Shawna Russell Will Host "Breaking Out" on The Country Network for the Next Two Weeks

NASHVILLE, TN (December 5, 2011) -- Way Out West recording artist, Shawna Russell, will host the "Breaking Out" video show on The Country Network (TCN), tonite, Monday, December 5 and again on December 12. The program is broadcast on television at 7:00 p.m. CST, and streamed on the Internet at 6:00 p.m. CST at http://www.tcncountry.com/.

Russell has recently released "Waitin' On Sunrise," the second U.S. single from her self-titled sophomore album.

(L-R) EVP of Programming and Artist Relations The Country Network Cary Rolfe; Shawna Russell; Way Out West Managing Partner Clif Doyal; and Way Out West VP Artist Development, Promotion & Marketing Mike Severson

Shawna releases Waitin' On Sunrise

NASHVILLE, TN (November 15, 2011) – Way Out West Records’ artist Shawna Russell has released a new single "Waitin’ On Sunrise." It is available on Play MPE and impacts U.S. radio on Nov. 28.

"Waitin’ On Sunrise" is the second U.S. release from her critically-acclaimed self-titled sophomore album and was written by Russell, father Keith Russell and uncle Tim Russell. Produced in Nashville by Julian King, Clif Doyal and Tim Russell, the song shows off Russell’s sultry vocals in a Country mid-tempo Southern-styled track that is sprinkled with blue-eyed soulful guitar licks, B-3 organ and delicate mandolin, prompting Country Chart.com to call it "a retro-cool Country melody that is performed with rare musical flair."

In addition to her last Top-40 Music Row single and video, "Get Right Or Get Left," Russell has released two singles in Europe in 2011, including "Sounds Like A Party" which landed at #3 on the Hotdisc chart and "Everybody’s Got A Story" which held down the #1 spot for two weeks in a row on the New Christian Music Charts in September.

Russell, a high-profile independent artist has built a reputation as a tireless and uncompromising artist who performs over 100 dates a year with her band traveling in a vintage Silver Eagle once owned by Willie Nelson. Backed by Way Out West, a label that she co-owns, Russell has successfully promoted 6 singles from two albums charting nationally on the Music Row, Billboard "New and Active," and Texas Music charts, and internationally on Hotdisc and the New Christian Music charts. Russell’s videos have received widespread airplay at TCN, Yallwire, GACTV.com and CMT.com, among others.


In between tour dates, Russell recently logged a 42-stop radio tour of the Midwest to promote her music and was in Nashville during "CMA Awards Week" to host two episodes of the "Breaking Out" show for The Country Network. With recent reviews and features in the CMA Close Up, Tulsa World, Maverick and Oklahoma Today, Russell not only maintains a high profile for her own busy career, but she has also branched out to work with other artists, including new Country band, LiveWire, who was just signed by Way Out West.

To the casual observer, it might seem like Russell is working way too hard, but for the talented singer/songwriter known as the "Okie Songbird" it is all in a day’s work. Russell observes, "People don't realize how much work it takes to be an artist these days. I never get overwhelmed because it never really feels like a job. I am just happy to have the opportunity to live my dream - so I don't mind going above and beyond to achieve success."

Shawna Lands No. 1 Single in Europe

Accomplishment Comes as Artist is Recognized by Oklahoma Today Magazine in Their First-Ever Country Music Issue

NASHVILLE, TN (September 7, 2011) – Way Out West artist Shawna Russell has released her latest single "Everybody’s Got A Story-remix" to Europe and Australia via Hotdisc 153 and on New Christian Music NCM83.

"Everybody’s Got A Story-remix," from Russell’s latest self-titled album, was released on September 1, and it has already landed at #1 on the New Christian Music Country Chart ahead of strong competition from recent singles by George Hamilton IV and Del McCoury and the Gaither Vocal Band.

"I feel so honored that ‘Everybody's Got a Story’ is at the top of the NCM Country Chart," Russell says. "It was written to inspire a positive outlook - not only in your own life, but in the lives of everyone you encounter. I am so happy to see that this theme translates to people all over the world."
　
Watch an acoustic performance of "Everybody’s Got A Story" from a television appearance by Russell here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QK35VqIiBg.

The song is her second single to be released outside the U.S. this year. "Sounds Like A Party," her European debut, landed at #3 on the Hotdisc chart in May and received positive response from radio programmers from across the globe.
　
In other news, Russell is also included in the September/October special Country Music Issue of Oklahoma Today magazine, the premier publication of all-things-Oklahoman. The Okemah, Oklahoma native is highlighted in a photo essay entitled "Stand By Your Fans" and in the feature "Something In The Water," a definitive exploration of the rich history of Oklahoma music written by Holly Bailey, senior political reporter for Yahoo! News. The feature focuses on the wealth of Oklahoma artists who have made a significant impact on the popular culture, including Bob Wills, Wanda Jackson, Roger Miller, Roy Clark, Reba, Garth, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton, among others.

"It is truly an honor to be included in this special edition of Oklahoma Today," states Russell. "To be mentioned in the same article along with the biggest and brightest artists that Oklahoma has produced is a very humbling experience."
Stateside, Russell’s "Get Right Or Get Left" single continues to garner support at U.S. radio and video outlets including CMT.com, GACTV.com, YallWire and others.

Shawna Highlighted in CMA Close Up Feature

Updated! Country Artist Shawna Russell Highlighted in CMA Close Up Magazine Feature Entitled ‘Baby Brands’

Russell's Sponsorship Deals with Sheplers, Mach Tech Speed MP3 Players and AirPlay Direct Are Examined

NASHVILLE, TN (August 18, 2011) – Way Out West Records’ artist Shawna Russell is featured in the current edition of the CMA Close Up magazine in a story that focuses on new  artists who have successfully attracted brands to sponsor and endorse them - and how the parties benefit from the creative partnerships.

Russell’s relationships with the Shepler’s western wear retail chain, Mach Tech Speed MP3 players and the digital delivery service, AirPlay Direct are examined, as well as examples of brand endorsements currently enjoyed by new duo, Rosehill and MCA artist, Ashton Shepherd.

Russell is currently touring radio promoting her latest single “Get Right Or Get Left” from her recently released self-titled sophomore album.

Her busy performing schedule includes a coveted slot opening for The Judds at their sold-out show on Saturday, August 20, at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma.

Update: The Bluegrass Music Network also discussed Shawna and her team. Click here to read. 

Shawna Enjoys Oil Patch Festival Headline Set

From Roughstock.com:


Currently, the enchanting songstress is on the road to promote both her new album, as well as the first single and video, the frisky “Get Right Or Get Left. ...


Read the story by clicking here. 

Shawna in The Current

The Current featured Shawna as their "emerging artist" in July 2011.

An excerpt from Lyle Deiter's story is below:

Shawna Russell is shy, or claims to be, but there’s not much shy about her latest self-titled release.    In fact, it will invite you in to party with the very first track, make you comfortable with a drink, then get you settled in for some good music, dancing, and good conversation, sometimes serious, sometimes fun, but always entertaining.  This album is refreshing for many reasons, the biggest perhaps being her vocal delivery.   Russell, inspired by strong female singers like Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Nicks, can belt it out when she needs to, but is also able to rein things in for her softer ballads and make you want to listen to every song. Several times.   

Click here to read the article.

Country Weekly On the 'Get Right' Set

Country Weekly posted a great photo of Shawna that was taken on the set of her "Get Right or Get Left" video shoot. Check it out in their "Weekly Roundup" here.

Roughstock: Oil Patch Festival

Chuck Dauphin writes about the 10,000 people who partied with Shawna on July 4:

2011 Oil Patch Festival strikes big in Drumright: Click here for the story

Shawna Russell Featured on the Cover of Music News Nashville's Magazine

NASHVILLE, TN (July 14, 2011) -- Way Out West Records artist Shawna Russell is the 'cover girl' for the July 15 edition of Music News Nashville's digital magazine.

Click here to read the MNN article.

In the feature story entitled "Getting It Right," respected Nashville journalist Chuck Dauphin talks with the Oklahoma singer/songwriter about the process of writing and recording her recently released self-titled sophomore album, her latest single "Get Right Or Get Left," and about living her dream as a working musician.

"I feel honored to be on the cover of Music News Nashville. It is so wonderful to be acknowledged this way as an independent artist," says Russell. "I would like to thank  Publisher, Dan Harr and writer Chuck Dauphin for their continued support."

Russell, who plays over 100 shows a year, performed for an estimated crowd of 10,000 people at the recent July 4 "Summer Oil Patch Festival" in Drumright, Oklahoma.

Media coverage for the Okie songstress is at an all-time high, with recent features in The Oklahoman, Tulsa World, and The Current, along with reviews in Music Row, Roughstock, Today's Country Magazine, Music News Nashville, and news items in dozens of publications across her home region.

Russell's single, "Get Right Or Get Left," is currently climbing the Music Row radio charts with the video spinning at The Country Network, GACTV.com and Yallwire, among other national and regional outlets. At global radio, Russell's single, "Sounds Like A Party," recently reached the #3 position on the Hotdisc Top 40 chart in Europe and Australia.

Shawna appears in Joplin for tornado benefit

Photo Release:

 

NASHVILLE, TN (July 12, 2011) --

Way Out West Records' artist Shawna Russell performed on July 10 at Guitars in Joplin, MO, along with rising talents LIveWire, James Wesley and others, for a KIXQ-sponsored concert to benefit the city's tornado victims. 

(L-R) Brandon Arment, GM-Guitars, Joplin, MO and Shawna Russell

The Oil Patch Festival, Part 1

Music News Nashville covered Shawna at the annual Oil Patch Festival in Drumright, Oklahoma, over the July 4 holiday

Click here to read: http://www.musicnewsnashville.com/the-oil-patch-festival-part-1-of-5

Shawna Russell and Ricochet to Co-Star at July 4 "Summer Oil Patch Festival" in Drumright, Oklahoma

Fourth Annual Day-Long Concert Event Includes Special Musical Guests Bo Phillips, LiveWire and Flat River Band, a Children’s Fair, plus a Huge Fireworks Display

NASHVILLE, TN (June 22, 2011) – Oklahoma homegrown Country music talents, singer/songwriter Shawna Russell and award-winning group Ricochet, will co-star at the fourth annual "Summer Oil Patch Festival" on Monday, July 4, 2011, at the Sellers Ranch in Drumright, Oklahoma. Admission is free to the public. Gates open at 11:00 a.m.

The family-friendly all-day concert will also feature musical artists Bo Phillips, LiveWire and Flat River Band. A special children’s fair area, unique entertainers including skydivers and magicians and a huge fireworks display at dusk will add to the spectacle of what has become one of the state’s largest and most diverse Independence Day events. The show is co-sponsored by Keystone Gas Corporation, Pacer Energy Marketing and Budweiser.

"Bring your lawn chairs, your family and friends to enjoy a fun day," said Rick Sellers, President of Keystone Gas Corporation, co-sponsor and organizer of the event.

Shawna Russell, a native of Okemah, Oklahoma, has appeared at the event for the past three years, starting out as the opening act for BJ Thomas in 2008. Russell’s latest single, "Get Right Or Get Left," from her recently released self-titled sophomore album, is building steam at radio and the video for the song is currently playing at The Country Network, Yallwire.com, GACTV.com and regional outlets across the country. http://www.shawnarussell.com/

Ricochet (whose founding members singer Heath Wright, and bassist Greg Cook hail from Vian, Oklahoma) first rose to widespread fame with the #1 hit "Daddy’s Money" in 1996. Other chart songs include "What Do I Know," "Love Is Stronger Than Pride," and their signature Independence Day favorite, "The Star Spangled Banner," which landed the group in the record books when it was released and Ricochet became the first Country artist to place the song on the Billboard Country Singles chart. http://www.ricochetonline.com/

Directions to Sellers Ranch in Drumright, OK: Go 2 mi. north of the Hwy. 33/16/99 Junction on Hwy. 99, then turn left on 101st and continue for ¼ mi. – follow signs. For additional information, phone (918) 352-2443.

The Oklahoman Profiles Shawna and Her New CD

Shawna was featured in Brandy McDonnell's article on June 10, 2011 in The Okahoman's Look at OKC section. 

Click here to read the entire story. An excerpt is below:

Oklahoma singer Shawna Russell continues to live her music dream

Shawna Russell emerged as a country-rock “Goddess” with her 2008 debut album.

Crowned among the Country Music Association's “Who New to Watch,” the Okemah singer/songwriter/guitarist has now conjured up her self-titled second album, and she's come too far and worked too hard to get mired in the dreaded sophomore slump.

“It's just always one of those things where you just keep working and keep working and keep working, and then all the sudden somebody asks you to take a look behind, and you have to see how far you've come since you started. And that's what's always wonderful for me, that I've been able to progress as an artist and just been able to have the inspiration to write songs and to make new music,” Russell said in a phone interview Tuesday, the day she released her new album on her indie label, Way Out West Records.

Read more: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-singer-shawna-russell-continues-to-live-her-music-dream/article/3575405#ixzz1Oywum3lT

Shawna Russell Releases Her Sophomore Album

Self-titled follow-up to Goddess takes a decidedly country turn

NASHVILLE, TN (June 7, 2011) – Oklahoma recording artist Shawna Russell has released her self-titled sophomore album on Way Out West Records. It is available today at iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and other digital and physical retailers.

Recorded in Nashville and Oklahoma City, and co-produced by Julian King (Grammy-winning engineer for Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Toby Keith), along with Clif Doyal and Tim Russell, the album reflects Russell’s growth as an artist and a maturity of her song-crafting skills. Russell wrote - or co-wrote - the 10 songs on the project and they provide the listener with a deeper personal connection to her varied influences and artistic expression. From the guitar-driven Country Rock sounds that are her trademark, to Southern-influenced Country R&B and mandolin-tinged Americana, ‘SHAWNA RUSSELL’ presents the Oklahoma songbird at a new creative pinnacle. The album has gained strong early reviews from Roughstock, Music News Nashville and Today’s Country Magazine and is supported with current features in the Tulsa World and Music News Nashville.

‘SHAWNA RUSSELL’ features legendary and stellar musicians, including drummers Russ Kunkel (Carly Simon, James Taylor), Shannon Forrest (2010 ACM “Top Percussionist/Drummer”) and Billy Thomas (Vince Gill); bassists David Santos (Elton John, John Fogerty) and Mike Brignardello (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sugarland); mandolin, banjo and acoustic guitarist, Bryan Sutton (2000-2006 IBMA “Guitar Player of the Year”); electric, slide and acoustic guitarist, Jon Conley (LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna); along with keyboardists Charles Judge (Bon Jovi, Rascal Flatts) and Jim “Moose” Brown (Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker).

The first single from the album, “Get Right Or Get Left,” is gaining traction at radio and has received strong endorsements from critics, including Robert K. Oermann. The video for the song, directed by Mark Nicolosi, enjoyed a World Premiere at Yallwire and is currently spinning on The Country Network, GACTV.com and other outlets across the country. A second single, “Sounds Like A Party,” was released to the European market in May and climbed to #3 on the Hotdisc Top 40 chart last week after only three weeks.

"I am so happy to finally release my new album,” states Russell. “It is the culmination of my passion for creating music - and I can't wait to share it with everyone!"

-- June 7, 2011 --

Shawna Featured in Tulsa World

June 5, 2011

Shawna was featured in a Tulsa World "Scene" article by Jennifer Chancellor today. Click here to read the article. An excerpt is below:

Shawna Russell rises to country music fame from home in Green Country. 

She was raised in the land of Woody Guthrie. This country music tough girl still calls it her home.

"I don't want to live anywhere else. I can travel to Nashville or L.A. or wherever, really." 

Music News Nashville: May 2011

Shawna was featured in Music News Nashville in May 2011.

Shawna Russell — Getting It Right

By Chuck Dauphin

Often, artists remark that that time between your first and second discs can be quite intimidating. After all, you spend your life---up to that point---preparing for that debut disc, and then you only have about eighteen months to do it again. For Oklahoma-born Shawna Russell, the period between her 2008 debut Goddess has been one of huge personal and artistic growth, which can be heard front and center on her new self-titled sophomore release.

... Click here to read the entire story.

Shawna in Stark Country

Shawna is featured prominently in Stark Country this week at radio-info.com, discussing artists who "go at it alone." Click here to read it.

Get Right on The Country Network

The Get Right or Get Left video will air Monday night, May 16, on The Country Network's "Breaking Out show, which airs at 7 p.m. (The video will be shown in the 8 p.m. hour.) Click here to see where to watch.

Shawna Russell Releases Video For "Get Right Or Get Left"

For Immediate Release.

NASHVILLE, TN (May 3, 2011) – Oklahoma recording artist Shawna Russell and her label Way Out West Records have released the video for her latest single, “Get Right Or Get Left.” 

Yallwire will host a World Premiere for the video on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. CDT http://www.yallwire.com/. (Russell’s debut video "Should've Been Born With Wheels" reached the #1 position on the service’s “Yallturnative” chart, and stayed there for over a month, in 2009.)

“Get Right Or Get Left” was shot in Nashville recently - in between Russell’s busy schedule of tour dates - by noted producer/director, Mark Nicolosi (Stealin’ Angels/Mark Wills). The video features performance footage of Russell and her trademark purple Les Paul “Goddess” guitar and includes the songstress acting in three vignettes where she tells her rude and insensitive man that he has pushed her too far, and he better “Get Right Or Get Left” behind. 

"I had a great time making this video," Russell says. “Director Mark Nicolosi had such a unique vision for telling the story in the song. He helped visually capture the attitude of the music and assertive feeling of the lyrics. I am very honored that Yallwire is making the World Premiere of this video possible. I can't wait to share it with everyone!"

National video promotion for “Get Right Or Get Left” is being handled by Craig Bann of AristoVideo.

“Get Right Or Get Left” was written by Russell; father Keith Russell; and uncle Tim Russell. The song is the current US single from her forthcoming self-titled album, recorded at LOUD Studios in Nashville and produced by Grammy-winning engineer, Julian King, along with Clif Doyal and Tim Russell. The album is slated for release in late-Spring 2011.

"Get Right or Get Left" video to debut on Y'allWire.

Y'allWire will host the World Premiere of Shawna Russell's new video "Get Right Or Get Left" on Wed. May 4 at 9:00 am CDT. Go to yallwire.com to be among the first to see it!

"Sounds Like a Party" Released in Europe, Australia

For Immediate Release:

Shawna Russell Releases “Sounds Like A Party” in Europe and Australia via Hotdisc

Single is Her Second Radio Release from Her Forthcoming Self-Titled Way Out West Records’ Sophomore Album to be Debuted in Month-Long Promotion at CMR Nashville, Europe’s #1 Country Radio Station

NASHVILLE, TN (May 2, 2011) – Shawna Russell has released the single, “Sounds Like A Party” to European and Australian radio via the May edition of Hotdisc (similar to the US CDX service http://www.hotdisc.net). Promotion for “Sounds Like A Party” is being handled by Lee Williams of Django Promotions in London.

Radio programmers can preview and download a broadcast quality copy of the song at: http://airplaydirect.com/shawnarussell/.

“Sounds Like A Party” is Russell’s second radio single release in less than a month, having released “Get Right Or Get Left” to US radio in mid-April.

Both singles and Russell’s upcoming self-titled sophomore album on Way Out West Records are included in a featured artist album promotion during the month of May at CMR Nashville, Europe’s #1 radio station http://www.cmrnashville.com/.

Russell’s European push is sponsored by AirPlay Direct, the global digital delivery platform that has strategic partnerships with both Hotdisc and CMR Nashville.

"I am so excited to have my new music released in Europe!”  Russell says. “It gives me a chance to reconnect with fans and have the opportunity to reach new listeners."

“The decision to release two different singles from Shawna simultaneously in different parts of the world was based on data gathered from her radio download activity at AirPlay Direct,” states Way Out West Records VP/Managing Partner, Clif Doyal. “We began testing songs from the new album with the AirPlay Direct global radio panel in January, and while “Get Right Or Get Left” received the most attention from US programmers, “Sounds Like A Party” was the hands-down favorite among radio tastemakers from across the Atlantic. We wanted to capitalize on that fact and continue to develop the strong European following that Shawna attracted from her debut album ‘Goddess,’” Doyal says. “It is the first time that we have utilized real-time statistical download tracking data to help make decisions on the singles that we release from her. As an independent label, we need every advantage that we can get, and AirPlay Direct offers us the ability to know which new songs of Shawna’s that global radio is most excited about.” (In the sense of full disclosure, Doyal is also Executive VP of AirPlay Direct.)

“Sounds Like A Party” was produced by Grammy-winning engineer Julian King, along with Doyal and Tim Russell. The track features Shawna on electric slide guitar, along with a cast of all-star backing musicians, including Shannon Forrest (2010 ACM “Top Percussionist / Drummer”); bassist Mike Brignardello (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sugarland); mandolin, banjo and acoustic guitarist and 7-time IBMA “Guitar Player of the Year,” Bryan Sutton; electric, slide and acoustic guitarist, Jon Conley (LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna); along with keyboardist Jim “Moose” Brown (Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker).

Shawna Russell Releases "Get Right or Get Left"

Okie Songbird Returns With Powerful Country Rocker — Video and Sophomore Album to Follow

NASHVILLE, TN (April 12, 2011) – Oklahoma recording artist Shawna Russell has released her latest Way Out West Records single, “Get Right Or Get Left” to radio, exclusively via AirPlay Direct. 

Radio programmers can download a broadcast quality copy of the song at:

http://airplaydirect.com/shawnarussell/

“Get Right Or Get Left” was written by Russell; father, Keith Russell; and uncle, Tim Russell. The song is the first single from her forthcoming self-titled album, recorded at LOUD Studios in Nashville and produced by Grammy-winning engineer, Julian King, along with Clif Doyal and Tim Russell. The album is slated for release in Spring 2011.

“Get Right Or Get Left” features a cast of stellar backing musicians, including Shannon Forrest (2010 ACM “Top Percussionist/Drummer”); bassist Mike Brignardello (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sugarland); mandolin, banjo and acoustic guitarist, Bryan Sutton (2000-2006 IBMA “Guitar Player of the Year”); electric, slide and acoustic guitarist, Jon Conley (LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna); along with keyboardist Jim “Moose” Brown (Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker).

"I am very excited to be back with new music!” Russell says. “‘Get Right Or Get Left’ is a fun song with a lot of attitude. I’m excited to share it with everyone."

Russell was in Nashville last week - between dates on her busy touring schedule - to shoot the video for “Get Right Or Get Left” with noted producer, Mark Nicolosi (Mark Wills, Stealin’ Angels). Promotion for the video will begin in the coming weeks.

What the tastemakers are saying:

“Shawna is now truly ready to compete with the big label stars.  On “Get Right Or Get Left” there’s a hint of the vocal swagger of LeAnn Rimes. With a little luck and help from radio stations, we may have the birth of another star.”

- Matt Bjorke, Roughstock

“A slice of sass, the attitude-laden ‘Get Right Or Get Left,’ could very easily find a home on the airwaves. A star on the rise.”

- Chuck Dauphin, the Direct Buzz

Media contact: Clif Doyal / 615.885.5998

CDAnashville@aol.com

New Press Page.

For Shawna's previous news page (2006-2010, click here.)

For Shawna's previous buzz and reviews page (2006-2010, click here.)

Shawna in the Direct Buzz

Shawna was featured in the "Women in Music" edition of The Direct Buzz in January. The issue featured many influential women in music and its related industries. Shawna was featured as the cover story. Click here to read.