INDIANANPOLIS, IN (www.shondasue.com) -
Music from teenage country and gospel recording artist Shonda Sue's 2003 Live album was played on COUNTRYSALOON, a radio program hosted by DJ Alex Pijnen on Holland's BRTO radio Wednesday, June 30.
Shonda Sue's cover of "Love's the Only House" was featured on a playlist of independent and major label artists including Mark Wills and Vince Gill.
Shonda Sue LIVE! 2003 Favorites is Shonda Sue's second live project featuring songs from her regular concert season. The latest release features 21 cover songs on 2 discs and is available through her website.
Influenced by the music of Reba McEntire at an early age, Shonda Sue began performing and recording when she was 8 years old. One of the first songs she performed at a festival was, in fact, Reba's "Why Haven't I Heard from You."
Shonda Sue's first album, appropriately titled "I Love to Sing," was recorded and released when she was 8 and 1/2 years old. Now 16, Shonda Sue has released a total of 7 independent label albums, including a Nashville project released in 2001.
With the help of Comstock Records in 2002, the original single "Live While I Can" was released on a compilation CD and received airplay in Europe, Australia and the Netherlands. The young artist received several requests for her entire "Girl Thang" album following the airing of her single and other tracks hit the airwaves overseas.
"I love to sing and someday hope to sign with a major label," Shonda Sue says. "Whether it will be as a country entertainer or a gospel artist is in the Lord's hands. I just want to use the talent He has given me for His glory."
As an independent artist Shonda Sue has relied on the financial support of family, friends and the occasional sponsor. She stresses the importances of keeping her name an face out in the music buying public.
"I can't just sit around waiting for something to happen," she says, "By releasing the independent albums and performing every chance I get I feel this increases my chances of being discovered."
Shonda Sue's music career is a family business of sorts. Her mother and a family friend help with booking, her father serves as her business manager and sound engineer, her grandfather helps with sound and her grandmother helps with merchandise sales. Other friends and family help wherever needed, often just being there to show their support.
"I have been blessed with a wonderful family and great friends," Shonda Sue says. "So many of them have made sacrifices to help me along the way."
In order to concentrate on her career Shonda Sue juggles a busy schedule of practicing and performing, home schooling and church activities. She is a member of her church choir, another way she feels she can use her God-given talent.
"I am excited about the future though I am not sure what it holds," Shonda Sue says, "If you haven't heard me sing, check out my website for music samples and a concert schedule. Be sure to sign my guestbook before you leave."
Her official website, www.shondasue.com, also features a store where her 7 albums are available for purchase as well as pictures from previous shows.
Shonda Sue is working on future projects, which may include some original music.
