Shawn Harvey
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| Shawn Harvey | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | 2nd September 1971 |
| Origin |  Plymouth, Devon, England |
| Genre(s) | Rockabilly and Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Label(s) | Kissy Music |
| Website | http://shawnharvey.com/ |
Shawn Harvey is an established UK singer, songwriter, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and producer. He has a large international fan base and is well respected amongst other musicians world wide. For over a decade he has written and recorded Country, Rockabilly and Blues.
Several European Rock'n'Roll bands have covered his songs live, and recently, Dutch Country singer Shannah has recorded a cover version of 'Haystack Life' from the 'In The Hills' album.
Shawn was born in Plymouth, England, and grew up in a small tin-mining town in rural Cornwall to the sounds of Country, Rock'n'Roll and Blues, a love for which shines through in his music to this day. He started playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 13.[1]
Shawn has developed his own distinctive style, taking bits from his early influences and adding a dose of his own personality. The result is Country Rockabilly as original as a 50's original and every bit as exciting.
His live performances are electric and show his musical talent as a singer and guitarist. Years of working on the road from as early as 14 have made him a true pro and it shows at gigs.
But when in the studio, Shawn's biggest talent of all shines through; the ability to write exciting, catchy songs and produce potentially chart topping tunes.
Being a competent photographer and video editor, Shawn has a clear idea of his image and gets involved in the art direction of all his projects.
Shawn has international chart success on the internet, repeated Top 20 chart positions, with several global No. 1's on sites such as Besonic and Soundclick, regular internet radio play and has gained a large world wide following of Country and Rockabilly lovers who enjoy his music.
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[edit] Career
- 1995: Recorded first album "Night Of Passion" with his band The Flat Top Cats on a Prince's Trust grant
- 1997: Shawn and The Flat Top Cats were made honorary members of the Cynon Valley Cancer Research Committee after raising nearly £700 in one year for charity from album sales, signings and performing at the local carnival
- 1997: Launch of Flat Top Cats Fan Club
- 1998: Wrote space musical "Zog", an ongoing project to date
- 1998: Featured on Valleys Radio, an hour long program about Shawn with live interview
- 1999: Launched www.shawnharvey.com due to ever-growing demand of fans
- 2000: Songs from latest album "Cyberoxin" included in playlist of Falmouth FM
- 2001: Recording of Wild Wild Woman demo CD at Monroe's Studios, London
- 2001: Performance at the launch party of Popshow, the popular London showcase
- 2001: 45 minute Shawn special on the Chris Young Show, Taunton TV with live interviews and performances
- 2001: Performance of Wild Wild Woman on the Blue Whale Show, Men & Motors TV
- 2002: Filmed by ATIT Productions for the C4 pilot "Thank You For The Music". A film crew of 7 travelled to Cornwall for 2 days of filming
- 2002: Obtained more funding from Prince's Youth Trust for purchase of recording equipment and instruments
- 2002: Gig with Dutch Rock'n'Roll band The Explosion Rockets; performed 3 of his own songs, now part of the band's permanent repertoire
- 2003: Returned to perform at Popshow on the same bill with Gina G; was voted 3rd most popular act on the night
- 2004: Signed by Kissy Music
- 2004: Wrote film soundtrack to American movie Deadly Desires
- 2004: Wild Wild Woman was pre-released at Cannes Film Festival with good response
- 2004: Released Wild Wild Woman CD on the Kissy Music label
- 2004: Wild Wild Woman hits No.2 in France and No.7 in the U.S. in the Besonic internet charts
- 2004: 6th November, filming of live video at the Virginia Creepers Club, The Water Rats Theatre, London
- 2004: 1st December, recording session at Mill Hill Studios, London, featuring legendary session guitarist Albert Lee, produced by Boz Boorer, Morrissey.
- 2004: Endorsement of Shine Guitars. Shawn is the official face for Shine in 2005
- 2004: 25th December, gig at the Millennium Dome, London for the homeless charity Crisis Open Christmas
- 2005: 10th March, recording session at Berry Hill studios. Produced by John David, ex Dave Edmunds band and Love Sculpture
- 2005: Release of ‘In The Hills’ Country/Rockabilly album
- 2005: ‘I Drove Up In My Cadillac Car’ goes No.1 on Soundstation and Shawn is Country genre feature artist for several weeks
- 2005: ‘Haystack Life’ is covered by Dutch Country singer Shannah, www.shannah.nl
- 2006: Endorsement of Tonic Amps
- 2006: Release of ‘Cash On Delivery’ and ‘Barbarella’ singles
- 2006: Inducted into the WSNV Radio Hall of Fame and inclusion on their 16th compilation CD
- 2006: Songwriting collaboration with Colonel Robert Morris, songwriter and master drummer from Memphis, inducted into the Rockabilly & Country Halls of fame.
[edit] Plans for the future
2006: International Radio and TV promotion, more gigs, dates t.b.c, negotiations with major record labels regarding distribution and promotion 2006+:UK and European tours, international promotion, second album release
[edit] Some interesting facts
Shawn's great great grandfather, Jack Rowling, deep sea diver from Falmouth, Cornwall, was the favourite subject of the painter Henry Scott Tuke. His painting "The Promise", depicting Jack and a young girl, features on the 12" cover of the 1980s hit "The Back Of Love" by Echo And The Bunnymen
As a young boy, Shawn went along to the first ever audition for Stars In Their Eyes. Not realising it was a show for impersonators, he brought his guitar and played a Rock'n'Roll tune. The producer was so impressed with his performance that he advised Shawn to go out there and develop his own act instead.
Shawn's favourite guitar is his Shine SH-943 WH.
Shawn's musical inspirations are as diverse as Dave Edmunds, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Blondie, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Dwight Yoakam, Shania Twain, Pink, Aqua, Billy Idol, Transvision Vamp....
Shawn's song catalogue at Kissy Music stands at over 450 selfwritten works to date, and growing....
As a teenager, Shawn was an extra in a pop video by Shakin' Stevens, What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For, also featuring the then not so famous Vic Reeves.
In 2001, Shawn was a film extra in the BBC production Pandaemonium, starring John Hannah and Linus Roache. You can catch a brief glimpse of Shawn as a sailor in the opening scene.
[edit] References
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