IMRO Creative Rooms is an online content series that invites artists to share an intimate insight into their creative process, by showing the spaces they create in.
Adam Shanahan is a music producer, mix engineer, recording engineer and songwriter from North County Dublin. Having begun his journey in the music industry playing drums in bands, he eventually graduated to recording in professional studios and pivoted into the studio-based side around 2017 having received support from internationally-known producer Philip Magee. Since then Shanahan’s rise has been undeniable, being recruited by artists such as Nealo, Shiv, Bobbi Arlo, Melina Malone, 7th Obi, Rebel Phoenix, Adam Garrett & Pat Lagoon to name a few of many more.
Shanahan now proudly stands as one of the most versatile and top names in music production in Ireland having a wealthy list of accolades, including two back-to-back RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominations, executive producing Nealo’s “All the Leaves Are Falling” nominated for Album of The Year in 2020 and producing, mixing and co-writing Bobbi Arlo’s “Feel It” nominated for Song of The Year in 2021. The vast majority of his work has been receiving heavy support from radio stations and Spotify’s editorial team with releases making playlists regularly. The total number of streams on work produced, co-written or mixed by Adam Shanahan is now well in excess of ten million.
Shanahan also sporadically releases electronic music of his own under the pseudonym MYFAULT, drawing influence from 80’s disco, house, trance and modern pop-electronica.
How important is it for you to have a dedicated creative space?
I think having a space outside of your living quarters to work in is key to my creative process. To be able to go somewhere specifically for the purpose of creating gets you in the headspace to do exactly that, whether you might realise it or not. It’s like going to an office instead of working from home if you know what I mean? I’m aware it’s a massive privilege to be able to have a dedicated space like this, and I think that’s always in the back of my mind too, so it’s important for me to share it where possible also. We’re lucky to have a small studio family (3 of us share) so it’s always being utilised, and that’s important when you have a space like that.
What makes this space work for you?
I mentioned my studio family there – we’ve done a lot over the years to make it work and maintain it to a high standard. That includes essentially knocking it down and rebuilding the main room 2 years ago, re-soundproofing the building, sharing our equipment, etc. It’s a team effort.
In what way(s) does this space influence your output?
The space itself kind of has its own lifeforce – it has the ability to calm you instantly while also encouraging you to be creative. It’s not massive, it’s just a small space but the creative weight it seems to carry is a lot larger than itself. With all the work we’ve done (both structurally and creatively) since getting our hands on the place, we’ve definitely imparted a part of our hearts and souls into the room as well.
What’s your favourite instrument/piece of kit? And why?
Definitely our vocal mic. It’s recorded some of the country’s finest voices over the years and gives off such a unique warmness. By far and above the USP for tracking vocals!
What would make this space better for you?
I honestly can’t think of a thing. We have some cosmetic work to do but I wouldn’t take that into account – that’s just me being picky! The space is perfect and I wouldn’t change anything about it.
Connect with Adam Shanahan
