern troubadors Shane Cooley and Lori Ellen live for their next song. Both artists have established themselves over the years as avid songwriters and compelling performers. Lori and Shane first crossed paths at Utopiafest in the Texas Hill Country, during a song circle that took place after one of Shane’s traditional sunrise sets. Instantly impressed with each other’s songwriting, they became fast friends in the Austin music scene, where they would often sit in on each other’s performances. In 2022, Shane engineered Lori's haunting single, "Ghost," while Lori lended harmonies to Shane's latest EP, "The Circus Rolls On." After turning heads performing an acoustic duo set at Old Settlers Music Festival, Lori and Shane decided to join forces on the road, touring behind their beloved music.
SHANE COOLEY has earned his reputation as a prolific, ever-evolving songwriter. “He’s one hit away from radio stardom,” wrote Billboard critic Jeff Miller. Deemed “exquisite” by Songwriting Magazine editor Duncan Haskell (U.K.), Cooley’s newest album, Forest continues to receive airplay and acclaim, both in the U.S. and internationally. “(Forest) stands out for its peculiar production and lyrical beauty, which is highly remarkable considering that Cooley himself played all the instruments and produced this work in its entirety,” wrote Javier Rodriquez of Right Chord Music. In early 2023, two Cooley co-writes were released as part of Ushuaia & the Wanderlust Orchestra's collaborative End of the World album - breaking 100,000 streams on Spotify, and on its third vinyl pressing for Target and Amoeba stores.
After spending the greater part of a decade in the music hub of Austin, TX, Shane returned to his hometown of Mollusk, VA during the pandemic, where he now has his home studio. His latest single, "The Goddess" is out now on all digital platforms. Shane's music has been compared to Tom Petty and Neil Young. http://www.shanecooley.com .
LORI ELLEN has the rare ability to render the casual listener spellbound. “The dreams woven in her lyrics inspire her journey and grip any audience lucky enough to attend,” wrote Americana Highways critic Andrew Blanton. Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Lori has established herself in Austin, TX, where she has earned respect within the vast Texas songwriting community. She recently performed for an enraptured audience for an after-hours performance at the Kerrville Folk Festival, as well as the legendary Cactus Cafe’ in Austin. Along with her music career, Lori is an elementary school teacher. Her experiences with young minds influences the way she shares her songs.
Lori's latest single, "Ghost" has received glowing critical acclaim and airplay. “When she sings, nature sings. She is and has the truth of a gift,” wrote Connor Charlton of The Absolution Train. She is currently putting finishing touches on The Polaroid Collective, a collaborative project with songwriters from around the U.S. Her music has been compared to Joni Mitchell and Sarah Jarosz. More at http://www.loriellenmusic.com .
promo photos (top left, above) by Bordeau Photo