 
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
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  <language>en-us</language>  <description>News Feed from Singer/Songwriter Shane Clouse</description>  <link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/</link><item><title>SHANE CLOUSE & STOMPING GOUND</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=784</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=784</guid><description><![CDATA[<br />
You can hire Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground for almost any event.  Shane Clouse offers several different acts to cater to your event anywhere in the United States<br />
<br />
Shane Clouse  solo act,   <br />
Two piece: two guitars and two vocals.  Very intimate<br />
Three piece: bass, guitar, mandolin and vocals easy listening with a dance beat!<br />
Full Band:  4 piece band with drums up to Seven piece large band!   Rocking dance combo!!!<br />
<br />
To inquire about pricing for your event please call (406) 370-4487. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:55:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>CD RELEASE</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=783</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=783</guid><description><![CDATA[<br />
Big Sky Brewery 5:30 to 9:30 pm<br />
<br />
<br />
Shane Clouse releases his new cd "Good Thing Going On"<br />
<br />
Bob Wire opens at 7 pm.<br />
<br />
<br />
Benefit for Montana Matters Collaboration for Conservation to benefit Montana Wildife Federation and 5 Valleys Land Trust<br />
<br />
<br />
Great Montana Music and Great Montana Beer!  What a combination.<br />
<br />
Tickets at : <br />
<br />
Pink Grizzly,   Rockin Rudies,   Big Sky brewery the day of the show or at www.montanamatters.com<br />
<br />
<br />
$30 ticket includes a Montana Matters cd for adults<br />
<br />
$15 Student ticket<br />
<br />
Please bing a picinic lunch and a lawn chair.  No Host bar provides alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks!<br />
 ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:00:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>Biography</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=782</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=782</guid><description><![CDATA[<br />
Shane Clouse<br />
<br />
He’s got a voice that’ll knock your Tony Llamas off!  …Sheri Jones, Missoulian. <br />
Montana’s Best Country Act….Great Falls Tribune<br />
<br />
<br />
Shane Clouse is a singer songwriter and Montana native.  The youngest of eight children, Shane began his performing career as a toddler.  He would sing his heart out to his parents and siblings on the fireplace hearth of the family’s farm house.  Soon after, Shane started to hone his skills studying singing, dancing, acting, and learning to play several instruments. Shane won his first singing competition at the age of five.  As a solo act or with his band Stomping Ground, Shane has opened for Dierks Bentley, Phil Vasser, Huey Lewis, Joe Nichols, Rodney Atkins, Don Williams, Sawyer Brown, Michael Martin Murphy, Tom Russell, Rob Quist, Jon Anderson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Marshal Tucker. Shane’s love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing and conservation has led him to write the song “Montana Matters” to benefit the Montana Matters campaign.  As the official troubadour for Montana Matters, Shane has helped to benefit the conservation of wild things, and wild places for the Montana Wildlife Federation.  For more information please see www.montanamatters.com.  <br />
<br />
Shane has four cd’s to his credit; “Montana On My Mind”, “Midnight on the Highway” with Stomping Ground, “Montana Matters” for the Montana Matters campaign, and now “Good Thing Going On”. The song “Leaving Georgia” from Shane’s new cd is making headway, gaining regular daily rotation on regional radio stations.  The cd marks a stepping stone in Shane’s career and shows the brilliance of collaboration.  Shane worked with several other songwriters to craft the songs of “Good Thing Going On”.   The collaborations include songs written with Grammy award winning songwriter Kostas, Mike Alan Ward, the infamous Lyle Hockenschmidt, and Ken Triphan.  The song “Leaving Georgia” gives you Tom Petty like undertones with a dramatic steel guitar.  The haunting sound of “Midnight Blues” gives you a hint of a Chris Isaak sound while “You’re the One” is a throw-back to, no excuses, George Straight style traditional country.  The cd “Good Thing Going On” gives you music that soothes the soul with sincerity. <br />
 <br />
Shane would say he is blessed to do the two things he loves in life, play farmer and play music.  Shane is the owner and manager of his family’s nursery business on the land where he was raised in Missoula, MT.  Shane still keeps up a rigorous touring schedule performing solo, with his acoustic trio, and with his band Stomping Ground.  In his free time Shane enjoys hiking with his wife Kelly, training and riding his horses, playing hockey, playing rugby, writing songs, gardening, hunting and fishing!  With a strong family and a full life it is easy to say Shane Clouse has a “Good Thing Going On”.<br />
 ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:54:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>Helping the Community</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=781</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=781</guid><description><![CDATA[<br />
PRESS RELEASE<br />
<br />
FOR:			IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 6.28.2010<br />
FROM:		YWCA MISSOULA<br />
CONTACT:	Caitlin Copple, 543.6691; Shane Clouse, 370.4487<br />
SUBJECT:	“Shane Clouse to Sell CDs at YWCA Thrift Stores”<br />
<br />
	MISSOULA – Starting in July, Missoula-based country music artist Shane Clouse will begin selling his albums at YWCA Missoula’s Secret Seconds thrift stores.  Despite having shared the stage with Don Williams, Ike Reilly, Mickey & the Motorcars, Phil Vasser, Joe Nichols, Huey Lewis, Sawyer Brown, Michael Martin Murphy, Tom Russell, and most recently with Dierks Bentley, Clouse remains devoted to his native community and the many worthy causes in it, including the YWCA.<br />
	“The YWCA not only promotes women, but also strong families and good fathers,” explained Clouse.  “I support the YWCA because of the holistic ways it creates a positive environment in Missoula.”<br />
	The albums will be on sale at all three stores, located at 1136 W. Broadway, 920 Kensington, and 1221 Helen Ave, for $20 each.  Ten dollars from each disc sold will go toward the YWCA’s programs to end domestic and sexual violence and house homeless families in Missoula.<br />
	Clouse’s first album, “Montana on My Mind” came out in 2003 and was recorded in Nashville, Tenn.  In 2005 Clouse and his band Stomping Ground were chosen as “Montana’s Best Country Act” by winning the state Colgate Country Showdown and placing at the Western United States regional level. In 2008, Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground released their CD “Midnight on the Highway”.  <br />
	Clouse is a passionate supporter of community and currently serves on the boards of the Missoula Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee and the Clark Fork River Farmer’s Market.  Clouse is involved with the Montana Wildlife Federation and International Wildlife Film Festival, and in conjunction with these organizations he released the a “Songs of Montana” compilation CD to raise money for the “Montana Matters” 2009 campaign.   <br />
Founded in 1911, YWCA Missoula is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  Learn more at www.ywcaofmissoula.org and find us on Facebook and Twitter.<br />
 ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:53:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>Montana Matters Music Video</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=779</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=779</guid><description><![CDATA[Check out the music video for Montana Matters!<br />
<br />
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VTcsM-ISP3s&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VTcsM-ISP3s&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Visit the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTcsM-ISP3s">YouTube</a> page to comment!<br />
<br />
 ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:00:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>Montana Matters Concert</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=778</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=778</guid><description><![CDATA[Missoula, Mont. (July 22, 2009) -- Missoula native and country music great Shane Clouse will be the headliner when Montana Matters presents Songs of Montana: Concert and Jam Session Friday, September 18 at 7pm at the Wilma Theater in Missoula. The concert is a benefit and public debut for the Montana Matters campaign, a collaboration for conservation between the Montana Wildlife Federation and the International Wildlife Film Festival (IWFF).  <br />
<br />
Montana Matters aims to preserve Montana’s rich and storied past, its vibrant history as the embodiment of the Wild West, while at the same time ensuring the state’s abundant wildlife and magnificent forests, fields, lakes and streams are preserved for generations to come.  Additional information about Montana Matters can be found at www.montanamatters.com.<br />
<br />
Clouse, an ardent outdoorsman who was born and raised in Missoula and lives in Lolo with his wife, needed little convincing to lend his voice, literally, to the campaign.<br />
<br />
QUOTE FROM SHANE— Why does Montana Matter to me?<br />
<br />
I was born and raised in Montana with a strong background in agriculture.  For that reason I have a perpetual love for growing things and maintaining the pristine beauty that Montana provides us all.  <br />
<br />
Why did I literally lend my voice to Montana Matters? <br />
<br />
I am a member of the Montana Wildlife Federation and a supporter of the Wildlife Film Festival so it was an easy transition to lend my voice to help out both organizations.  <br />
<br />
The youngest of eight children, Clouse started singing on the hearth of his family’s farm house and won his first singing contest at the age of five. Since then his talents have taken him to stages across Montana and around the world. He and his band Stomping Ground were named Montana’s “Best Country Act” in 2005. His latest solo CD, “Good Thing Going On” is due out this fall and he has also released “Songs of Montana,” a compilation of songs donated by Montana artists to benefit the Montana Matters campaign.  Along with singing and songwriting, Clouse is a hockey player, rugby player, agriculture advocate, an avid outdoorsman, and conservationist.<br />
<br />
Several of those who donated songs for the CD, including Tom Catmull, John Floridis, Jess Kilroy and Bob Wire, will be appearing with Clouse at the Songs of Montana concert<br />
<br />
<br />
 ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>Midnight For Stomping Ground</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=775</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=775</guid><description><![CDATA[<br />
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<br />
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Archived Story <br />
It's 'Midnight' for Stomping Ground - Shane Clouse and his band release their first CD in five years, and it's a tight country groove<br />
By JAMIE KELLY of the Missoulian<br />
<br />
  Shane Clouse tunes and gets ready to perform in the Colgate Country Showdown regional finals in Great Falls in August 2005. Clouse and his band Stomping Ground won the event and moved on to the Western regional finals.<br />
Photo by LINDA THOMPSON/Missoulian <br />
<br />
Preview<br />
SHANE CLOUSE & STOMPING GROUND release their new CD, "Midnight on the Highway," in a concert at the Wilma Theater on Friday night at 8 p.m. The concert features performances also by Tom Catmull and the Clerics, and singer/songwriter David Boone. The concert is a benefit for the Missoula Community Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization that is creating a permanent endowment for Missoula charities and public projects.<br />
<br />
On the Internet<br />
<br />
• To read more about Shane Clouse & Stomping Ground, visit www.shaneclouse.com.<br />
<br />
 <br />
• To learn more about the Missoula Community Foundation, visit www.missoulacommunityfoundation.org.<br />
<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<br />
Shane Clouse would always have liked to introduce himself as a musician.<br />
<br />
Trouble was, said Clouse, he never was.<br />
<br />
That sort of admission may come as a bit of a shock to the country singer's die-hard fans, but Clouse doesn't hesitate when he says he's never considered himself much of a musician at all.<br />
<br />
Not, that is, until recently.<br />
<br />
"I've been a country singer my whole life," he said. "It's part of me. And I wanted to call myself a musician, instead of just a singer. I understand now there's a difference."<br />
<br />
The difference is Stomping Ground, Clouse's band, the three other members who make up the whole act. And those three have, over the years, taught Clouse a bit of musical humility as the band's popularity continued to grow regionally.<br />
<br />
"They are much better musicians than I am, and whether they knew it or not, they taught me how to be a musician," said Clouse, showing his perfect pearls with a big grin.<br />
<br />
Clouse has reason to smile these days, and not all of it has to do with the Friday release of his band's new CD, "Midnight on the Highway," a 12-track disc that he and his bandmates recorded themselves.<br />
<br />
The 34-year-old Missoulian, once one of the most eligible bachelors in the valley, is now quite ineligible, at least when it comes to the dating game.<br />
<br />
Last February, Clouse, who long considered himself a workaholic, non-marrying type, slipped a ring on Kelly, a woman whom "I chose very carefully."<br />
<br />
Any woman who plans to live her life out with Clouse has to understand that Clouse is driven crazy with a head full of songs and dreams of success as a country singer.<br />
<br />
"We have the same dreams," said Clouse, in an interview early this week. "We talked about our goals and the goals that I have nationally. She's 100 percent behind them. Because it's such a big part of my life, I wouldn't be able to be married to someone who didn't understand it. That's why I waited so long to get married."<br />
<br />
Waited, too, have fans for this recording, only the second the band has produced. If their output is scant, you can forgive them. Aside from Clouse's marriage, there have been other life changes that have put the squeeze on the band members' free time. And most of those changes involve diapers.<br />
<br />
Drummer Mark Sikich and his wife Denise had a child in July of 2006, and bass player Zach Millar and his wife Sarah have had two children since Stomping Ground's last CD in 2003.<br />
<br />
"You have to find time," said Sickich. "You make time to do those things. It does affect things, so we try to practice a little later in the evening, and do things when the kids are asleep."<br />
<br />
The CD, a mix of some new progressive country tunes as well as staples of the Shane Clouse stage show, is hearty, fun and more jam-based than radio-ready.<br />
<br />
It's a sound that defines Stomping Ground, if you've ever caught one of the band's live shows (and with a growing radius of band dates, you don't have to look hard to find them near you).<br />
<br />
"People have commented that we're like psychedelic country," said Clouse. "Because we jam. And there's not a lot of country bands that will do that."<br />
<br />
Or a lot of country bands that will, as Stomping Ground is known to do, break into Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" right in the middle of a honky-tonk tune.<br />
<br />
The recording of the CD itself took far more time than most as the band determined early on that it would record the music itself.<br />
<br />
That it did, setting up shop in the small, insulated basement of the Pink Grizzly, the Clouse family business on Russell.<br />
<br />
The big trouble was that Clouse and his bandmates had to take a crash course in ProTools, the recording software that is the industry standard. It is demanding software, one that comes with a manual thicker than the New York-area white pages.<br />
<br />
"We talked about pooling our money and going to a studio to do the project," said Clouse. "Several of us have done that. But we actually negotiated and arrived at the conclusion that we should buy our own equipment to give us more freedom and time. But I think we all underestimated the learning curve."<br />
<br />
So armed with a Mac loaded with ProTools and some new gear, the band holed itself up in a 12-by-12-foot room - what Clouse calls "a ghetto studio" - and began the arduous task of click-track recording.<br />
<br />
"This project was difficult because we started from scratch," said Sikich. "It's like handing over the keys to a 747 and having some average guy fly it. It was a learning process. ... The rest of the band basically has learned the system pretty good."<br />
<br />
The result is more than 1,000 pressings of a well-honed and crafted CD, wonderfully recorded and mastered. It is, at even an elementary listening, professionally made.<br />
<br />
And it had to be, said Clouse. The band has realistic hopes for this recording, saying it may just be the project that propels the band to regional if not national stardom.<br />
<br />
"As a group, we are obviously coming out with the biggest CD release we could," said Clouse. "And we accomplished that to gain maximum exposure."<br />
<br />
Still, Clouse keeps his feet firmly planted in the Missoula earth. Fame is a long shot, and he and his bandmates know it. After all, their biggest chance at making it big fell just short in the Colgate Country Showdown three years ago in Elko, Nev., and it's an experience that's still fresh in their minds.<br />
<br />
"In some ways, this band has had more success as far as publicity and opportunities than any other group I've been in," said Sikich. "It's really cool. ... But I'm realistic. I know I have to have a day job. But if something happened, it would be very cool."<br />
<br />
For Clouse, his band fills a creative niche in his life that is more about family than fame. His priority now is his wife and family.<br />
<br />
And even if he makes big splashes in the country world, he'll always make sure that home is where he swims every day.<br />
<br />
"My real goals are to be a great husband and a great father," he said. "I reached the point where I realized that if I let this person go, I'd never be fulfilled as a man. Because happiness unshared is not fulfilling. And success unshared is not fulfilling. I want someone to share that all with."<br />
<br />
Reach Jamie Kelly at 523-5254 or at jkelly@missoulian.com. <br />
 ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:00:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>Shane Clouse Top Country Act</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=777</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=777</guid><description><![CDATA[<br />
Missoulian Article 2005Share<br />
Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 11:03am<br />
Shane Clouse is state's top country act<br />
By JOE NICKELL of the Missoulian<br />
Shane Clouse ain't never been to New Orleans, but he's headed to Elko, Nev., as Montana's best country act.<br />
<br />
Clouse, whose song "I Ain't Never Been to New Orleans" has become something of an anthem to his throngs of Missoula fans, won first prize in the Montana Colgate Country Showdown on Saturday in Great Falls. He and his band, Stomping Ground, will advance to the Western states regional finals in Elko on Oct. 1.<br />
<br />
"We believe in hard work, and we won't let you down," Clouse told the crowd after accepting the award, which included a check for $1,000. <br />
<br />
The band faced down eight other acts from around Montana, all of whom had advanced to the state finals after winning in state regional competitions. Clouse and Stomping Ground previously won the western Montana regional contest at the Rustic Hut in Lolo in April.<br />
<br />
The band performed two songs - "The Auctioneer's Song" and the original "Twenty-five Beers and a Handful of Steering Wheel."<br />
<br />
More than 40 fans traveled from Missoula to hear the band perform.<br />
<br />
"Having all those fans there really gave us a lot of energy," said Stomping Ground bassist Zach Millar.<br />
<br />
Clouse, 32, formed Stomping Ground just two years ago. Since then the band has become one of <br />
 ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:00:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>Songs Of Montana</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=774</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=774</guid><description><![CDATA[The "Songs of Montana" cd is a compilation disc to benefit the Montana Wildlife Federation and the International Wildlife Film Festival.  Shane Clouse was selected to be the Official Troubadour of the MWF and the IWFF for the Montana Matters campaign.  All of The Songs of Montana  were donated by the following Montana artists.<br />
<br />
                                MONTANA MATTERS            <br />
                                   Songs of Montana<br />
                        ARTIST	           SONG TITLE<br />
1.	Introduction<br />
2.	Shane Clouse:         Montana Matters<br />
3.	Jack Gladstone:       When the Land Belonged to God<br />
4.	Tim Ryan:	           I Know the Sound a River Makes<br />
5.	Tom Catmull:           Big Tears<br />
6.	Amy Martin:	           Raven's Wings<br />
7.	Kostas:	           Paradise Valley<br />
8.	Mark Sickich:	           The Barn Song<br />
9.	Bob Wire: 	           Go Butte<br />
10.	Mike Ulvula:             From My Home<br />
11.	John Floridis	           Late May Moon<br />
12.	Rob Quist:	           Roll On Forever<br />
13.	Jessica Kilroy:          Home<br />
14.	Shane Clouse:         Montana on My Mind <br />
<br />
Montana matters will help insure that the wildlife, and wildlands of Montana are preserved for many generations to come.  <br />
<br />
<br />
 ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>Clouse Comes Home</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=780</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=780</guid><description><![CDATA[<br />
Country with integrity<br />
ARTIST: Shane Clouse RECORDING: "Montana on My Mind" Montana is the place many country singers wish they came from, but few can actually claim this state as home. Born and raised in Missoula, Shane Clouse has just released his debut album, "Montana On My Mind." A true Montanan, Clouse's album has all the professionalism of any contemporary country musician, but keeps the integrity of his hometown roots.<br />
<br />
Clouse started down the musical path at the early age of 5 years old, winning at the Police Talent Show. He explored many avenues and finally settled on country music. At 19, he began writing songs, then at 26 he hit the road for Nashville.<br />
<br />
Now, three years later, he is debuting his album in Missoula, where his music first began to grow.<br />
<br />
"Montana on My Mind" includes almost all the topics necessary for a contemporary album these days. The title track holds the ache of leaving Montana, with a gentle melody and a full swell of music. "Ain't Never Been to New Orleans" is a dancin' traveling song about bouncing all over the world. "Solemn Vow" is a traditional wedding song, with all the trimmings.<br />
<br />
There is a ballad about lost love, and a heel-kickin' country love song. "I'd Rather have a Beer" is a funny tune about a man finally getting sick of putting up with a sour relationship. The album ends with a heartfelt love song about a man stuck between his love for a woman and his love for the plains of the West.<br />
<br />
Clouse writes his songs with honesty and feeling. The stories are those of many country songs, but with an authenticity that makes them new. Though some of the musical patterns are not original, they are played in a way that makes them fresh and altogether enjoyable.<br />
<br />
"Montana on My Mind" is unpretentious and refreshing, and will be a good friend in any environment. It's available at Rockin Rudy's, Hastings and Budget Tapes and CDs.<br />
 ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:53:00 MST</pubDate></item><item><title>Leaving it all on Stage</title><link>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=776</link><guid>http://www.shaneclouse.com/article.php?article_id=776</guid><description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
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This week's most popular<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Archived Story <br />
Leaving it all on stage: Missoula country acts perform well, but fail to advance at regional contest<br />
By JOE NICKELL of the Missoulian<br />
<br />
  Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground were the final act to compete at the Colgate Country Showdown regional competition at the Stockmen's Casino in Elko, Nev. The band, who won the state title this summer, finished in third place Saturday night. <br />
LINDA THOMPSON/Missoulian <br />
<br />
Elko, Nev. - It was a strong showing for Missoula-based country acts in the west regional round of the Colgate Country Showdown on Saturday, as two local acts placed third and seventh in the semifinal competition.<br />
<br />
But neither Missoula band Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground nor local singer/songwriter/guitarist Kris Schallock will advance to the national finals in Nashville, Tenn. Phoenix, Ariz.,-based singer Michelle Rene bested all other contenders at Saturday's event. A total of seven musical acts from California, Idaho, Arizona and Montana competed in Saturday's semifinal round, which was held at the Stockmen's Casino in Elko, Nev.<br />
<br />
Moulton Jess, a band out of Idaho Falls, Idaho, took second place. Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground took third.<br />
<br />
 <br />
The margin of victory for Rene was extremely tight, and after the competition, several judges said it was nearly a toss-up among the top three contenders.<br />
<br />
"I think (Rene) will go further in the business; but if I was to book an act in my venue, I'd book one of the two bands (Moulton Jess or Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground)," said judge George Goddard.<br />
<br />
"We left it all on the stage," said Clouse after the conclusion of the competition. "There are other ways to get where we want to go. And you've got to be able to show you can take your lumps and show what you can do after you lose."<br />
<br />
"It was pretty awesome to get this far," said Schallock, who placed seventh. "This gave me a little credibility, so we'll see where it leads me."<br />
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No Montana act has ever won top prize in the 24-year-old contest.<br />
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Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground qualified to compete in the Elko regional after winning a local competition sponsored by KYSS-FM at the Rustic Hut in Florence last April. More than 400 radio stations around the country sponsor first-round competitions, and more than 1,000 acts typically sign up to compete each year.<br />
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Clouse and Stomping Ground then competed in the state finals of the Country Showdown, held at the Montana State Fair in Great Falls on July 30. They won that competition as well, earning a grand prize of $1,000 and a chance to compete in Elko this past weekend.<br />
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Schallock advanced to the regional final through a more circuitous route. After missing the deadline to enter the Montana contest, Schallock entered and won a local-level contest in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Aug. 27. Idaho sends its local winners to three different state finals, in Oregon, Nevada and Washington. Schallock ended up competing in the Oregon state finals, in Lincoln City, Ore., on Sept. 11. Once again, he placed first, sending him on to the regional Showdown in Elko. (Both of the other Idaho acts to compete in state finals also advanced to the regional, making Idaho the most-represented state in the semifinal round.)<br />
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Schallock's run to the regional round of the contest surprised no one more than himself. A relatively inexperienced performer who has never headlined a public concert, Schallock says his success in the first two rounds of the competition has given him a new level of confidence about his musicianship.<br />
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"It's pretty flattering to think people could appreciate my music at this level," said Schallock in an interview prior to Saturday's event. "People appreciating what I do has definitely already given me a confidence booster."<br />
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Schallock performed two original songs in Saturday's contest: "If This," a song about unselfish love; and "Little More Country," about growing up in Polson.<br />
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The 23-year-old musician got his first musical experience singing in church, and began playing guitar when he was in sixth grade. After graduating from Polson High School, Schallock moved to Missoula in 2001 to attend the University of Montana, and has called the Garden City his home ever since.<br />
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Although his only public performing experience has been at open-mic events and church functions, Schallock plays and writes music avidly. He is currently studying to become an emergency medical technician.<br />
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Schallock says he isn't sure whether he'll enter the contest again in the future.<br />
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"If I feel like that's something I'm led to do, I'll do it," said Schallock. "I'll mainly just continue to play for friends and family, which is what I really love to do."<br />
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For their part, Shane Clouse and the members of Stomping Ground were pleased at having advanced to the regional round of the contest, but they say they won't enter the contest again.<br />
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"I think it served its purpose for us," said Clouse. "It really helped put us on the map. I'm bummed because everybody hates to lose; but I've lost before, and I think it's what you do next that shows your mettle."<br />
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The band intends to now focus its efforts on recording a new CD, and to continue polishing its live show.<br />
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"We put on a great show at the Old Post (in Missoula), and we'll put on a great show someday at Texas Stadium," said Clouse. "This doesn't change things for us in that regard."<br />
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Despite their ambitions, it is unlikely that Clouse and his bandmates will soon be leaving Missoula to make their way in the country music business. Clouse manages the Pink Grizzly, a garden supply store owned by his family and located on Russell Street. Bassist Zach Millar works as a distribution coordinator at Big Sky Brewing Company; guitarist Ryan Fadden is a self-employed carpenter; and drummer Mark Sickich works at Lithia Motors.<br />
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The band is a regular fixture at area nightclubs, and has performed opening sets at high-profile concerts by Sawyer Brown and last spring's Phil Vassar/Joe Nichols double-bill at the Adams Center. Although the band played a range of cover songs during those performances, it focuses primarily on writing and performing original music in the so-called "Outlaw Country" vein.<br />
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Clouse and Stomping Ground performed one original song in Saturday's contest, titled "Ain't Never Been to New Orleans." Clouse noted that the song, which he wrote years ago while living in Los Angeles, gained extra poignancy for him in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.<br />
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The band rounded out its two-song performance with the classic "Auctioneer's Song." They performed that song, along with the original "25 Beers and a Handful of Steering Wheel," in the Montana Country Showdown.<br />
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Performers in the Country Showdown are judged on a 50- point scale, with separate scores given for marketability in country music, vocal/instrumental ability, originality, stage presence and charisma, and talent. Up to three bonus points are given for performing original music.<br />
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Despite the results of the contest, Missoula's local musicians were upbeat on Saturday night.<br />
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"I'm not gonna think about the loss any more tonight," said Stomping Ground drummer Mark Sickich. "I have 12 hours to think about it tomorrow, driving back to Missoula."  ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:16:00 MST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>