Biography

Oklahoma Country Rock singer/songwriter Shawna Russell is excited to offer another sneak-peek from her upcoming album - the unreleased song, 'Run,' exclusively via AirPlay Direct.

'Run' exposes the vulnerability of a lover who is overwhelmed with the reality that she has fallen too far in love and wants to distance herself before she gets in any deeper. Soaring twin guitars and a driving beat set the stage for Russells passionate vocals that are filled with pain and remorse.

'Run' was produced in Nashville by Tim Russell and Clif Doyal and reunites key players from Russells debut CD, including Emmy and Grammy-winning mix master, Nathaniel Kunkel (Maroon 5/Sting) and guitarist extraordinaire, Jon Conley (LeAnn Rimes/Wynonna). The production also features a stellar group of all-star musicians, including keyboardist Charles Judge (Bon Jovi/Rascal Flatts), drummer Billy Thomas (Vince Gill), and bassist Mike Brignardello (Lynyrd Skynyrd/Sugarland).

"I have been doing this song in my live show for several years,” states Russell. “I have had many requests to record it, and I am happy to make it available on AirPlay Direct.

This is the second song that Russell has showcased from her next album, having recently debuted her power-ballad ‘Rumor’ to enthusiastic response from media and fans around the world.

Russell debuted on the national and international music scene with the release of her debut CD, GODDESS (Way Out West Records), in 2008. The critically-acclaimed project produced three radio singles, "Goddess," "Should've Been Born With Wheels" and "Fire In The Desert." These songs cemented her status as a contender, with action on the Billboard "New and Active,' Music Row, and Texas Music Charts.

What the critics have said about GODDESS:

"Russell can take pride for launching her catalog with this powerful debut"
- Robert L. Doerschuk, CMA Close Up Magazine

"Her promising debut is contemporary country soaked in the influence of 1970s country-rock and California pop. It's a winning fusion." - Chris Neal, Country Weekly

"Her 'Goddess' would not be denied." - Robert K. Oermann, Music Row DISCovery Award

GODDESS was recorded in Oklahoma City and produced by Tim Russell (Shawnas uncle) and Ted Curtis at Upstairs Productions Studio, and includes some of the top music industry professionals in the business. Upon first hearing Russell’s voice, world-famous musicians journeyed to Oklahoma to record with her, including Russ Kunkel, who has drummed for Carly Simon and James Taylor, and David Santos, bassist for Elton John, Billy Joel and John Fogerty. They were joined by vocal engineer, Julian King, who has made a name working with country superstars, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Toby Keith. The album was mixed by Nathaniel Kunkel, whose recent clients include Diana Ross and The Police.

Russell, a resident of Okemah, Oklahoma, has spent a great deal of her young life preparing for this moment. And while her youthful good looks belie her experience, she is a veteran who has paid some serious dues. She first began singing professionally with her father, Keith, in his band, when she was 12. By her late teens, she was fronting the band. During her professional career, Russell has toured across much of the U.S., performing 2-6 nights a week, up to 5 sets a night, at many of the top live music clubs on the circuit, including The Grizzly Rose, in Denver, Billy Bob’s, in Ft. Worth, and the Wildhorse Saloon, in Nashville, among countless others. Russell spent three years on the road touring with fellow Oklahoman, Ty England (of Garth Brook’s fame), before going solo again in 2007. Buzz from music industry insiders predict that Goddess will finally give Russell her long-awaited break.

Russell co-wrote 12 of the 13 songs on GODDESS. “Most of the songs were written with my dad, Keith, and my uncle Tim,” she states. “It was the most amazing thing – we would get together with just some rough ideas, and several hours later, we would have these killer tunes. We joked that we were ‘channeling’ Woody Guthrie! (Also an Okemah native).

Retro and rockin’ – Country and contemplative, Russell stakes her claim with a vocal intensity that will not be denied – it is clear that she means business.

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Contacts:

Way Out West Records and Artist Management:
Clif Doyal/Clif Doyal Agency, LLC
Office: 615.885.5998 Cell: 615.319.1863
E-mail: CDAnashville@aol.com

Tim Russell/Way Out West LLC
Office: 405.823.1994
E-mail: t.russell@wayoutestllc.com

Publicity/Marketing:
Clif Doyal, CDA Promotions-Nashville
Office: 615.885.5998 Cell: 615.319.1863
E-mail: CDAnashville@aol.com