Shanna Sharp

Shanna Sharp is the quintessential example of a woman coming into her own in New York City. While the subject matter of her strong, feisty and sultry lyrics are not necessarily of blue skies, she always leaves her listeners with the feeling of something lost, yet something learned. Growing up in sweet home Alabama, Shanna was the youngest child with three older brothers - to whom she attributes her musical direction. Artists themselves, they couldn't stand her musical taste as a girl and so, they threw some Sarah McLachlan albums her way, which lead to Tori Amos and later Ani DiFranco.

These sounds, so very different than the pop radio to which she was accustomed, were what drove her to express herself as a woman through music.

It wasn't long before the local coffee houses, friendly downtown drag queen bars and college frat parties of Alabama couldn't live up to the stars in Shanna's eyes. To everyone's surprise, including herself, Shanna left behind her friends, family and unfinished college degree, moving to New York City rather abruptly.

Soon after, she was accepted to Circle in the Square Theatre School as she began exposing her music to a more diverse population. It didn't take New York City long to recognize Shanna Sharp; she was called in to speak with a major record label almost immediately. Unwilling to fit the mold of a Latin diva or a Spice Girl look-alike, Shanna chose to continue developing her own image and sound in search of the right opportunity for her. Ultimately, Shanna's education taught her two valuable lessons in life: to be honest in a moment, and to say and feel things without apologizing; lessons that are endlessly visible throughout her songwriting.

Today, Shanna is busy rocking the mic alongside her accomplished band - known together as the Shannaband. Onstage, her presence is never anything less than completely captivating. Shanna wears her feelings on the outside exposing vulnerability, humility, passion and even humor with raw emotion. Her ability to engage the crowd is stunning - women are naturally drawn to her through the simplicity of how intensely they relate, while the boys appreciate her sensuality and comfortability with who she is. This all before mentioning her vocal range - a beautiful mixture of clarity and bluesy tones.

In the end - Shanna will make you to shed a tear, rock out and laugh till it hurts all in one. It is not uncommon to leave a Shanna Sharp gig feeling confused as to whether you just experienced a deeply-moving musical experience or a standup comedian on Improv Night. Most importantly - the music is honest; relating the stories of a young woman's life without regret or apology.