Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Presley.
Hi Shane, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started like many people with friends in bands, you want to do something to help spread the word about your talented friends. I began to do write and started up a blog doing album reviews. I quickly realized that I’m not necessarily a great writer and I wanted people to hear the songs. It became a natural progression to move to an audio format and start this podcast. In 2014, my buddy Chris Bumeter & I started Rock Paper Podcast with the idea of talking to St. Louis musicians, comedians, and other entertaining people around town. After about a year together, Chris stepped away from the show to focus on his growing family. I began to record all the time with a wide variety of people. I loved meeting new people, sharing their stories & songs, and ultimately making new friends. Now after 7 years, there are over 900 episodes of Rock Paper Podcast available. The show opened up the opportunity for me to begin hosting a monthly songwriter showcase for 3 years along with a few benefit concerts to help locals in need.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
For the most part, it’s been fairly smooth. There was quite the hurdle with learning how to adapt during the pandemic as the show shifted to being recorded virtually over services like Zoom. The biggest struggle is probably trying to find the right balance between the podcast, the day job, and making sure to be present at home too. There are times when I find myself doing too much and need to hit the pause button.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Rock Paper Podcast is a St. Louis-based show covering all the wonderful music, comedy & more coming from our beautiful city. Occasionally I’m fortunate enough catch one of my talented friends touring through town and sprinkle a few of those interviews in there too. I think what sets me apart from other local Podcasts is longevity. I’ve been recording this same show for 7 years and still continue to discover great new music.
In Sept 2019 I put together a benefit for my mother. She had been diagnosed with Glioblastoma brain cancer. I invited a bunch of her favorite bands to perform and called it Debbstock. She passed in December 2019 and I made it a point to continue the show in her memory to help others in need. So November 28th Sunday 3-7p we return to Old Rock House for Debbstock! I’ve invited along a bunch of my talented friends One Way Traffic, Nick Gusman & The Coyotes, The Screechin Halts and Spankonya.
All proceeds go to support Glioblastoma brain cancer patients.
Any help & support is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love our music & food. St. Louis has so much to offer in these two categories and often overlooked. There are so many wonderful things happening around. Any night of the week you can discover your next favorite playing in town!
A particular favorite is Broadway Oyster Bar. The food & music always hit the spot!
Contact Info:
- Email: Rockpaperpodcast@gmail.com
- Website: Rockpaperpodcast.com
- Instagram: Rockpaperpodcast
- Facebook: Facebook.com/rockpaperpodcast
- Twitter: @rockpaperpodcas
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCbU0uB6l_OjF_wUGpdswqnQ
Image Credits
James Jackson
Keith Brake Photography
