Alec Shawis a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist originally hailing the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. Drawing from a rich palette of gospel, Appalachian folk, soul, and indie pop, Shaw creates music that is both deeply spiritual and emotionally raw—bridging traditional roots with modern textures in a voice reminiscent of Otis Redding and Jeff Buckley. Shaw’s musical journey began early, guided by the influence of his father, a gospel musician, who gifted him his first guitar at the age of 11. He spent his formative years immersed in both the sacred sounds of the church and the rugged beauty ofthe Pacific Northwest, which continue to inform the natural, reverent quality of his work. His breakout full-length album, Quantity (2022), marked a significant evolution in his sound—fusing introspective lyricism with lush production. The record featured standout tracks like “Spinning,” which led to a live performance on Seattle’s legendary indie station KEXP. Known for his commanding yet vulnerable liveshows, Shaw has also shared the stage with acclaimed acts such as Ivan & Alyosha, bringing his rich sonic palette to audiences across the country. Beyond his solo work, Alec is also a sought-after producer and collaborator, having worked on numerous projects for fellow artists. Whether on stage or in the studio, Alec Shaw is an artist of emotional depth, musical integrity, and quiet boldness—carving a path that’s uniquely his own while inviting listeners into something both intimate and expansive.

Sam Milton is a Portland-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who performs intimate, melody-driven indie rock and folk. His debut full-length album, Nausea (October 10, 2025) marks his first public release. Written, performed, and produced entirely alone in his studio apartment, the record captures a balance between delicately arranged acoustic confessionals and expansive, full-band compositions that swell with layers of distorted guitars, strings, and percussion.  Milton frequently draws comparison to artists Elliott Smith and Nick Drake, some of his largest inspirations. Smith in particular has had a substantial impact on the artist, with clear influence audible in the double-tracked recordings; the melancholic tenor vocals; and the fast-paced finger-picked chord changes. As Nausea introduces Milton’s work to the world, he’s focused on expanding his live presence across Portland and the Pacific Northwest. While the majority of Milton’s performances to date have been minimal—just an acoustic guitar and vocal— coming January 16th at The Showdown, Milton will be debuting the first iteration of his live backing band in the spirit of his all time favorite concert: Nirvana’s “MTV Unplugged.” The five-piece acoustic ensemble following Sam Milton will include drummer and Showerhouse member Emmett Becker, Taxi lead guitarist Noah Powell, bassist Jacob Taylor, and violinist Carlo Mery.