Ron Schaffer - American Freeway Blues
Cleveland, Ohio based "Ron Schaffer" releases "American Freeway Blues" as part of a 4 track EP, "Songwriter's Collection, Vol III".
Ron has previously been featured on Sheffield based Cross Country Magazine, it's great to see him making waves in international music scenes, especially here in Yorkshire!
Although this track is only 2 and a half minutes long, it doesn't fail to intrigue at all! The addition of real-life sound effects over the top of the action packed, funky instrumentation add a true cinematic range to the song, and ensures the listener never loses interest and keeps them engaged constantly throughout.
Mainly inspired by country, the track is really a refreshing listen in a world overwhelmed with modern pop and tiktok famous tracks... This top quality music has the potential to bring Country to the forefront of the charts once again! The complex guitar patterns and layered harmonic vocals are only a few of the many stunning elements that fit together to create this catchy, engrossing track.
Towards the end of the track comes a slight lull in the structure, before leading onto the next track of this 12 minute collection. "Songwriter's Collection, Vol III"
Check out the pictorial official music video below, alongside our interview with Ron!
Who Got You into Music?
When I was five years old, I asked my grandmother for a guitar. I don’t know what inspired me to do so, because my parents were not musicians. Looking back, I believe that it was Divine Providence that led me to music. There were no immediate influences upon me, so what else could explain such a thing?
When Did You Release Your First Song?
I released my first song in 1996 when I was at Chico State college. It was a simple song called “Rhythm and Blues,” which appeared on a cassette that I made with a band I was in called Pilgrim Simpleton. I later re-released on my Traveler CD in 2003.
What Instruments Do You Play?
I just play rhythm guitar. Years ago, I fooled around on a lead guitar, ukulele, etc. But over time I began to focus on one instrument due to time constraints.
How Do You Produce and Release Your Music?
For my last three records, I used a producer by the name of Brian Ascenzo (Cousin B is his nickname). I just bring him the songs, which are complete at a structural level. Then I give him carte blanche with the stylistic elements: i.e. guitar solos, basslines, etc. We have a pretty good working relationship. I believe that a good producer is the “secret sauce”. My ability to bury my ego in this regard has been a real benefit—a lot of musicians want total control over their music, which can often backfire.
After the music has been mastered, then I use the traditional sources of promotion: CD Baby, You Tube, Facebook, etc.
Who Are Your Biggest Musical Influences?
My influences have changed over time. I grew up in the 1980s, so I was influenced by a lot of the artists during that time: Night Ranger, Cheap Trick, etc. As I got into college, I started listening to a lot of psychedelic music such as the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers. Nowadays, I enjoy a lot of upbeat instrumental music such as Steel Drums from Trinidad, Spanish guitar players like Paco De Lucia, etc.
In What Genre Would You Describe Your Music as Being?
My music falls into the Americana or Country genre. I have a low voice, so I’m somewhat limited in that regard. Over time, I learned to record songs that fit into my vocal range.
I consider myself a content creator.
Do You Write Your Own Songs?
100%. I’ve made six albums and I’ve written every song on them. There was one exception, which was a ukulele track that I once recorded where the lyrics were written by a friend of mine.
