A seven-piece band comprised of some of the country’s most sought-after touring and studio musicians, The Western Swing Authority are not only credited for reintroducing the western swing sound to an entirely new generation of music lovers, but they have also earned awards and nominations in both Canada and the United States for their four full length albums, numerous singles, videos and countless performances, many alongside some of the biggest names in country music.
Described as a coming-of-age project for the band and their sound, their fifth studio album 12 to 6 Central was officially released on Friday, February 9, 2024.
SWOMP’s Dana Haggith caught up with fiddler, vocalist and frontman Shane Guse and lead vocalist Stacey Lee Guse for an interview to discuss their new album. Listen, below:
Produced by Grammy winning producer and nine-time JUNO award winner Colin Linden, this record showcases the variety of musical personalities and stylistic approaches of each member in a raw and honest style.
12 to 6 Central boasts writing credits from more band members than ever before.
The result is an emotional ride that is engaging in every way.
From true heartbreak to upbeat and carefree.
The full album, 12 to 6 Central was released on Friday, February 9th at a launch event in their hometown, at the Registry Theatre, in Kitchener, ON.
A launch preview aso took place on Thursday, February 8 at Hugh’s Room in Toronto ON, and on Saturday, February 24th they will showcase at Aeolian Hall in London, ON.
The Western Swing Authority’s commitment to the authenticity of their sound is something that sets them apart from many other artists.
They find a real joy in playing this music which compels audiences to dance whether there is a dance floor or not.
You may laugh, you may be moved to tears, but either way a The Western Swing Authority show is always a night to remember.
The group’s live performances have been aptly described as “all killer, no filler” (Cashbox Canada, 2020).
12 to 6 Central is a testament to the trust and ease that can only come from a band that has played so closely together for so long.
The goal of making this album was to step out of their comfort zone and capture a moment in time that held the energy of a live performance.
More details can be found on their official website https://thewesternswingauthority.com/.
Here is some more background on the band:
From the very first time Shane Guse heard Merle Haggard’s tribute album to Bob Will’s he simply couldn’t get enough of western swing music. A hybrid of several different styles of music, western swing incorporates traditional string band, jazz, blues, folk and traditional pop melodies to create an intoxicating musical gumbo. After a chance meeting with fiddle legend Buddy Spicher and fueled by inspiration found in bands like Grammy-award winning Asleep At the Wheel and The Time Jumpers, Shane and his wife, vocalist Stacey Lee Guse, took on the task of creating a space for this genre in the Canadian musical landscape. Fifteen years later, Western Swing Authority are not only credited for reintroducing the western swing sound to an entire new generation of music lovers, but they have also earned awards and nominations in both Canada and the United States for their four full length albums, numerous singles, videos and countless performances, many alongside some of the biggest names in country music.
Relying on their musical pedigree as successful touring and session performers, Shane and Stacey sent an email to their network asking to connect with those looking for opportunities to play this brand of music. By the next morning Western Swing Authority was formed. A house gig twice-a-month for the next seven years at the Commercial Tavern in Maryhill, Ontario not only cemented the Western Swing Authority sound, but it also solidified the growing demand for their live performances. The relationship with the venue and its owner, Paul Weber, had such an impact on the musicians, it became the inspiration for the band’s original song, “This Old Bar” off their fourth album, Big Deal.
Their first self-titled album, The Western Swing Authority was recorded live off the floor in a matter of hours after a friend offered the group an afternoon in the studio. The recording captured the authenticity and energy that has become WSA’s ubiquitous sound. They went on to record three more albums and a live performance DVD that feature a mix of originals and traditional music. In 2024, they will release 12 to 6 Central, a new recording produced by famed singer-songwriter and guitarist Colin Linden. A Grammy winning producer and nine-time JUNO award winner, Colin Linden has worked with an incredible list of musical icons including Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Keb Mo, and Bruce Cockburn. With the Western Swing Authority, Colin built around the live magic that emanated from having the band all together in the same room. It was just the right mix of energy, cohesiveness, and fun in the studio.
Described as a coming-of-age project for the band and their sound, 12 to 6 Central is a testament to the trust and ease that can only come from a band that has played so closely together for so long. The goal of making this album was to step out of their comfort zone and capture a moment in time that held the energy of a live performance. A product that showcases the variety of musical personalities and stylistic approaches of each member in a raw and honest style. 12 to 6 Central boasts writing credits from more band members than ever before. The result is an emotional ride that is engaging in every way. From true heartbreak to upbeat and carefree. Inviting the listener to re-live these songs over and over again.
WSA’s commitment to the authenticity of their sound is something that sets them apart from many other artists. They are unapologetically immovable in their desire to create a musical experience that builds on their personal passion for the western swing genre. They find a real joy in playing this music which compels audiences to dance whether there is a dance floor or not. You may laugh, you may be moved to tears, but either way a WSA show is always a night to remember. The group’s live performances have been aptly described as “all killer, no filler” (Cashbox Canada, 2020)
Over their remarkable 15-year career, WSA has experienced many highlights including performing a private party for Bob Doyle and Garth Brooks, being nominated for the Canadian Country Music Association Group of the Year and performing at the Paramount Theatre in Austin TX for the Ameripolitan Music Awards.