Portland singer-songwriter Shawn Brown has returned with his freshest release to date, ‘What a Way to Go’, out now via Bootney Lee Records. Following a string of soul-baring releases after a long break from the music scene, this new track sees Brown cranking the volume knobs without losing an ounce of the genuine emotional weight that grounds his work.
At its core, the single paints a vivid picture of a young romance being tested by constant instability and the relentless pressures of modern life. It follows two lovers stubbornly clinging to each other while everything around them feels on the verge of collapsing. Rather than surrendering to despair, Brown transforms that exact tension into a cathartic rallying cry.
As he puts it: “I wanted this song to feel like the moment when two people realise the world might be falling apart around them, but they’re still holding onto each other anyway. Sometimes all that’s left to do is turn the guitars up, sing your heart out, and go down swinging.”
That defiantly optimistic ethos is stitched directly into the music. Recorded at The Trench in his adopted hometown of Portland alongside engineer Gregg Williams, the track showcases Brown’s tight-knit core band—featuring Ben Landsverk on keys, Jeff Langston on bass, and Ned Failing on drums. Acclaimed producer Grecco Buratto (whose credits include Shakira and Tegan and Sara) adds layers of electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, and soaring harmonies, creating a cinematic wall of sound. The instrumentation expands naturally as it progresses; piano notes shift into cascades, while rich rhythms build towards a chorus practically tailor-made for late-night drives and crowded rooms.
With the new single, Brown delivers his lines with a raspy warmth that gives every lyric a lived-in authenticity. While traditional rock tropes can occasionally feel overly polished, ‘What a Way to Go’ hits the sweet spot between raw, punchy energy and real emotional honesty. The final mix by Tiago Becker and mastering by Juan Garcia Petri polish the edges without dulling its bite.
Overall, it is a brilliantly executed track that feels both intimate and expansive. Make sure to follow Shawn Brown on Facebook, Instagram, and his website so you don't miss out on upcoming release shows, vinyl updates, and new music.
