Canada-born Crystal Shawanda is Wikwemikong First Nation and on her first trip to Nashville was told by music executives, “I don’t think there’s a place for Native Americans in Country Music.” She was eventually signed to RCA Nashville. “You Can Let Go” was released in Canada in 2007, U.S. in 2008. It was the fastest climbing single on the Canadian Country Singles Chart since Carolyn Dawn Johnson’s “Georgia” in 2000, reaching the Top 10 in just five weeks. The show will feature their conversation as well as a playlist curated by Crystal of her influences, in addition to spotlighting her own music.
On Sunday (9/27), Shawanda joined Rissi Palmer to discuss forging ahead in her career and also offered advice for fellow and future artists, and talks about the pressures of representation as an indigenous woman.
Some highlights from this weekend’s episode, courtesy of Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music Country:
Crystal Shawanda on being told that Country Music
wasn’t ready for someone like her:
Crystal Shawanda’s advice for fellow and future artists:
Crystal Shawanda on the pressure of representation:
.
Listen to this episode and all past episodes of Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music Country here.