Crystal Shawanda is a powerhouse of voice and song. Based on her career transition from country to blues, her Indigenous background, and her songwriting process, her JUNO/CCMA award-winning career has inspired inspired legions of fans and fellow artists across Canada and the US. Come and hear one of Canada’s important voices as part of Blues at The Cove series on Friday, March 20! Details and tickets here.

You’ve mentioned that switching from country to blues felt like 'letting a bird out of a cage.' What was the specific moment or song that made you realize you could no longer hold back your true artistic voice?

Crystal Shawanda: It was definitely my first blues album, “The Whole World’s Got The Blues”. We were new to the blues market and were still learning. That album unfortunately didn’t make a lot of noise, but it was my confirmation personally that I was born to sing the blues. 

Considering overcoming Industry Hurdles, you have spoken openly about facing racism and discrimination as an Indigenous woman in the music business. What advice would you give to young Indigenous artists trying to navigate these same industry barriers?

Crystal: As cliche as it sounds I would say “follow your heart and be yourself, be teachable when people are trying to help you, and finally never give up, that’s the most important thing.”

Q Your latest work often taps into very personal experiences and raw emotions. How do you balance being vulnerable in your songwriting with the need to protect your own mental health?

Crystal: Well, songwriting for me has always been like cheap therapy, so I’m an open book. It’s how I get all that stuff out of me so it doesn’t drag me down, and it’s how I connect with others who have been through similar situations. Knowing that others can relate is comforting to know that I’m not the only one, and we’re gonna get through this too.

I just spoke to your husband in Nashville yesterday. He had just finished a marathon of trying to finish up mixing and recording multiple records. Having achieved success in Nashville and now as a celebrated blues artist, how has your definition of 'success' changed since you first started in the industry?

Crystal: In the beginning, I think I was just trying to survive, survive the grind, survive the rules, survive the gate keepers, survive the ones who said I couldn’t, survive the sacrifice, survive the struggle. Now that I’m thriving, I live my life on my terms. I now know the difference between the idea of happiness: being happy, and then there’s really being happy!

I firmly know who I am as an artist, and I have complete creative control. I create music in the studio and take it to the road, all with my husband Dewayne by my side producing and playing guitar and our daughter Zhaawande right between us singing and dancing along. I’m never homesick because wherever we are together is home. I have built a life that I want. To me, that is true success. I used to chase the dream and now I’m living the dream. 

You have expressed a desire to inspire people to take chances and follow their hearts. What is the next big risk or creative goal you are aiming for in your career?

Crystal: I’m already working on my next blues album, even though my current album “Sing Pretty Blues” is still getting major play at Blues radio! I’m also working on a children’s lullaby album with my daughter Zhaawande, as well as recording a few songs in the Anishnabemowin language. Anything is possible though. I’m always dreaming, planning and plotting!