Shannon Eileen

JAZZ / ROCK/ SOUL SINGER-SONGWRITER - RECEIVED “BEST AAA ALBUM OF THE YEAR” FROM THE LOS ANGELES MUSIC AWARDS

“Shannon Eileen has the charismatic qualities of a motion picture icon, and the diverse musical skills of a genuine superstar. Her debut album, "I'm My Own" is a masterpiece of originality. Shannon Eileen sets the highest standard by which all other independent artists should be measured." -Al Bowman, Founder / Executive Producer of the LA Music Awards.

Shannon Eileen acquired a strong affection for her DynoMike karaoke microphone early on. Little did her parents know that such toy would ignite the singer/songwriter’s dream to inspire and communicate through song. Piano lessons shortly followed, until Shannon received a life-changing birthday present at age 12: private classical voice lessons. Studying with Stephanie Dudash for 5 years at the University of Puget Sound in Washington was one the best things she could have done. These lessons allowed her to master vocal control, breathing techniques, and stage presence.

Her gift led to "Best Soloist" awards in high school jazz competitions and festivals, and earned her a solo on The Gift of Music, an annual televised Christmas special in Washington state. Eventually, Shannon was granted a scholarship to University of Southern California's prestigious School of Music. Eager to leave her hometown, Gig Harbor, Washington, Shannon moved to Los Angeles to pursue her college career. She immediately became a founding member of the award-winning USC Sirens, an all-female a capella group which would become the platform for her success. With the Sirens, Shannon performed around the U.S., recorded solos on three albums with the legendary singer-songwriter / producer extraordinaire, Gabriel Mann at Asylum Studios, and learned to arrange music. Their 2001 album, Surreal, won in every female collegiate category of the CARA (Contemporary A Capella Recording Awards), and one of Shannon’s solos, "Ray of Light" was also featured on the 2001 BOCA CD (Best of College A Capella).

Using a demo of her Sirens solos, Shannon met up with many producers, hoping to collaborate with someone who could help her achieve her goal. After many unsuccessful attempts, she finally found someone with the same musical vision. Independent producer / pro-guitarist, Giampiero Scuderi of IMG Records/Productions, who has performed with some of the greatest names in jazz and rock music throughout Europe, U.S., and South America, and who has appeared on such television appearances on Univision, CBS, ABC and FOX networks, signed Shannon to IMG. They have been writing and recording original songs together for 2 years, looking to eventually secure a record deal.

"It has been a pleasure working with Shannon on our project. It is indeed refreshing to see an Artist who can write, sing, and perform with her level of expression and intensity. Her appreciation and knowledge of various genres of music (from pop/rock to jazz) along with her creativity and willingness to branch out, make it possible to explore and incorporate different angles to the mainstream music market."

Shannon Eileen is breaking the conventions of the current pop genre, as her rich, soulful, jazzy vocals, and thoughtful, honest lyrics, are creating quite a buzz in the Los Angeles music scene. After receiving “Best AAA Album of the Year” from the LA Music Awards, the Department of Defense selected her band to be flown out to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and perform for the thousands of troops and civilians stationed there, receiving an award and praise from the honorable Caption Les McCoy. Additionally, she was selected as a Quarter Finalist in the Radio Star contest sponsored by Sony, / Epic Records, Winterfresh, and Premiere Radio Network. Her interview and her song, "To Walk Away" was aired on Top 40 stations across the nation. She also received the "Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting" by the Great American Song Competition, as her song "Sweet Gravity" was selected as a Top 5 Finalist in the competitive Pop/AAA category. She also won the MakeAStar Song Competition (now in Hall of Fame), and has been receiving airplay on CRI EasyFM 91.5 in China.

Vocally likened to such artists such as N’Dea Davenport of Brand New Heavies, Norah Jones, Sade, and even a female Sting, Shannon and her 7-piece band are currently gathering a large following by playing gigs all over L.A. at well-known clubs such as The Cat Club, The Derby, Hard Rock Café, The Gig, 14 Below, Genghis Cohen, The Joint, and Monsoon Café, to name a few. Keep an eye out for this talented artist on the rise!