The Western Swing Authority -
From the very first time Shane Guse heard Merle Haggard’s tribute album to Bob Will’s he simply couldn’t get enough of western swing music. A hybrid of several different styles of music, western swing incorporates traditional string band, jazz, blues, folk and traditional pop melodies to create an intoxicating musical gumbo. After a chance meeting with fiddle legend Buddy Spicher and fueled by inspiration found in bands like Grammy-award winning Asleep At the Wheel and The Time Jumpers, Shane and his wife, vocalist Stacey Lee Guse, took on the task of creating a space for this genre in the Canadian musical landscape. Fifteen years later, Western Swing Authority are not only credited for reintroducing the western swing sound to an entire new generation of music lovers, but they have also earned awards and nominations in both Canada and the United States for their four full length albums, numerous singles, videos and countless performances, many alongside some of the biggest names in country music.
Relying on their musical pedigree as successful touring and session performers, Shane and Stacey sent an email to their network asking to connect with those looking for opportunities to play this brand of music. By the next morning Western Swing Authority was formed. A house gig twice-a-month for the next seven years at the Commercial Tavern in Maryhill, Ontario not only cemented the Western Swing Authority sound, but it also solidified the growing demand for their live performances. The relationship with the venue and its owner, Paul Weber, had such an impact on the musicians, it became the inspiration for the band’s original song, “This Old Bar” off their fourth album, Big Deal.
Their first self-titled album, The Western Swing Authority was recorded live off the floor in a matter of hours after a friend offered the group an afternoon in the studio. The recording captured the authenticity and energy that has become WSA’s ubiquitous sound. They went on to record three more albums and a live performance DVD that feature a mix of originals and traditional music. In 2024, they will release 12 to 6 Central, a new recording produced by famed singer-songwriter and guitarist Colin Linden. A Grammy winning producer and nine-time JUNO award winner, Colin Linden has worked with an incredible list of musical icons including Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Keb Mo, and Bruce Cockburn. With the Western Swing Authority, Colin built around the live magic that emanated from having the band all together in the same room. It was just the right mix of energy, cohesiveness, and fun in the studio.
Described as a coming-of-age project for the band and their sound, 12 to 6 Central is a testament to the trust and ease that can only come from a band that has played so closely together for so long. The goal of making this album was to step out of their comfort zone and capture a moment in time that held the energy of a live performance. A product that showcases the variety of musical personalities and stylistic approaches of each member in a raw and honest style. 12 to 6 Central boasts writing credits from more band members than ever before. The result is an emotional ride that is engaging in every way. From true heartbreak to upbeat and carefree. Inviting the listener to re-live these songs over and over again.
WSA’s commitment to the authenticity of their sound is something that sets them apart from many other artists. They are unapologetically immovable in their desire to create a musical experience that builds on their personal passion for the western swing genre. They find a real joy in playing this music which compels audiences to dance whether there is a dance floor or not. You may laugh, you may be moved to tears, but either way a WSA show is always a night to remember. The group’s live performances have been aptly described as "all killer, no filler" (Cashbox Canada, 2020)
Over their remarkable 15-year career, WSA has experienced many highlights including performing a private party for Bob Doyle and Garth Brooks, being nominated for the Canadian Country Music Association Group of the Year and performing at the Paramount Theatre in Austin TX for the Ameripolitan Music Awards.
“Love the WSA. Great accomplished players who play Western Swing like it should be played!” - Ray Benson/Asleep at the Wheel
“The Western Swing Authority is taking our music into the new millennium. With exceptional musicianship and knock your socks off vocals, they’re everything a swing band should be!” - Carolyn Martin/Western Swing Hall of Fame inductee
“As Merle Haggard brought the music of Bob Wills and Western Swing to a new generation of listeners, The Western Swing Authority is paying it forward not only by recording and performing these classics, but also writing new material proudly carrying on the style of traditional Western Swing music.” - Scott Wikle – My Kind of Country
“It’s impossible to listen to this record and not feel happy afterwards.” -Country Perspective
“A retro treat” - New Canadian Music
“Lush and fabulous. ” - Robert Oermann, Music Row Magazine
“Perhaps the finest album I have heard for some time” - Russell Hill Maverick Magazine
Awards and Nominations
2022 - CMA Ontario Awards - WINNER - Roots Artist of the Year
2021 - CMA Ontario Awards - Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year
2021 - CMA Ontario Awards - Nominated - Group of the Year
2021 - Academy of Western Artists - Nominated Best Western Swing Female, Stacey Lee
2020 CMA Ontario Awards - Nominated - Group of the Year
2020 CMA Ontario Awards - Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year
2019 CMA Ontario Awards - Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year
2019 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated – Best Western Swing Group
2019 Ameripolitan Music Awards - Nominated - Female Western Swing, Stacey Lee
2018 CCMA Awards - WINNER - Specialty Instrument Player of the Year
2018 CCMA Awards - Nominated - Guitar Player of the Year
2018 CMA Ontario - Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year
2018 Ameripolitan Music Awards - Nominated - Western Swing Female - Stacey Lee
2017 CCMA Awards - WINNER - Fiddle Player of the Year
2017 CMAO Awards - Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year
2016 CCMA Awards - WINNER -Steel Guitar Player of the Year
2016 CCMA Awards - WINNER - Fiddle Player of the Year
2016 CCMA Awards - Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year
2016 CMAO Awards - Nominated - Group of the Year
2016 CMAO Awards - Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year
2016 Academy of Western Artists - WINNER - Best Western Swing Female (Stacey Lee)
2016 Academy of Western Artists - Nominated - Best Western Swing Album (Now Playing)
2016 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated – Best Western Swing Group
2016 Ameripolitan Music Awards - Nominated - Female Western Swing, Stacey Lee
2015 CCMA Awards – Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year
2015 Country Music Association of Ontario – WINNER – Group of the Year
2015, 2014 Country Music Association of Ontario – WINNER – Roots Artist
2015 Academy of Western Artists – WINNER – Best Western Swing Group
2015 Academy of Western Artists – Nominated – Western Swing Female, Stacey Lee
2015 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated-Best Western Swing Group
2015 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated-Female Western Swing, Stacey Lee
2014 CCMA Awards – Nominated – Group of the Year
2014 CCMA Awards – Nominated - Roots Artist of the Year
2014, 2011, 2010 CCMA All Star Band Award – WINNER -Shane Guse, Fiddle player of the year
2015, 2014, 2013, 2011 CCMA All Star Band Award – WINNER - Ed Ringwald, Steel player of the year
2014 Country Music Association of Ontario – Nominated – Group or Duo
2014 Academy of Western Artists – Nominated – Best Western Swing Group
2014 Academy of Western Artists – Nominated – Female Vocalist (Western Swing)
2014 Ameripolitan Music Awards – Nominated – Best Western Swing Group
2013 Independent Music Award – WINNER - Best Americana Song “I've Got A Feelin'”
2013 IMA Vox Populi Award – WINNER - Best Americana Song “I've Got A Feelin'”
2013 Country Music Association of Ontario – Nominated – Best Group
2013 Country Music Association of Ontario – Nominated – Songwriter of the Year “All Dolled Up”