It’s not often we can say nice things about social media days given the state of, well, literally everything. However, sometimes, social media can allow us to connect with a kindred spirit — and that’s exactly what happened with Shawn Lee and Andy Platts.
In 2006, the two artists connected over Myspace, and bonded over their shared respect for the other’s music. Eventually, the duo would meet in real life and form Young Gun Silver Fox — a tour de force of soul, funk, and ’70s pop delivered through a modern lens. Their music has a timeless, yet immediate feel to it, and given the recent explosion of “souldies” and soul-based sounds in the U.S. it’s a matter of time before this British dynamic duo sky rockets into the hearts, and ears of American fans.
Recently, we caught up with Shawn Lee, the Silver Fox himself, as the duo heads to The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ on Saturday October 11 as part of their Pleasure Tour Part 1. In this interview we discussed their new album, the impact of soul music on today’s music community, and how he keeps those luscious silver locks so on point.
How does your new album, Pleasure, stand out from the rest of your catalog — both sonically and lyrically?
Pleasure was different because we wrote & recorded half the album together at Andy’s studio in Norfolk where the first four albums were made remotely in our own respective studios. This led to a very quick and focused effort which felt really direct.
How have you found the reaction to the album coming from your fan base?
A lot of fans have said that they think this is our best album yet so I’m quite pleased to hear that! You can’t really ask for more than that really.
There’s been an explosion of bands who are creating music that is very soul-based like yours? What do you think it is about soul music that appeals to today’s musical audience?
I think soul music has a depth of feeling which is medicinal in today’s bat shit crazy world. It hits you deep in your gut and makes you feel warm inside.
For someone who has never seen you perform before and they were coming out to Wonder Bar — what song would you recommend they check out in order to really understand what Young Gun & Silver Fox is all about?
I think our song “Lenny” gives you quite a potent dose of our sound. It’s all in there — Soul, chords,
What do you love about being in this group?
It is a challenge to write, record and play this kind of music but at the same time it is an absolute pleasure. It’s a happy place but it has incredible depth which is uniquely satisfying. It’s just the best!
What are five things you are excited about for the rest of the year, into early next year for the band?
I’m really looking forward to playing with my bros and bringing our music to everyone across the USA. It’s going to be an epic run of shows!
As a fellow silver fox (I’ve had gray hair since I was 14) — can you talk about your hair routine, because those locks are indeed resplendent?
(Laughs) I wash & condition my hair once a week with Aveda Blue Malva and that’s it. Nothing to it but to do it.
