653 – Ashlyn Shanafelt: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Ashlyn Shanafelt is a force to be reckoned with. Filled with equal parts talent, skill, and dedication coupled with sheer determination and fearlessness, Shanafelt has carved out a nice career for herself. When asked what the biggest contributor to her success has been, she credits her willingness to get uncomfortable as the thing that has created the biggest shift for her, both musically and mentally. This shift has led her to build a full schedule of gigging, teaching, and recording in studios around Austin and beyond.

Ashlyn also thinks outside of the box. A prime example is how she uses social media as a springboard to showcase her abilities, build meaningful relationships and eventually land work from the musicians she connects with. But make no mistake about it, Ashlyn is no “insta-drummer”…she’s a phenomenal player who has built a great reputation by putting in the work, paying her dues and delivering when called upon.

Ashlyn Shanafelt talks about

• Her first set of drums and why she plays the way she does
• Growing up in Texas and getting involved in the music scene
• Deciding to pursue drums
• How she used social media to get gigs
• Her process for deciding what to practice
• Balancing music and life
• The things she loves (and dislikes) about teaching
• What she’s working on now

Resources/Links mentioned:

• Contact Ashlyn: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
• Effective Practicing for Musicians by Benny Greb