It was at that time that Shawn needed to get some of this material recorded. Rather than trust someone else to record the songs, Shawn started to track his own material with a 4-Track recording system. This quickly grew into a need to record more elaborate songs, and in an effort to learn the ropes, Shawn took a 'job' working for free at a local 24 track recording studio. "I can remember spending HOURS in that studio, late into the night, recording and playing - TOO many hours" Shawn laughs. Shawn also recorded and produced a few local demos for some other aspiring artists.

As the teenage years slipped farther behind, Shawn gradually returned to a love for country music. The music became more and more 'country' as time went on. One day, after attending an inspiring country music concert, Shawn decided that it was time to get serious and take his music to another level. "I recall being at a concert of an acoustic duo "Thrasher Shiver" . I was so deeply inspired and touched by the performance that I desperately wanted to make others feel the same way with my own music" , Shawn recalls. "I needed to take it to the next level".

To the next level it went. In a big way. Shawn immediately began writing more songs, performing at large live venues, such as the prestigious Calgary Stampede, Edmonton's Klondike days, and many others. "Playing at the Stampede was just an awesome event. I realized on that stage that this is what I want to do".

Shawn's love of music inspired him to continue writing and performing original material. Songwriting seemed the most natural extension of his musical talents, but it certainly isn't easy. "Writing an original SONG is one thing, but writing a catalog of original songs is another" Shawn goes on to say. "You have to strike a good balance between songs that carry a lot of meaning, and others that just make you want to sing along. This is a very difficult balance"

To this day, Shawn views himself as a songwriter first, and singer performer second. "My goal is to have some of my original material recorded by the likes of Alan Jackson or Randy Travis. Even though songwriting is Shawn's main goal and primary focus, singing and performing certainly runs a close second. Shawn's warm personality and deep smooth baritone voice has continually captured audiences attention. Shawn's performances of his original material has received rave reviews at every venue.

Shawn is currently finishing up work on a long-awaited CD of all original material due out in Winter 2003.