Sometimes a new artist will come out of nowhere and blow everyone away. Well, that's the case with country newcomer, Crystal Shawanda. Ever since her first single was released, "You Can Let Go Now," fans have been talking about the new girl they're hearing. After one hit single, her debut album Dawn Of A New Day is finally being released with eleven songs full of life stories and situations.
About Crystal Shawanda:
Crystal Shawanda may be the "new" girl in town, but once country music listeners become more familiar with her, she will shoot to the top. Her vocals are amazing, and she has this scratchy sound that blends with every song she sings. Crystal is a full-blooded Native North American from the Ojibwe Tribe, who was born in Espanola, Ontario. She is both a U.S. and Canadian citizen who grew up on the Wikwemikong Indian Reservation. Growing up on a reservation was nothing less than difficult. It seemed everywhere she looked there was poverty and most people had given up hope.After observing all of the negativity, Crystal embraced music in order to get her mind to a better place. She was able to express her feelings through to other by creating songs and at the age of nine, she wrote her first song.
Being the daughter of a truck driver, Crystal would go on the road with her father to Nashville, which allowed her to play at one of Music City's hottest spots, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. By performing on this elite stage, it helped Crystal gain experience and her first standing ovation. Crystal's stage presence has been described as nothing short of "impressive."
The legends that have paved the way for all the new artists deserve a lot of credit for Crystal's taste in music. She has noted Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Patty Loveless and even Tina Turner as being her biggest influences.
If you are curious as to what her last name stands for, look no further than the title of this album.
'Dawn of a New Day' - The Songs
Starting off with the tune "Evolution," Crystal Shawanda sings her heart out while describing how her life is changing. This track starts off rather interesting. If you have ever heard Patsy Cline's song "Sweet Dreams," then you are familiar with the haunting sound the fiddle created at the beginning. Well, for a brief moment, this tune starts off the same way. Once the fiddle is finished, it goes into a jamming number. This is a great start for any record, and when it's a debut album, it's even better."My Roots Are Showing" and "Tender Side" are both great songs and the title track will blow your mind. Hearing it was like a breath of fresh air. Everyone goes through tough times, but it is imperative to keep on going. Eventually, after getting over that mountain, you will wake up and realize the bad is over and taking on the world doesn't seem so bad.
These songs are hard to come by, and Crystal hit her mark. The first single off this record was "You Can Let Go Now." Crystal sings about growing up and how important fathers are. She describes different situations throughout life, starting from a child all the way through to her father's passing. The words are heartbreaking, but at the same time they are uplifting.
Crystal's version of "Your Cheatin' Heart" can be heard towards the end of the record, and the whole thing is wrapped up with "You Can't Take It Back."
Although Crystal Shawanda may not be a household name, with these heartfelt tunes being heard, it is just a matter of time.
Release Date: August 19th, 2008 - RCA Nashville
'Dawn of a New Day' Track List:
- Evolution
- My Roots Are Showing
- Tender Side
- Baby You're Back
- Dawn Of A New Day
- You Can Let Go
- I Need A Man
- What Do I Have To Do
- Your Cheatin' Heart
- Try
- You Can't Take It Back