Shannon Vetter’s latest album, Holding Pattern, emerges as a deeply personal reflection and an auditory canvas painted with themes of addiction and heartbreak. Identifying as a masc-presenting non-binary person with bipolar disorder, they are an advocate for mental health awareness and therapy. Having already delved into themes of being a “Sad Drunk,” in their previous work, this new collection of songs does not seek to romanticize the acts of drinking or falling in and out of love. Instead, it delves into the complexities of continuing these behaviors into one’s 30s, reflecting a sense of maturity and introspection.
Recorded at House Productions in New Albany, IN, by Cory Pollard and co-produced alongside Aaron Bibelhauser, Matt Robinson, and Vetter himself, Holding Pattern is a culmination of six years of songwriting. These tracks, as Vetter shares, are the songs that didn’t fit within the rock frameworks of his other bands, Vezl and Big Atomic. Their latest project represents a bold and unembellished version of folk and Americana. In this endeavor, they have masterfully distilled the core elements of these styles.
The journey to this album was a turbulent one, shadowed by a toxic relationship that began in 2018. This relationship, as Vetter candidly admits, was both a muse and a millstone. Releasing these songs—love anthems and breakup ballads alike—was a form of catharsis, a much-needed release that has now set the stage for a new creative chapter.
Sonically, Vetter aspired to channel the early 2000s alt-country sound, drawing inspiration from bands like Wilco, Son Volt, Drive by Truckers, and Gillian Welch. Vetter praises the collaborative spirit that defined the recording process, where trust in his fellow musicians allowed for organic arrangements and the emergence of a solid touring band—unlike the experience with their previous record, Rapid Cycle, which saw a more chaotic creation and disbandment.
Holding Pattern stands in contrast to Rapid Cycle, not just in sound but in structure. With a more stable ensemble, Vetter and his band honed 12 songs through rehearsals before recording them in a focused, one-week studio session. This process highlights a growth in direction and cohesion for Vetter as an artist and a bandleader.
Beyond the music, Vetter is an open book about their life experiences. As a music teacher and multi-instrumentalist, they bring a breadth of musical knowledge to their work. Their past musical ventures range from jazz to bluegrass to funky jam bands, reflecting a rich tapestry of influences. Vetter also doesn’t shy away from discussing the role of substances like mushrooms and cannabis in their life, crediting them with expanding their consciousness and advocating for their use under the right circumstances.
Holding Pattern is not just an album; it’s a narrative of resilience, self-discovery, and the honest confrontation of life’s complexities. With each track, Shannon Vetter invites us into their world, offering a soundtrack to those who seek solace in authenticity and raw, unvarnished storytelling.
PREVIOUS PRESS
“It’s easy to get lost in the stories and melodies of Vetter’s emotion-filled lyrics, which explore themes of love, longing, and the human condition. Holding Pattern is a wonderful work of art that showcases Shannon Vetter’s songwriting and musical talents. With its evocative lyrics and an ensemble of top-notch musicians, this album is a must-hear for anyone who appreciates emotional depth and musical diversity within the Americana genre.” – Leo Weekly
“It’s his turn to be front and center.” – Louisville Public Media
“Like many musicians, Shannon Vetter relies on inspiration that is often personal in nature.” – Murray Ledger
“Shannon Vetter is, of course, passionate about his music, but he’s much more passionate about social justice and civil rights issues that plague both Louisville and America at large.” – Leo Weekly