Text Local Artist


    Websites: Myspace Page

    Text, known off-stage as Shannon Swords, got his start in 2002 by performing at Open Mic events at Cowboy Monkey. He compares his sound to artists like Gangstarr, Snoop Dogg, Sage Francis, and Atmosphere, and cites a number of other influences ranging from Desmond Decker to Miles Davis to the Beastie Boys. In addition, Text incorporates a diverse number of musical genres into his songwriting. He claims that mid '90s ska has greatly influenced his vocal rhythms and that several sixties icons, such as the Beatles and Bob Dylan, have influenced his approach to writing lyrics.
    Text's most recent album release is entitled Jameson Dreams, and he has several upcoming releases, including two EPs, one with DJ Belly and another with DJ LEGTWO, as well as a full length, KnoGame, to be released in June 2009.