Monday, November 21, 2011

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."

Saturday, September 10, 2011

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.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

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

Monday, August 15, 2011

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

Friday, July 29, 2011

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.