Question 1

Who writes Shinedown's songs?

Accepted Answer

Frontman Brent Smith writes the lyrics and is the band's primary songwriter, a role he has held since Shinedown formed in 2001. The music comes from the band, with bassist Eric Bass becoming Smith's main co-writer from the Amaryllis era onward. Outside collaborator Dave Bassett co-wrote much of the Rob Cavallo-produced material.

Question 2

Who wrote 'Second Chance'?

Accepted Answer

'Second Chance' was written by Brent Smith and Dave Bassett. Bassett was Smith's primary songwriting partner on The Sound of Madness (2008), contributing to most of the album's tracks. The single reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified triple platinum.

Question 3

Is 'Simple Man' a Shinedown song?

Accepted Answer

No. 'Simple Man' is a Lynyrd Skynyrd song written by Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington. Shinedown recorded a well-known cover of it, but they did not write the song.

Question 4

Does Eric Bass produce Shinedown?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bassist Eric Bass produced Attention Attention (2018) and has produced the band's albums since, including Planet Zero (2022). He also co-writes many of the band's songs, a role that grew starting with Amaryllis.

Question 5

How many number-one rock hits does Shinedown have?

Accepted Answer

Shinedown holds the record for the most number-one singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, with 23. That total is more than any other act in the chart's history and is central to Billboard ranking them the No. 1 Greatest of All Time Mainstream Rock Artist in 2021.

Question 6

Who is the constant songwriter in Shinedown?

Accepted Answer

Brent Smith is the only original member to appear on every Shinedown release and the single lyrical voice across the catalog. Every other seat in the band has changed at least once. Smith's lyrics are the through-line from Leave a Whisper (2003) to the present.

Question 7

Who is Dave Bassett and what did he write for Shinedown?

Accepted Answer

Dave Bassett is an outside songwriter who co-wrote with Brent Smith during the Rob Cavallo-produced era. He was Smith's main collaborator on The Sound of Madness (2008), including the hit 'Second Chance.' He is a co-writer, not a member of the band.

Question 8

Did the band's songwriting change when Eric Bass joined?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Eric Bass joined on bass in 2008 and became a core songwriting partner for Brent Smith beginning with Amaryllis (2012). He later took over production duties for the band starting with Attention Attention (2018). This shifted Shinedown toward an in-house writing and producing setup.

Question 9

Is 'Eric Bass' the bassist's real name?

Accepted Answer

His full legal name is William Frederic Bass Jr. 'Eric' is his actual middle name and 'Bass' is his real surname, so his professional name is a shortened form of his legal name rather than an invented stage name. He was born October 23, 1974.