Shawna Locey was born in Portland, Oregon and at a very young age developed a deep appreciation for music. By the age of three, she began making songs and in elementary school choreographed musicals at recess. In high school, she was captain of the dance team and was a recipient of a unique scholarship inspired by her musical talents. At Mount Hood Community College she was a member of a jazz ensemble that was awarded "Best College Vocal Jazz Album" by 'Down Beat' magazine.
Shawna later transferred to Central Washington University and completed a Bachelors of Arts degree in music education. She also continued her passion for dance as a hip-hop dance instructor and choreographer. Out of college, she taught music in Washington State public schools while pursuing her dream of performing. She began a funk cover band and soon was singing in front of audiences four nights a week. Inspired to create her own music, she made a small studio in her bedroom and taught herself the latest programs in audio engineering. Soon she was writing and recording her first songs independently.
In late 2007, Shawna took her songs to Contact Create Studios to complete her first album. With the help of her friends in the music community, she was able to rerecord and embellish all of her original songs with the talent of many nationally acclaimed musicians. Established players who helped her include: Thaddeus Turner of Maktub and Gerald Turner of the Digable Planets, Bubba Jones of Cherrywine, Mark Cardenas of Morris Day and the Time and Darrius Willrich. Each player added their personal touches to Shawna's songs and helped shape her dynamic production.
The music of Shawna Locey combines her love of funk, pop, jazz, rock, and soul to create a different sound with each song. Her melodies draw from influences such as Stevie Wonder, Kurt Elling, Lauren Hill, Jamiroquai and Michael Jackson. Touching on subjects of love, fear, frustration and hope, Shawna's versatile and sultry voice gives audiences a very personal look into her life. Her unique song writing abilities give the listener a variety of style and sensation.
Recently, Shawna Locey exhibited her debut songs in 2008 with rave reviews. Although it was a limited release, she was discovered by Red Pill Records and Prohibition Entertainment. Immediately, she began touring extensively across the world and is working on a broader debut. She has already begun writing for her next full release! Using her success and devotion to making music, she writes for an audience that seeks a powerful role model that embodies true entertainment, heart, and quality.