Shawna Russell 2012 AG Award for Oklahoma Singer Songwriter of the Year

Shawna Russell for her contributions to Oklahoma with her Music with her albums deserves recognition in this blog.

It is for this reason that Shawna Russell receives the 2012 AG Award for Oklahoma Singer Songwriter of the Year

The Great Music Lives On In These Artists

The recent deaths of Barry Gibbs of the Bee Gees and Donna Summer has people wandering about the future of true rock and pop music. Many have been complaining with justification about the death of rock and pop music and its replacement with generic bland music that is mediocre.

The trend appears to point in the direction with the music conglomerates cramming such music and their artists down the throats of consumers. It appears that the conglomerates in Hollywood and New York are winning the battle or are they?

If generic bland mediocre artists with their so called music and sponsors from the conglomerates are winning is because the people allow this to happen. The people who love music are masters of their own domain and do not have to take perpetual stupidity from the conglomerates and their make shift artists.

After all, generic bland mediocre artists and their music is a violation of human rights. It is torture to the ear as well as the eye. For starters, rock, pop, jazz , Latin fusion and country music is alive and kicking on many areas of the United States of America as well as the world.

Texas and Oklahoma

The Lone Star State of Texas and the Sooner State of Oklahoma are one of the state’s leading the revival of great music. Oklahoma has one of the greatest artists in the form of Shawna Russell who released a self titled album.

Ms. Russell is leading the way to true music with hits such as “Sounds Like A Party” blasting through the streets of Main Street America. Ms. Russell is a down to earth singer with a thorough recognition of Country and Rock Music.

Christen Sawyer is another rocker who has a grip on the music with her song “Crazy”. Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Russell are the new generation of rock music with an edge that could give Taylor Swift a run for her money. The reason is [personal opinion aside] that Ms. Sawyer and Ms. Russell are better than Ms. Swift.

Karen Chisholm is another artist whose music transcends boundaries of all types. She recorded “A Perfect World” and made a film (and video) based on the music. Ms. Chisholm also recorded “Random Year” which is a reflection based on the realities of life. Ms. Chisholm is proof that rock music is alive and kicking.

Who can forget other artists such as Jessica Shepherd, Deann Rene, John Arthur Martinez, and Mark Allan Atwood? What about Chip Murrey and Texas Underground as well as Vanessa Peters?

Jessica Shepherd does a great job in combining Rock, Country, and Gospel with songs such as “Pray For Peace and Love” and “Get A Ride With God” in the Rockin Gospel Project.

 

Deann Rene has some of the greatest rock music in the 21^st Century. John Arthur Martinez has some great hits from his album “Utopia” as well as a song called “Cajita De Milagros” which is number one on those who loves great music.

Mark Allan Atwood as well as Chip Murrey and Texas Underground have music that can stun even the mediocre artists. Mr. Atwood’s album “How Country” is an example of such power that provides an alternative to the mediocrity of today’s music.

Chip Murrey and Texas Underground delivers a powerful Texas Progressive Rock to those who need it. The concerts given by Chip Murrey and Texas Underground are so popular because of the musical edge. If there is any doubt, their hit album “Pay Dirt” will convince you.

Vanessa Peters is an artist whose fame has reached the world from Texas. Her album titled “Thin Thread” is an example of how fresh and pure music can be. Ms. Peters even recorded a Christmas album with the title: “The Christmas We Hoped For”.

The song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” from the Christmas album is one of the most powerful songs in the album. The message in the song rings loud and clear. It means that no material good can replace true love whether it is a significant other or a family member. I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that the song touched my heart in a profound way.

What about Nicolette Good, Laura Marie, Vanessa Lively, and Chris Taylor? Nicolette Good convinces people with her music and delivers a powerful message of hope with her song “All My Crying”.

Laura Marie with her song “Good Enough” challenges a pair to accept each other for what they are is a great antidote to the banality of mainstream music. Laura Marie also delivers a rendition of “The Cherry Tree Carol” with depth, emotion, and style that leaves people imagining the scene of the Holy Family. Laura Marie’s rendition of “The Cherry Tree Carol” also touches the heart and soul in a personal manner.

The same can be said about the rendition of “Angels We Have Heard On High” by Chris Taylor. It is these songs that sooth the heart and soul. Vanessa Lively with her rendition of “Alleluia” and “Los Hermanos” is an alternative to the banality of mainstream conglomerate music for its down to earth freshness.

Who cannot forget about Brenda Kay and her music? Her rendition of Red Dirt music is an example for future generation of singers and musicians. We cannot forget Katherine Dawn and her music.

Katherine Dawn has nearly three decades of musical experience under her belt. Ms. Dawn’s rendition of “San Marcos River” is a classic that could compete with greats such as Linda Ronstadt.

I remember hearing Katherine Dawn’s music while living in Venezuela. It was during a visit to a friend’s house and the cassette player was on.

The friend was from Oklahoma but she spent time between Oklahoma and Texas. She told me that the singer was Katherine Dawn. I tried to find the music but lost contact with it until recently.

I now hear Katherine Dawn’s music regularly on the internet and enjoy it. The same applies to the music of Debbie Forrest which has been instrumental in getting people closer to God.

Grupo Fantasma with their mixture of Santana, Fania, and Cumbia are also great. Their latest album called “El Existential” is an album that is great and exciting from the beginning to the end.

The group appeared in Austin City Limits and NPR to wide acclaim. One of Grupo Fantasma’s songs “Mentira” is made in the true Latin Jazz and Cumbia fashion. Another reason why the music is alive.

The Midwest Meets Nashville

Jim Callahan recently recorded an album titled “The Poet” which is becoming popular. The album is an example of folk music mixed with rock and country which gives people an image of simple living.

It is an album that deserves to be on the shelves of music lovers and proof that the music is still alive. Jim Callahan who is originally from Ohio even did his version of “The Night Before Christmas” which was lively and better than the original version.

Jessica Rae is another example of how the Midwest meets Nashville. The Chicago, Illinois native is lively and down to earth in her concerts as well as her music.

I had the honor of meeting Ms. Rae during the 2011 Key West Singer Songwriter Festival. She is a decent and caring human being who is concerned for the welfare of the USA as well as its music.

Jim Callahan and Jessica Rae are also proof that the music is still alive and kicking.

Latin America Meets Tennessee

Johnny Vasquez is a Guatemalan singer who currently lives in Tennessee. The pop and romantic ballads that he interprets harkens to a day when music was sincere.

What can be said about his music comes from his album “Lo Mejor De Mi”. The album is one of the greatest in today’s world with its lyrics and melodies.

Johnny Vasquez sings a romantic tune in a way that today’s singers and musicians do not. He does it with the heart and soul of a true romantic.

Johnny Vasquez is another reason why the music regardless of the language is still alive and kicking.

North Carolina

Amanda Pollard is one of the few artists who managed to capture the essence of true R&B as well as Soul music. It is for this reason that she is also called The American Diva of the 21^st Century.

Ms. Pollard was born in Michigan which was the home of the Motown sound. She moved to North Carolina where she advanced in the music scene. Ms. Pollard has received praise for her style of singing with different vocals such as “Loss For Words”.

Amanda Pollard is the latest in the long line of divas from Ella Fitzgerald, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, and Beyonce. Amanda Pollard is also an expert in presenting great entertaining shows with her dancers while performing.

The music that is interpreted by Ms. Pollard is stunning and refreshing to the point that continents such as Asia and Latin America are taking notice. Amanda Pollard is another example of how the music is still alive.

California

While the conglomerates are with the bland generic brand of music, The Fashion Slaves are heating the airwaves and streets in this state and the world. The Fashion Slaves with Emily Jayne recorded “Psychotic Reaction” and a revolution in music was born.

The Fashion Slaves are another example of fresh rock music that is out of this world. The group can be compared to The Pretenders and Blondie. Emily Jayne is the logical successor to Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde in the rock music today.

It is hoped that one day they can perform in Florida since they are a blast.

Florida

Nil Lara is a Cuban-American singer songwriter who has combined the music of Cuba, Venezuela [where he lived], and South Florida to form his own style. Mr. Lara has come a long way from his birthplace in New Jersey.

His best songs are “Vida Mas Simple” and “My First Child” which reflect a yearning for a simpler time. The concerts of Nil Lara are also great to attend with the artist making the public feel great.

Heather Leigh is a great example of how rock and country music can mix with the word of God. She was once nominated for an Emmy for her song “Paradise Lost” which dealt with the BP Oil Spill on the Coast of Mexico.

Ms. Leigh also has a jazz band and is an example of resilience in front of adversity.

Conclusion

The music has not died; it is still present if people were to reject the mediocre music around them. One way is to listen to the old hits but another way is to listen to the above mentioned artists whose name have been highlighted bold.

The reasons the names of the artists are highlighted bold is so that the public can Google their names and buy the albums as well as go to the concerts. The above mentioned artists are also on You Tube.

Shawna Russell: The Queen Of Oklahoma Country Music

In another special trip down the true America, I came across a singer from Oklahoma whose style is out of this world. Her name is Shawna Russell and she is becoming a household name because of her no nonsense approach to music.

Ms. Russell was invited and she accepted to be interviewed in the AG News Hour. The interview was by E Mail and was unforgettable. The rest is history.

1. You were born in Oklahoma. How has Oklahoma served as an

inspiration for your career in music? My question is based on greats

such as the humorist Will Rogers and the singer Woody Guthrie

1. My home state of Oklahoma has served as an inspiration in many ways. So many talented people got their start right here and I think that it makes for a very nurturing environment for new artists. It gives you something to aspire to that someone from a few counties away was able to be successful in the industry. Woody Guthrie was from Okemah, Ok and that is where I now reside. Every year we have a Free Folk Festival in his honor and it is so wonderful to see how one person shaped so many lives and inspired so much great music.

 

 2. What was your inspiration to initiate a career in the entertainment industry?

 

2. My inspiration to initiate a career in music started very early for me. I began singing at the age of 7 and when I was about 12, my dad and I would do an acoustic show at a nearby restaurant and play for tips and a free meal. I thought that was just about the coolest job ever and knew immediately that was what I wanted to pursue. It also helped that several of my family members were musically inclined so I grew up around music and always had that as a passion.

 

3. Your debut album “Goddess” [released in 2008] was very successful.

What was the inspiration behind “Goddess” and how long did it take to

record and release the album?

 

3. “Goddess” started out as a 6 song demo that turned into a 13 song album. It was inspired at a time when I was ready to explore being an artist in my own right, write songs that lyrically inspired me, and had the ability and time to do what came together organically. I had the chance to work with such great musicians on this album and I also co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on it with my dad Keith Russell and my uncle Tim Russell. It took over a year to be completed.

 

4. I saw your video “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels”. It is one of

the greatest videos produced. What was the inspiration behind the song

and video?

 

4.The inspiration behind “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” was basically my life written into a song. As I mentioned before, I have been singing and performing from a young age, When I was 17 and graduated high school, I went to college for a year and then it became difficult to keep up with a full class schedule and a full time singing career, I decided that school would always be there, but the opportunity to live my dream would not. I also had tremendous support from my family in my decision. I then traveled full time with my band for 78 weeks without a break. You can collect a lot of stories and memories when you put that many miles on the road and those experiences inspired the video for “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels.”  The idea was to set up my character trying to get to a gig and having so much trouble actually getting there and taking any means possible not to cancel.

 

5. Your latest album titled “Shawna Russell” is also gold in the eyes

of many who listen to it. What was the inspiration behind your self

titled album? How long did it take to record it?

 

5.My self-titled sophomore album is a tremendous blessing. Second albums are not always a given for any artist, so I was so thankful to be able to go into the studio again. This album was different from “Goddess” in that it allowed me to show my growth as a person and an artist, I was able to write or co-write every song on the album and that makes me very proud. Lyrically and musically, this album is different in that it shows a softer and more feminine side of my personality. It took about a year and a half to complete.

 

6. Who are your musical idols and what did you learn from their music

to form a style that is Shawna Russell?

 

6.I have been inspired musically be many people. As a young girl, I naturally gravitated toward whatever my Dad was listening to. That meant artists like Bruce Hornsby, Gary Morris, Steve Wariner, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, and Restless Heart. I also loved Juice Newton, Roseanne Cash and Trisha Yearwood. When I got a little older, I began to listen to classic rock and artists like Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, and Heart. I definitely think that listening to these artists shaped my style and you can hear a bit of all of them in my music.

 

7. What is your advice for those who seek a career in the music industry?

 

7. My advice for those wanting to pursue a career in the entertainment industry is to never, never, never, give up. Persistence is the key. If this is something that is in your heart and something you have a passion for, you will find any way to do it. Perform in front of as many people as possible to hone your craft  so that when you have the opportunity to show your skills you will have no excuses for not doing your best.

 

 

8. What sets Shawna Russell apart from mainstream music in Nashville, New York, and Hollywood?

 

8. I think one thing that sets me apart from mainstream music is that I am part owner in my record label. This gives me an advantage and luxury most artists do not have in their careers. When someone hears or purchases my music, I have had a creative hand in it from start to finish. It is 100% me. I am also asked my opinion regarding every decision made along the way. I am very proud to have the ability to be completely invested in my career.

 

 

9. Will Shawna Russell perform in Florida in the future?

 

9. I don’t have any performances scheduled in Florida in the very near future, but I hope to soon!

 

10. Do you have any message for the readers of the AG News Hour?

 

10. My message for AG News Hour readers is to say “Thank You” for taking the time to get to know me a little better! Thank you for this opportunity to connect with your readers.

 

 

I would like to thank you for the time and effort in this interview. I

Would like to wish you the best now and always from a listener in

Florida.