Interview with Shane Becker of Indian Run & Cedar Room Studio
By Sean McCall
Shane Becker is a songwriter, musician, and producer from Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Shane has contributed to a number of local projects in New Jersey’s music scene, as well as creating his own music in the meantime through the name “Indian Run.” In addition to consistently contributing to other musicians' projects and recordings, Shane is actively involved with audio engineering at Fresh Start Church – A Nondenominational Church in Egg Harbor Township.
I had the opportunity to work with Shane at Cedar Wood Studio for a project I’m involved with, FV. I was #blessed enough with his presence and even more #blessed to get the chance to interview Shane and find out a little bit more about how active he is musically in the NJ area.
Sean McCall.: Tell us a little bit about Indian Run.
Shane Becker: Indian Run is a project where I write and record songs in my studio. I’ve been doing this for quite a while now but never really got into playing shows until about 2 years ago. The reason I gave it a name was because I didn’t want to go by “Shane Becker.” That just seemed like the easy way out. To be honest it wasn’t really something that was ever meant to be anything. It’s been more a chance to vent and express creativity than a shot for the charts. I don’t write these songs for really anyone but myself and that’s why I keep it a solo project. Don’t get me wrong, I really do enjoy when people say the like the jams, it means the world to me. But I never want myself to get stuck in pleasing people around me more than making the music that I have no control over making. I enjoy the relaxing nature of making mistakes in music because at the end of the day, I’m just trying to break all the boundaries.
Talk a little bit about Cedar Wood Studio.
My whole goal was always to make a studio where I could just up and make music for hours, which I did. I spent too much money on a bunch of gear and turned my parents loft into a studio and now my studio is open to bands in the area. The goal of the studio is to provide high quality recordings for musicians on a small budget, like myself. You can check out the website at cedarroomstudio.com
How long have you been interested / active with audio Engineering?
Since 7th grade. It really started because I just wanted to record my songs without paying anyone. I downloaded Audacity to under recording and then moved my way up from there.
How long have you been involved with playing and creating your own music?
I’ve been playing music my entire life. I started out on the drums, which I would call my primary instrument and my favorite. But I started learning multiple instruments because I wanted to write and record music. So I learned guitar and bass and added keyboard to that.
How long have you been actively involved with Fresh Start Church?
I grew up in the church and I've been on staff for about 5 years but didn’t get the role of running music until recently. I honestly love the place; it's not what you think it’d be like. I know the moment most people hear the word “church” they check out, which I understand. At Fresh Start, we’re not looking to force Christianity on anyone or even to exclude anyone who doesn’t believe because nobody is perfect and everybody makes mistakes. Everyone is welcomed and everyone deserves a fresh start. That ultimately is the reason I’m involved.
Describe yourself as a flavor of soup – like if you had to choose what kind of soup you were, or you couldn’t play music again, what would it be – be honest.
Without a question, Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup. I haven’t met anyone who doesn't like the chicken noodle soup. I'm mad simple, man.
Any final thoughts or comments you’d like to add?
You can keep up with Indian Run at @Indianrunmusic on all social medias. I’ll be releasing new music soon, so stay aware.
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You can check out Indian Run’s “Roaring Twenties” below:
About the Writer
Sean McCall is a Music Business Technology Major studying at Rowan University with a Minor in Theatre. He has been attending shows and events since he was in middle school and has had his own band he’s been involved in for about 7 years called Breaking Tradition. He has been actively involved in the music scene since he was young and holds an overall passion for all types of music. He has an ear for music and tries to pick up as many instruments as he can. Sean has sung in multiple competitive honor choirs throughout the country, ranging from All-State Honor Choir to as far as All-National Honor Choir, and plans to take off in the Music Industry in as many ways possible. Sean also recently helped book a show in Glassboro with his friends, Alex LaVallee and Alex Bradley, and plans to book many more independent shows in the near future. With a passion for music, bands, and the overall scene, he is adding music journalism to his resumé to contribute even further into this talented area we call home.