From BAM's Blog by Brandy McDonnell, Entertainment Writer
The Oklahoman
Shawna Russell Releases New Single, to Perform in Shawnee
Posted Wednesday, August 27
Rising Oklahoma country music star Shawna Russell has been a busy woman this month.
The Okemah singer-songwriter will make her first headlining appearance in her home area at 8 p.m. Friday at the Sac and Fox Casino Heartland Amphitheater, 42008 Westech Road in Shawnee.
The show will be free to the public and open to all ages.
In March, Russell released her debut CD, “Goddess,” winning praise from numerous music critics, including yours truly. She is forecast to become a major star, getting accolades from Nashville’s top music critic, Robert K. Oermann, and Country Weekly magazine, which wrote: “Her promising debut is contemporary country soaked in the influence of 1970’s country-rock and California pop - it’s a winning fusion.”
Russell last week released her second single from “Goddess” to country radio. Titled “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels,” she co-wrote the song - along with much of the album - with her father, Keith, and her uncle Tim, who also play in her band.
The song tells Russell’s story. She says in a news release, ”From an early age, I have had the luxury of being able to travel and make music for a living. This has always been such an important part of my life. So naturally, I wanted to give my listeners a peek into the events that have impacted both my life and my career.”
Russell first started singing as a child, and by age 13 she was performing regularly. At 17, she went on the road full time, honing her skills at clubs, casinos, and concert venues across the country, where she continues to build her fan base.
Obviously, she grew up in a musical family: Her father plays guitar in her band, and her uncle plays bass, produces, co-manages, and is the founder of her record label, Way Out West Records.
Recorded in Oklahoma City, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” features L.A. drummer, Russ Kunkel, whose credits include James Taylor, Carly Simon and Stevie Nicks; David Santos, bassist for Elton John, Billy Joel, and currently with John Fogerty; and guitarist, Jon Conley, who has played onstage with Wynonna, LeAnn Rimes and others. Russell’s kicking vocals were engineered by Grammy-winning Julian King, who has worked with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. The track was mixed by Emmy and Grammy award recipient, Nathaniel Kunkel, in Los Angeles, between projects with The Police and Diana Ross.
“Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” is a rollicking track with a crunchy guitar riff, playful drums and a catchy B-3 organ. It’s a fun song to listen to as you drive down the road with the windows down.
In the past few months, Russell’s first single, the title track to “Goddess,” earned airplay across the country. Russell visited radio stations in several states to support the album, winning coveted musical guest spotson the top-rated KBEQ morning talk show in Kansas City and on Voice of America’s “Border Crossings” show, which broadcasts from Washington, D.C., to more than 60 countries around the world.
For more information on the show and single, go to www.shawnarussell.com.
-BAM
Link to blog:
http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/2008/08/27/shawna-russell-releases-new-single-to-perform-in-shawnee/
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