Shannon Corey

When you first meet Shannon, and that sizeable grin of hers, you would never expect her set list to consist of as much emotional and angst ridden music as I have heard tonight. After getting to know her for even 5 minutes, you would, however, expect it to be good. As it turns out, good soon proved to be quite an understatement as I sat through her hour set, astounded and amazed, listening to her words of heartbreak and confusion; her stories of troubled friends, and even her fears of failure; her music that knew just what chords to hit in order to make you fall deeper into your chair and a voice that is "dripping with sexy.” Tim Hoobler of New York City
This 24-year-old classically trained pianist turned contemporary singer/songwriter has been plugging away at the New York City music scene in hopes of continually living her life as she has always dreamed; as an accomplished and skilled artist.
Shannon Corey, born on a military base in the 80’s, began life with the keys at her fingers. Born to two musicians, Shannon grew up in the small beach state of Rhode Island playing the piano and singing with her family, eventually moving to NYC in hopes of pursuing her dream.
Since her move, Shannon has been actively promoting her music by appearing at such places as Sam’s in Time’s Square, The Soul Café, Birdland Jazz Club, and also through a television appearance on Zero Gravity with Peter Haywood. “Shannon has this incredible musicianship about her that shines when she performs…she always seems to captivate a crowd and pull them along on her musical journey. Wherever she goes she carries an undeniable spirit that drains from her pores every time she touches the keyboard.” Gianni Valenti, owner of Birdland
You could have also seen her over the past 4 months performing at the infamous Bitter End downtown on Bleecker Street which, as she states, “has started to feel like home.” Other downtown venues in which Shannon has also shared her talents include Kenny’s Castaways, and The Sidewalk Café.
Shannon’s emotional piano lines, agreeable lyrics, and smoky vocals truly hit home to a large number of loyal fans within NYC and up the New England Coastline. Her popularity among college students has also been rapidly growing ever since her demo release and recent string of shows downtown.

“Shannon has a certain realness to her when she’s behind the piano – she’s not putting on a show, she is simply pouring her heart out. And while she is giving us that peek into her soul, she just happens to be making some of the best music out there today.” Lauren Thompson/Marymount Manhattan College 2004

“…the most appealing things about Shannon’s music are her lyrics and her incredible voice. So many people, especially those that are my age, can truly relate. Shannon’s music comforts and reassures me that there are countless people searching for their own identity, a soul mate, and most of all something they can give back to the world.” Erica Lombardo, 22yrs./Boston College 2005

“Shannon’s ability to match her mood with her voice is beautiful and honest. She is such an inspiration to all striving musicians.” Jon Marcinko/Univerity of New Haven 2007

I had a moment to speak with Shannon after her late July Bitter End show where her band consisted of herself on piano and lead vocals, Dan Ehrlich on Bass, Shawn Hill on Drums, and Peter Sachon on Cello.

Obviously there are a lot of classical influences here. Is that why you chose this specific combination of instruments?

"Well, I have always loved classical music. It’s what I was raised on. I feel as though it will always be in my fingers and because of that I am greatly influenced by the style when writing. I have also aquired such a love for the heartbreaking sound you attain when combining the piano with strings, therefore I chose the cello to create that classical feel. To that combination I contemporized it a bit by adding drums and bass, and along with the differentiation of my melodies we end up with a fusion of classical/pop/rock/folk that is hard to describe when asked what genre I would fall into!"

Well, I can see I’m keeping you from everyone in the room, is there anything else you would like to add after such a successful show?

“Yes actually – (she laughs) – I’m proud of what I’ve done. Everything I’ve written has come from a place that is true and authentic…a place that forces me to spill it onto paper and into music. I know I’m not the only person experiencing what I am experiencing. It’s called life… I mean, we’re all in this and even if one person can relate or take something away with them after hearing my music then I have done my job.”

Jennifer L. Goodman
7/27/05