Shawna Russell, the hard-working singer/songwriter Country-Rocker from Okemah, Okla., is profiled in the new artist "Spotlight" feature in the October/November edition of CMA Close Up magazine.This recognition comes after the CMA 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 said, "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 the child prodigy's early years, when Russell first sang in public at age seven 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's band, Way Out West. She performed at several of the top clubs in America and spent three 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 the album which would finally win Russell her long-awaited break and the recognition which she has worked so hard to attain. Earlier this year, Russell and her uncle re-connected with Music City manager/publicist Clif Doyal, who had handled her booking in the beginning of her career, and together they joined to form an independent label to put her music on the map. In a short time, Russell stepped onto the national Country scene with a much-talked-about CD release party and performance in Nashville during the Country Radio Seminar in March of this year – which was quickly followed with the release of her first single, "Goddess," several months of radio touring, extensive media coverage and her signing for booking representation to Buddy Lee Attractions. Her current single, "Should've Been Born With Wheels," is only a few weeks old and is already gaining fast traction at mainstream and Texas radio. For all the latest news about Shawna Russell, go to www.shawnarussell.com.
