Body positive advocate and Shannon and the Clams frontwoman Shannon Shaw joined Rolling Stone Magazine and The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel for a special “Musicians on Musicians” event on Friday. This intimate evening in downtown San Francisco blended conversation, performance and storytelling. Moderated by Rolling Stone’s deputy editor Joseph Hudak, the discussion brought Shaw into dialogue with electronic artist Tycho (Scott Hansen). Both hail from Northern California, and are influenced by its unique regional flavor in starkly different ways.

Shaw’s sound is retro, soulful, and raw. Her influences include California garage rock, doo-wop and country. Tycho, by contrast, focuses on atmospheric instrumentals. Their conversation quickly revealed Shaw’s philosophy of music as a type of exchange that bridges people and communities.

“I think making music is an energetic exchange,” said Shaw. “You are sacrificing and taking a risk sharing all of your insights with everyone out there, and then you are taking it all in, and alchemizing it. This back-and-forth is necessary. I just really feel that more than ever before.”

The night offered a potential snapshot into the next frontier of music culture, curated by brand partners that center place and experience, not just sound. In addition to thoughtful conversation and intimate performances, there were regionally-inspired cocktails, elevated bites, and luxe seating. Where live music has historically been purely sonic, events like this suggest a shift toward full-body memory-making. Hopefully, that future will also see more artists like Shaw at its helm.

SOURCE: Forbes