Shawn Mayer: A Unique Talent

An Interview with One of Country Music's Young Rising Stars

Aug 30, 2009

A hectic touring schedule, plus a third place finish on reality TV show, "Nashville Star" in 2008, look set to propel this ambitious singer/songwriter into the big time.

Iowa-native, Shawn Mayer (22) is not your average female country singer. Part Hispanic, part Native American and part German, she was recently described in Nashville's top country music magazine, Country Weekly as being "known for her smoky, soulful country voice and her emotionally revealing lyrics."

Although physically different to the standard female country star, with her jet-black hair, dark-ish skin and exotic features, it was Shawn's powerful vocals that once convinced a country music legend to take a chance on her before she was even old enough to drive.

Shawn Mayer's Legendary Mentor

When still a teenager, Shawn was mentored by the late Vern Gosdin, otherwise known as "The Voice," who saw her potential and encouraged her in her fledgling career.

"He met me when I was about 15," remembers Shawn. "He noticed something unique in my voice and the first thing he told me was: 'You can be like everyone else or you can embrace who you are and be different - maybe you won't get signed and you could be ridiculed, but at least you can hold your head up high and say you were yourself."

"Beforehand, I was trying to mimic every other female singer on the radio," she continues. "I wasn’t being true to myself. He really helped me find my true sound. He was a great loss to country music when he passed away earlier this year."

Paying Her Dues

Before becoming a full-time singer, Shawn worked in a variety of jobs, including mechanic and pig farmer and, as mentioned in the Country Weekly article, she then "played the honky-tonks on Nashville's famed Lower Broadway before moving to Music City in 2006."

Since then, Shawn has continued to gig relentlessly all over the United States, both as a solo act and as part of the Nashville Star tour, an 11-date trek in late 2008 which also included a show in Canada.

As far as her ethnicity is concerned, Shawn feels that country music is ready for a change:

"I don’t think it should be about race, or ethnic background, it doesn’t matter," she says. "It’s all about the music. The world’s evolving and being different is actually a good thing. Country is ready to see different sides, different looks and different attributes."

With her undeniable vocal talent, as well as her physical beauty, it seems that the world of country music is ready to see a lot more of Shawn Mayer.

The copyright of the article Shawn Mayer: A Unique Talent in New Country Music is owned by Adrian Peel. Permission to republish Shawn Mayer: A Unique Talent in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.