We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Shane recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I just recently put together a Tribute to the Bangles band, but I’ve wanted to do this for the longest time. My love for the Bangles started at around age 11 in music class when we could take turns lip-syncing to our favorite bands. I brought in an electric guitar we had hanging around in our house as a prop and joined a few girls up in front of the class to lip sync and dance to “Walk Like An Egyptian.” I was Susanna Hoffs, the lead singer of The Bangles. I made sure to do the famous Susanna Hoffs eyes looking left to right while I sang her part. I remember feeling really cool. Like a real rock star! This was just the beginning.

It wasn’t until my late 20’s when I had the chance to play a Rickenbacker 350SH Susanna Hoffs Signature guitar. It was beautiful. I played it for many shows throughout the years. In the back of my mind, I always wondered what it would be like to someday form a Bangles band and play this guitar. Then I thought, maybe someday. I’m not sure what was holding me back. Maybe I thought it would be difficult to find the rest of the band members or maybe I wasn’t sure if I sounded enough like Susanna. I just didn’t feel like I could make that jump to start something up.

In the summer of 2022 at the age of 45, I finally got up the courage. I really just woke up one day and thought what am I waiting for, let’s do this. I looked at my husband Scott and said, “I’m going to put together a Bangles band.” I was off and running.

I put some ads up looking for a female bass player, lead guitarist and drummer. First, I found a drummer. Genna Faia! We immediately bonded on the phone about our love for The Bangles and excitement for the project. We both continued the search for lead guitar and bass.

Next, Jennifer Trogdon answered my guitarist wanted ad. She had answered another ad I had up, but I never got her message. So she sent a new message. I never received the first one, but I’m so glad she sent me a second one! The three of us decided to meet up and play, even without a bass player. So many laughs and great times! Our personalities and sense of humor just blended perfectly. But now bass. We could not find a bass player. Weeks and weeks went by. Genna and I kept saying, if we can’t find bass, well, maybe it just wasn’t meant to be at this time.

Finally, after asking friend after friend for a referral for weeks, Chris Nine’s name came up. Chris not only played bass, she could play keyboards and sing beautiful harmonies too. Making us even more rockin’! We all began working together. It wasn’t easy. Bangles songs might seem easy, but when you start diggin’ in there are many things to work on. Especially those harmonies! Oh, we also named the band.. The Hazy Shades!

After some practices, I booked our first show and we now had a goal. Our first gig was at Meanwhile Brewing in Austin, TX on Saturday, August 13th at 10pm. We had been practicing twice a week for weeks! We couldn’t wait to show everyone our set with all the hits!

My dream finally came true. It took a lot of work, but the right musicians came along at the right time. Genna, Jennifer and Chris- I owe you a big thanks. Sometimes I think back to that day in elementary school when we lip synced “Walk Like An Egyptian” and just smile. It really came full circle. I finally had my chance to be on stage singing Bangles songs!

Brittany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started playing guitar and singing during my Sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I quickly fell in love with the guitar; playing it at all hours. I put together my first band in Madison and soon started getting press reviews from publications like the Wisconsin State Journal. When I felt like I had gone as far as I could in the Madison area, I bought a one way ticket to San Francisco. I soon found The Fillmore and began playing in their upstairs Poster Room. When they heard my album “Have Heart Live Young” they promoted me to playing at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California opening for Heart, Foreigner and Peter Frampton. I was also opening for bands like Crash Test Dummies and The English Beat at venues in San Francisco. More at: www.brittanyshane.com

What are the services I provide for my clients:

Music for events which include solo acoustic or full band with original music or covers. I also front a Bangles Tribute Band.

What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know your work:

I’m very professional. I’m always on time, ready for the show and I make sure everyone has fun!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I was younger, I thought people were just born with the ability to sing well. As I’ve made my journey, I’ve realized that anyone can learn to sing. You just have to have the drive, dedication and be willing to learn. Taking voice lessons changed my life. When I hear someone say, “I wish I could sing,” I always say, “You can. You just have to put in the work, take lessons and you’ll get there.” The same goes for guitar!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I love being on stage. I started dance at the age of 2 and a half in Baraboo, Wisconsin. When I take a break from performing, I always find my way back to the stage either singing, playing guitar or dancing (tap dancing is my favorite).

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brittanyshane.com
• Instagram: @brittanyshanemusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittanyshanemusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fszEgooklCI
• Other: The Hazy Shades (Bangles Tribute Band) links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thehazyshadesband Instagram: @thehazyshadesband website: www.thehazyshades.com

Image Credits
Photo of The Hazy Shades by Phil McJunkins – 4 square photo with each person named clockwise: Chris Nine, Gena Faia, Jennifer Trogdon and Brittany Shane. Poster for the Meanwhile Brewing gig- photos by Phil McJunkins, Poster Design by Britt Kilpatrick (Bright Eyed Birdie). Photo of Brittany with white hat and guitar by: Scott Sullivan. Photo with of Brittany with a Vox Amp and Martin Negative guitar by: Heward Jue. Black and White Photo of Brittany Shane’s new single “Here We Go Again” that is out now everywhere is by: Carla Mastrangelo.