Ian shortall

Contemporary Country Songwriter & Artist

Melbourne, Australia Website: ianshortall.com 

Email: shortallian@gmail.com 

Management/Songwriting/Pitch Inquiries: Chris Keaton – chris@chriskeaton.com

 

Artist Biography

Ian Shortall is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter and professional contemporary country songwriter whose authentic voice and genre-blending style are turning heads on both sides of the globe.

Ian first cut his teeth in the raw, electric live scene of Dublin, Ireland in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He performed regularly at the iconic Whelan’s Bar on nights hosted by legendary talent scout Dave Murphy, sharing stages with acclaimed Irish artists including Mundy, Damien Dempsey, Declan O’Rourke, and Paddy Casey. Those formative years instilled in him a lifelong respect for honest storytelling and the power of a great live show.

Back in Melbourne, Ian developed a sound that bridges traditional country folk and blues while fearlessly weaving in vivid imagery drawn from the metal world. Guided by the songwriting giants Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, and John Prine, his music is character-driven, emotionally direct, and instantly memorable. His independent singles — including the reflective “Chesapeake” (2023), the resilient “Get Back On The Saddle,” the brooding “Henry Brown,” and “Dancing At Crooked Point” — have earned international praise from outlets such as B-Side Guys, Last Day Deaf, HONK Magazine, and A&R Factory for their warmth, depth, and craft.

In recent years Ian has channelled his songwriting into the commercial contemporary country market. Working with dedicated Nashville song pluggers, his catalog has already secured multiple “keeps” from major-label and rising artists, including:

  • Something Borrowed, Something Blue – kept by Maddie & Tae, Clare Dunn, Carter Faith, Kylie Ryan, Kree Harrison, Alexandra Kay, Erin Kinsey
  • Hit Rock Bottom – kept by Ben Gallaher, Conner Smith, Graham Barham, Braxton Keith, Kameron Marlowe
  • Over Whiskey – kept by Braxton Keith, Alexandra Kay, Shaylen, Erin Kinsey, Mickey Guyton, Carter Faith, Stephanie Quayle, The Band Loula, and Sony Music artists

These holds prove Ian’s songs are radio-ready and resonate deeply with today’s country artists and A&R teams.

Now writing full-time from Melbourne, Ian continues to create daily while building stronger connections in Nashville through co-writes, pitching, and professional development opportunities. With a solid foundation as both a performing artist and a proven songwriter for others, he is an exciting Australian talent ready to take the next step on the international stage.

Recent Nashville Keeps & Song Catalog

Ian’s contemporary country songs are actively being pitched in Music City. Highlights include:

Song Title Artists with Keeps Demo Link
Something Borrowed, Something Blue Maddie & Tae, Clare Dunn, Carter Faith, Kylie Ryan, Kree Harrison, Alexandra Kay, Erin Kinsey /track/4677032/something-borrowed-something-blue
Hit Rock Bottom Ben Gallaher, Conner Smith, Graham Barham, Braxton Keith, Kameron Marlowe /track/4677031/hit-rock-bottom
Over Whiskey Braxton Keith, Alexandra Kay, Shaylen, Erin Kinsey, Mickey Guyton, Carter Faith, Stephanie Quayle, The Band Loula, Sony Music Artists /track/4677030/over-whiskey-full-mix
 
 

Full catalog available upon request. Open to co-writes and custom pitches.

"Ian Shortall’s ‘Chesapeake’ is a reflective ballad that showcases his storytelling prowess and melodic sensibility." – HONK Magazine

"A warm, inviting sound that draws you in with its authenticity." – Last Day Deaf

"Masterful guitar work and emotionally charged lyrics make this a standout." – B-Side Guys

Press photos

Music (Demos for Cut Consideration)

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  1. 1
    10,000 Steps 3:07
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  2. 2
    A Penny For Your Thouhts 4:01
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  3. 3
    Ain't Leavin' Tennessee 3:42
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  4. 4
    Backroad Baptism 3:37
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  5. 5
    Bartender’s Bible 3:09
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  6. 6
    Big Man in a Small Town 3:22
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  7. 7
    Break the Wheel 3:31
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  8. 8
    Bulletproof Thanks to You 2:29
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  9. 9
    Close But No Guitar 3:49
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  10. 10
    Country On My Mind 3:03
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  11. 11
    Daddys don't Lie 2:59
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  12. 12
    Empire 3:03
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  13. 13
    He Thinks I'm Prayin' 3:02
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  14. 14
    Hit Rock Bottom 3:24
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  15. 15
    Little Things 4:04
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  16. 16
    Mounains 3:17
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  17. 17
    Neon Confession 3:44
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  18. 18
    Over Whiskey - full mix 3:25
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  19. 19
    Over Whisky - male vocal 3:25
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  20. 20
    Pillow Talk 3:27
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Inquiries