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.