Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon O’Donnell.
Hi Shannon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up mostly in Central Wisconsin, but spent some formative years in Las Vegas. I was surrounded by music. My parents were karaoke DJs at local bars, family events, and weddings. My dad played Irish folk music with his brothers, and influenced the whole family to learn acoustic guitar. My mom sang around the house and often performed folk music alongside my dad. I began singing for crowds when I was 4 years old. At circumstance of having musician parents, I was exposed to a wide variety of music and pushed forward with an eagerness to find music I connected with.
I explored the scopes of jazz and musical theater through middle and high school, finding niches I aligned with. I also found who I was as a performer, doing musicals as well as singing and dancing on tour every summer with the pre-professional music troupe, Kids From Wisconsin. I got deeper into Jazz my senior year of high school, and ultimately found myself with a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music.
Currently a full time 5th semester, I have found my passion in performing, collaborating, and spreading my love of music. At Berklee, I have gained opportunities to sing in the bi-annual Singers Showcases, performing alongside artists such as Omar Hakim, Marshall Wood, and Gray Sargent. I have experience working under greats like Tia Fuller, Lil John Roberts, and Mimi Jones in Berklee’s Michael Jackson Ensemble as a feature/BGV section leader. I also co-direct Berklee’s Upper Structure Acapella. Outside of Berklee, I now perform as a vocalist with Groovin You Entertainment and perform in local Boston venues as a Singer/Instrumentalist with Beyer Entertainment. Through my studies, I have found much joy in producing beats, songwriting, and arranging.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Mental health and addiction has deeply affected my immediate family most of my life. In my first semester away at College, my oldest sister lost her life to liver and organ failure following years of alcohol abuse. Grief has been an ongoing battle that will most likely never subside. I am continuing to find comfort in vulnerability, especially in my creative process as a musician. Listening to records she showed me growing up, watching movies that remind me of her, and looking at old photos alleviates the pain from loss, although it is still surreal.
I say that resilience is a muscle one builds overtime and through differing levels of struggle. My resilience has given me so much strength, and made me an incredibly positive person with a deepening outlook on life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer, producer, and songwriter that performs a wide variety of music styles around Boston. With roots in Irish Folk and soul music, my inspirations vary across a wide musical spectrum. While I often times find myself creating and producing music in the progressive jazz realm, I also have developed a passion for toplining in more mainstream styles like r&b and pop. Playlist curation has been a huge part of my journey in discovering music that inspires me.
Singing and performing songs remains my greatest passion, however, through my musical journey I have been able to pick up guitar, piano, bass, and drums. My determination and passion about music and learning new ways to inspire myself has made my versatility ever-growing.
I put an emphasis on the healing power of music, especially how much it aids us in feeling emotions deeply. Being able to feel deeply is a gift.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Following the Covid-19 lockdown era, I developed an even greater appreciation for live performance. The threat towards musicians and actors during this period was more than enough for me to recognize the privilege we have to witness live music and theater.
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Image Credits
Elia Ma
Thomas Nguyen