PREMIERE & INTERVIEW // SHAWN DANIELS discusses the new single “Louder Than Ten” and the evolution of outlaw country

Canadian outlaw country rocker Shawn Daniels, hailing from Langley, BC, cranks up the volume with his electrifying debut single “Louder Than Ten.” Produced by Grammy award-winner Brian Howes, the track is a fiery blend of honky-tonk grit, bluesy soul, and rock ‘n’ roll rebellion. Featuring powerhouse vocalist Chandra Russell, whose soulful vocals elevate the song’s infectious energy, “Louder Than Ten” is an anthem for living life full throttle.

With lyrics that celebrate the thrill of the open road and the freedom of making your own rules, Daniels showcases his dynamic storytelling and raw, magnetic presence. From its searing guitar riffs to its chant-worthy chorus, the song is a celebration of unapologetic individuality and the transformative power of music. Whether you’re drawn to its outlaw spirit or its high-energy performance, “Louder Than Ten” is proof that Shawn Daniels is turning up the dial on modern country rock.

As a debut single, Louder Than Ten makes a bold statement. What do you want new listeners to know about you as an artist?

My music is raw, honest, and unapologetic. I’ve always believed in the power of country music to tell stories that resonate on a deep level—stories that are personal but also universal. This debut is my way of showing people that I’m here to make my mark with songs that aren’t afraid to be loud and proud, whether they’re about pain, love, or finding your way. I’m here to give a voice to the outlaws, the underdogs, and anyone who feels like they don’t quite fit the mold.

This single isn’t your first release as a Country artist. Can you tell us a bit about your history as a recording/touring artist and how this differs from your past projects?

I was in a band called Me and Mae for about a decade, and we had a really great run. We released a few albums and a bunch of singles, and toured across Canada, playing most of the major Canadian Country Music festivals. It was an incredible experience and really shaped who I am as an artist. What makes this project different is that it’s my first solo release, and after a few decades of writing and recording music and touring,  I’m wiser about the business— but still have same energy and passion that I’ve always carried with me. This feels more personal, and it’s also exciting to bring that experience into this new chapter. I’m lucky to have a few members from Me and Mae join me for this ride, so it still feels like a family effort.

Louder Than Ten is packed with energy and attitude, blending outlaw country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. How did you develop this sound, and what was the inspiration behind the song?

I’ve always been drawn to music that has a raw, rebellious spirit—whether it’s outlaw country, blues, or rock ‘n’ roll. Those genres all have this gritty, unfiltered energy that really speaks to me. “Louder Than Ten” is a mix of all those influences, coming together in a way that feels natural for me. I must give a lot of credit to producer Brian Howes for helping me develop the sound in the studio. He did a great job bringing out my authentic self by blending all my styles into one.  I wanted the song to have that hard-hitting, in-your-face vibe that grabs you from the first note and doesn’t let go. The inspiration behind it came from the great cross over bands of the 70’s that blended Country sensibility with the aggression of Rock n Roll.

You worked with Grammy award-winner Brian Howes on this track. What was that collaboration like, and how did he help shape the final sound as the Producer?

I touched on it earlier, but it truly was a collaboration that felt natural from the start. Not only did Brian and I connect on a musical level, but we also bonded over our shared love of hockey and even our favorite bands. It made the whole process feel more personal and relaxed, which is exactly what I needed. As a producer, Brian really knows how to bring out the best in an artist. He wasn’t just focused on making a great track; he wanted to make sure every part of the song reflected who I am as an artist, from the energy to the raw emotion behind the lyrics. His guidance really helped shape the sound of the song, taking it to a place I couldn’t have reached on my own. I’m really proud of how it turned out. We have since worked on some other tracks and it just keeps getting better!

The lyrics for Louder Than Ten celebrate freedom and living life on your own terms. How much of that reflects your own personal journey as an artist?

Those lyrics are autobiographical. I live and die by the musical sword. I’ve always worked for myself and on my own terms. I’ve been fortunate to have great people to team with and it hasn’t always been easy but I’d rather live 1 day as a free lion than 1000 years and as a caged lamb.

Chandra Russell’s powerhouse vocals add an extra layer of intensity to the song. When you wrote Louder Than Ten, did you envision a female voice on the track along with yours?

When I was writing Louder Than Ten, I didn’t initially plan for a female voice, but it just felt like a natural fit once the song started to take shape. In my last project, Me and Mae, we had myself and female vocalist, so it made sense to carry that dynamic into this new phase. I’ve always been a huge fan of Chandra Russell—not just her incredible voice but also who she is as a person. She’s a dear friend, a talented co-writer, and someone I really respect. While she wasn’t involved in writing Louder Than Ten, she did co-write some of the upcoming singles. I knew her voice would add that extra layer of intensity to the song, especially in the latter part. It really elevated the track to a whole new level. My mentors have always told me to do what’s best for the song, to serve the song—and bringing Chandra in was the right move. It added something special that I couldn’t have achieved on my own.

Was there a magical moment in the studio when you knew this song was destined to be the debut single?

It’s interesting because I co-wrote this track with Ted Tosoff, my main writing and production partner. We also write for other people. One day I walk into his studio and he had mentioned that he’d been working on a musical idea that he didn’t like but I said play it for me anyways. There was no melody or lyrics, but I instantly loved what I heard and it inspired me to start writing on it.  Ted jumped back in and we finished it off quickly. I knew it was a single from the first listen. Of course, Brian brought it to a whole new level but from the beginning I had a strong feeling about the track.

Outlaw country has always been about pushing boundaries. What do you think Louder Than Ten adds to the genre’s evolution?

I think it breaks away from the cookie cutter sound of Bro Country. Don’t get me wrong, I love a lot of that stuff.  It’s a bit edgier than what’s going on in the mainstream, but Brian encouraged me to be true to myself and that’s we did.  Today, outlaw country artists are experimenting with a broader range of genres and creating more eclectic sounds. In the last few years, artists like Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, and Margo Price have brought a fresh energy to the genre, embracing more experimental production while staying true to the storytelling and authenticity that define outlaw country. There’s also a rising wave of younger artists who are redefining the genre’s boundaries—challenging traditional norms with bold lyrics, innovative sounds, and an unapologetic attitude, and I am 100% ready to ride that wave!

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?

I could write a book on this topic! Being a student of music from an early age I am truly a fan of all music. I find the good in it all. From my introduction to music as a little kid sitting next to my gramma as she pounded away at the piano playing ragtime hits from her youth to hanging out with her son, my jazz guitar playing uncle to playing in heavy metal bands as a teenager. It’s tough to narrow it done but if I had to, I’d say southern rock bands of the 70’s like The Allman brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Band. From other genres I’d say Van Halen, Eagles, Billy Joel, AC/DC to name a few.

What’s next for you? Can we expect more singles or an album? Will you be touring? Any bucket list artists you would love to hit the road with?

Absolutely more singles coming and touring in the near future! There’s so many on my bucket list, but I’d love to tour with BlackBerry Smoke, Eric Church, ZZ Top to name a few.