For musicians, live shows on New Year’s Eve can take on an interesting dynamic. To capture the full flavor of such shows, we chatted with Shane Hines, a local musician recently transplanted to Nashville, to seek his veteran opinion on the festivities heading into the Dec. 31 show he’ll be playing at Jammin’ Java with The Blackjacks, Crash Boom Bang and Billy Woodward & The Senders. 
For musicians, live shows on New Year’s Eve can take on an interesting dynamic. To capture the full flavor of such shows, we chatted with Shane Hines, a local musician recently transplanted to Nashville, to seek his veteran opinion on the festivities heading into the Dec. 31 show he’ll be playing at Jammin’ Java with The Blackjacks, Crash Boom Bang and Billy Woodward & The Senders.
Mike Hume: How many New Year’s shows have you played over the course of your career?
Shane Hines: I’ve probably only played about four or five. It’s New Year’s so there’s a million options on how to spend your time. I’ve played one or two shows that you get paged huge money and you’re in the middle of North Carolina, without your friends, and you’re playing for like 20 people. Honestly, it’s a little depressing. Sure, you just made a crap load of money, but honestly, that’s not really the way you want to ring in the New Year.
The thing I’m loving about this Jammin’ Java show is that there are four great bands, and they’re friends. After that experience I just mentioned, after that I vowed never to do a New Year’s show again unless I feel great about the show. I’m not going to do it just for money. I want to bring in the New Year in a positive way.
Hume: Given the number of options for concert goers on that night, do you feel extra pressure to live up to their expectations?
Hines: You like to think you bring it regardless, but there’s such a celebratory feeling at those shows that you want to make sure everyone’s having a good time. Add in that New Year’s is usually more expensive and you certainly don’t want to suck. But I always feel an obligation to do well whenever puts a dollar down to come see us.
Hume: Are New Year’s shows a little wilder than most?
Hines: Actually, they almost feel more laid back, but people are hammered. They’re just having a great time and there’s that sense of newness. People are just celebrating. Everyone’s decided that this is the night that they’re going to kick out the old year and just parties like crazy. It’s a fun vibe.
Hume: What’s your plan for this show at Jammin’ Java?
Hines: We’re the last show to go on. We go on right before midnight, so I’m thinking by then, people are just going to be hammered. But it’s going to be fun. We’re going to get all the bands up on the stage and just do whatever.
Hume: So when the ball drops, you don’t have a plan to play “Auld Lang Syne” or anything?
Hines: Yeah, we’re going to do it like Jimi Hendrix and Band of Gypsys. Not really, but I know we’re all going to be on stage. At least that’s the plan. I honestly think that will be a day-of decision. Maybe I should learn that song just in case … I’ll go listen to the Band of Gypsy’s version and bring it in like that.
Hume: Let’s close it out with what’s going on with you in Nashville. What inspired the move?
Hines: I was down there so much doing writing and stuff and after a little while it’s like, you know, I think I’m going to live here. This guy down there, a friend of mine, told me “If you want to succeed, you have to be present to win.” So here I am and recording a new full-length record. It should be out in February or March. It’s definitely a relationship record, but it’s not all dark and depressing.
• For more information on the show and his upcoming album, visit www.shanehines.com.
