Shawn Dailey

Shawn Dailey (born December 7, 1981) is an American bassist,^[1] music manager and music educator from Santa Barbara, California.

Early Years (1995-1999)

Dailey's career started at the age of 16. His band, Slimer, were signed to Cargo Records and put on the line up for Warped tour ‘99. The deal with Cargo came into place after Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus from Blink-182 noticed the band as they opened a show in ‘97. Already a member of local punk bands, Dailey played his first show at 14 opening for The Queers. Slimer, disbanded after the tour to attend college. Slimer featured now well known hip-hop/reggae producer, Yeti Beats, on vocals.

Brightlife - Capitol Records (2000-2003)

In 2000, Dailey started a new band Brightlife, that were quickly signed by Capitol Records. The band featured Reed Calhoun, Tim Lopez and Nick Rucker. They recorded a self titled LP and toured the United States. Tim Lopez now fronts multi-platinum hit makers, Plain White T’s. Lopez is also one of the stars of NBC’s dating show, Ready For Love.

Rock Kills Kid (2003-2008)

In 2003, Dailey joined Rock Kills Kid.^[2] Already signed to Fearless Records,^[3] the band was looking to make a follow up to their 2001 self titled EP. The band handed in demos to producer Mark Trombino (Blink-182, Jimmy Eat World), who immediately signed on to produce the record. Nearing the end of tracking, the band hired manager, Rodney Afshari, to help them make the jump to a major label. They signed to Warner Bros. Records/Reprise Records. After Mike Shipley (Def Leppard, Shania Twain) mixed the album, it was ready. Are You Nervous?, was released in 2006 and the band blew up thanks to the top 10 single, “Paralyzed.”

RKK entered the studio in 2007 to record the follow up album with super producer, Michael Beinhorn (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hole, Soundgarden). Beinhorn brought in Jack Irons(Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, The Wallflowers) to track drums. The band also hired Fisherspooner guitarist, Sam Kearney to round out the line-up. After trouble in the studio, line-up changes and label issues,the group attempted to finish the record with producer, Jeff Saltzman (The Killers, Fisherspooner) to no avail. The band was done. The record was never released.

Hole and Courtney Love (2008-Present)

In 2008 Dailey was asked by Michael Beinhorn to come meet his friend who needed a bassist. That friend was Courtney Love and the band was Hole. Dailey, a lifelong fan, was excited. They went into make a record. A year and a half and four studios later, they released Nobody's Daughter worldwide in 2010. The band signed with Jonathan Daniel at Crush Management. They toured the world and did all the late night shows and festivals. In 2014, Courtney Love released a double A-side, "You Know My Name" and "Wedding Day," which Dailey co-wrote and played bass on the recordings. The tracks were produced by Michael Beinhorn, and feature Tommy Lee on drums.

Blood Moon Therapy (2011-Present)

Dailey was asked to join, Blood Moon Therapy, in 2011. The band is fronted by, Michael Lombardi, star of the long running FX show, Rescue Me. The band did a tour for peace in Pakistan in February 2012. Working alongside The U.S. Embassy, State Department and The Humpty Dumpty Foundation, the band toured and spoke of peace and taught music master classes.

Other

Shawn is also an accomplished session player. Aside from his own bands, he has worked with Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads), Scooter Ward (Cold), John Otto (Limp Bizkit) as well as producer, Ross Robinson.

On New Year's Eve 2010, Dailey got to perform alongside one of his favorite drummers, Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company).

In 2010 Dailey performed alongside the late Ronnie Montrose at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. They performed The Talking Heads, “Life During Wartime”, with Jerry Harrison on vocals.

In 2011 he filled in on bass for The Plain White Ts on, The View.Performing their song, “Rhythm Of Love.” He also performed with his old bandmate and T’s singer, Tim Lopez, at a Christmas Charity event in his hometown of Santa Barbara. The show also featured J.R. Richards from Dishwalla.

Management/teaching/start-ups- Shawn is also a music teacher and music manager. He currently serves as Executive Director of Take Me To The River Initiative, a charity that seeks to inspire a deeper understanding of civil rights, music history, and cross-generational collaboration.

Television

Performed on the following:

• Letterman- Rock Kills Kid, Hole
• Leno- Hole
• Craig Ferguson- Rock Kills Kid
• Carson Daly- Rock kills Kid(2 times)
• The View- (Hole, Plain White T’s)
• Jules Holland(UK)- Hole
• Jonathan Ross(Uk)- Hole
• Jimmy Kimmel-(Hole)

Dailey now splits his time between Los Angeles and Sausalito California.

References