Up-and-coming country rocker Shawna Russell of Okemah, Oklahoma, is profiled in a new artist “Spotlight” feature in the October/November edition of CMA Close Up magazine, according to a news release.
The added attention comes after the Country Music Association named her one of their “Who New to Watch in 2008″ artists earlier this year, and it coincides with her emerging success on the heels of two radio singles from her critically acclaimed debut CD, “Goddess.”
The CMA Close Up feature says “‘Goddess,’ Shawna Russell’s debut album on Way Out West Records, wraps mainstream pop, romantic balladry and high-impact rock ‘n’ roll into a pure country package. The Oklahoma native’s singing echoes Martina McBride, Stevie Nicks or Bonnie Raitt, depending on how hard the drums drive or the power chords ring.”
The “Spotlight” focuses on her musical early years, when Russell first sang in public at age 7 and co-led a band with her father, Keith, at age 13, before going on the road full-time at 17 with her uncle Tim Russell’s band, Way Out West. She performed at several of the top clubs in America and spent 3 years fronting for fellow Okie and Garth Brooks protégé Ty England.
In 2007, Russell and her uncle/producer, Tim Russell, began work on her debut album and she and her family band permanently put her name out front.
Working with Ted Curtis at Upstairs Productions Studio, and armed with demos of Russell’s captivating voice, they enticed some of the industry’s top musicians and engineers to come to Oklahoma City to make Russell’s debut album.
Her current single “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” is gaining fast traction at Mainstream and Texas radio.
Russell’s CMA Close Up “Spotlight” closes with a glowing endorsement for her: “With her name on the marquee now, and a glittering future ahead, Russell can take pride for launching her catalog with this powerful debut.”
- BAM