Shawna in CMA Up Close

CMA Close Up Debut Artist Spotlight

October/November 2008 issue

By Robert L. Doerschuk 

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. As co-writer on 12 of these 13 songs, she flaunts a commercial touch and tempers it with pure feeling, whether in the stadium-sized anthem “Get Out of My Way,” the crunchy punch of “Back on My Feet” or the Little Feat-flavored funk of “Little Dixie.” 

 Yet Goddess ultimately showcases Russell’s personal blend of toughness, tenderness and tunefulness. Raised in a musical family, she was singing in public by age 7 and co-leading a band with her father Keith at 13. Four years later, as a member of Way Out West, her uncle Tim’s band, she was shining in the spotlight at The Grizzly Rose in Denver, Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville and other high-profile clubs. 

 Her family ties remain intact, with her father and uncle still writing with her and playing in her band and Tim co-producing Goddess with Ted Curtis. But with her name on the marquee now, with three years of touring with Ty England behind her and a glittering future ahead, Russell can take pride for launching her catalog with this powerful debut.  

MUSICAL HERO “My dad.”

CD IN YOUR STEREO “Gold, by Ryan Adams.”

SONG YOU WISH YOU’D WRITTEN “‘Leader of the Band,’ by Dan Fogelberg.”

GREATEST PERFORMANCE TO DATE “Opening for Keith Urban at the Grizzly Rose

in Denver."

SECRET ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD GUESS “I never wear a watch. They just stop working.”

LUCKY CHARM “A talisman necklace.”