My name is Crystal Shawanda,and I’m going to write my own bio,for real this time.If you’ve read about me before,it’s quite possible you know that I am Native American,and that I grew up on a reservation,and you probably got the sense that I was lucky to make it out.You probably didn’t get to hear about how hard it was for me to leave,and how blessed I feel everyday that I grew up on that reservation.You also probably didn’t get the sense that all the bad stuff that I seen growing up,was such a little part of my life there.That I actually grew up in a paradise really,a beautiful Island.A community rich in culture and history,and famous for their perseverance and sense of humour.A hockey town overflowing with a competitive streak and plenty of pride.If it was all bad,than how would I know hope,how would I know to dream.

I grew up the youngest of 3,I had 2 older brothers who loved and looked after me,but didn’t baby me.They taught me to be independent,and made me forever determined to prove,I could run with the big boys.My parents loved and nurtured my fire and spirit,and although we grew up without certain things,like in-door plumbing up to a certain age,we didn’t know to miss what we didn’t have.My parents always worked hard and always found a way to make us happy,even through the heart aches,filling our home with love,laughter and music,all kinds.

My parents and grandparents listened to country music,and told me stories about the legends the songs,and the singer’s.My family as a whole,taught me it’s about music that makes you feel something,anything.I truly discovered this through the big box of records I found in our basement,that belonged to my parents.Everything from The Beatles,The Birds,The Rolling Stones,Waylon Jennings,Patsy Cline,Elvis Presley,Merle Haggard,the best of Motown and Loretta Lynn.Down the hall my brother would listen to Ozzy,ACDC,Led Zeppelin, and if he let me tag along for a ride in his truck,we’d sing along to Dwight Yoakam,Steve Earle and Bon Jovi.My other brother would jam out in the basement to Muddy Waters,Ray Charles,Etta James,and if he let me tag along for a ride,we’d sing along to Hank Williams,Tom petty and Prince.When no one was looking my daddy would jam out on his guitar in the bedroom,to Roy Orbison’s "pretty Woman" and my momma would sing along with Cher.I am the result of all of this.I’ve been singing since I could make noise,and there has never been a doubt in mind,I’m supposed to sing.

The first time I performed on stage I was 6 years old,from than on I looked for anywhere to sing,and on weekends I jammed out with my Dad and musicians 4x my age in the basement.My dad was a truck driver and we started taking trips to Nashville when I was 12,this led to me recording my first independent album when I was 13.I wrote all 8 songs,and recorded it right in Nashville,this was also the same year I left home.I made the big move to a city about 4 hours away when I was 13 for high school,because I wanted to go to a school that had a music program.I also had a feeling if I didn’t leave,I might have never left.It was in high school I found the courage to be confident in my path,so in turn,at 16 I booked it to Nashville,and thus began my reality check,and my real education.

Over the next 7 years I recorded my 2nd independent album,worked on my songwriting and I went back and forth between Nashville,my hometown and various other places.I couldn’t make my mind up as to what I should do,and for awhile I got real lost in what I shouldn’t do,but through it all I always ended up back in front of a microphone.On year 7 I went back to Nashville,permanently,and I set up base at Tootsie’s Orchid lounge.The next few years I found my voice,my husband/guitarist,recorded 2 more independent albums,a little trouble now and than,and finally I found myself.Most of all I found affirmation in the fact that I love to sing,whether there’s a crowd,or not,and that’s something I haven’t let go of.

SInce than I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from so many of my heroe’s within this business,from musicians to songwriters,and even producer Scott Hendricks.Whose name was always in big bold letters in some of my fave albums,and I finally got to see it in mine.I even had a record deal with RCA records,I released a single "you can let go" in America that went top 20,and top 5 in Canada.It was also the fastest rising Canadian country single,in history,and I was voted Best solo country artist,by the Canadian broadcasting radio.In Canada 4 more hits followed,not so much in America.Thankfully my album did make it to the shelves in both countries,which I feel like on that note,I’m one of the lucky ones.The album debuted at 16 on American Billboard and 2 on Canadian Billboard,and was the highest ranking album in history by a Native American.After we hit top 20,there was a delay,a lot of hesitation,and doubt as to the next single and my ability to appeal to radio.I’ve always just gone for it,and refused to play it safe,and that’s always worked for me,so naturally this new approach didn’t.We attempted to release a second single "roots are showing" in America a few weeks before Christmas,which was doomed for failure.With no support behind the single and radio on holidays for the first weeks of it’s release,it was decided radio was not accepting females artists right now.This was the end of my time there obviously,however in retrospect,I got to work with a lot of amazing people,throughout that time.Including Joe Galante and Doc Mcghee,like holy cow.This little rez girl got to work with Doc Mcghee and Joe Galante, talk about bucket list. Separately they taught me so much,Doc who has been on and off this marathon,but throughout always a believer,gave me guidance and time to grow,and I’m so excited to now again be facing this new chapter with him.Throughout my time with Sony, Joe taught me so much, and I will forever adore him for giving me the freedom and luxury, to figure out who I am truly. Mostly for pushing the baby bird out of the nest, as this is how I choose to blissfully see it.

Since then I’ve been nominated for a Juno, joined partnership with Cressman-Sakamoto agency and was voted Canadian Country music association’s female artist of the year. I’ve also discovered, I can fly my way through life, the heavy winds, the rains, the storms, the gray skies, and I’m no longer afraid, because I know it’s just a matter of time before another beautiful day comes along. I know I’m supposed to sing, it’s just a matter of whether it’s for a crowd of people or not. I guess that’s up to radio.