Nashville-based performing songwriter Shantell Ogden will release a new country and folk album, Stories Behind Songs, on October 7, 2011. A CD release celebration will be held at the Listening Room in Nashville on October 7, from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.; fifty percent of CD sales from the event will be donated to Book ‘em, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s literacy. Every CD sold that night will allow Book ‘em to donate a book to a local child.
“I’m so excited to be releasing Stories Behind Songs and helping children receive their own stories through Book ‘em,” said Shantell. “I credit my songwriting roots to growing up with a love of books and music, and because every song has a story, it was a natural fit to support Book ‘em through CD sales.”
Ogden asked fans to participate in the album by sending her their stories to inspire a song. As a result of the invitation, “Love Always Finds a Way” was written by Shantell based on the real-life love story of Louise and Laura Lee Sillay of Alpharetta, Georgia, a couple who have been married for more than 65 years.
Ogden’s new album emphasizes her evolution as a songwriter and co-writer in the country market, while honoring her singer/songwriter roots.
“Whether I’m writing country, folk or alternative music, I am a big believer in keeping the characters real and the emotions honest,” said Shantell. “To me, a great song reveals something compelling or funny about who we are, and I love how that connects us.”
Ogden’s willingness to reveal her genuine experience is evident in tracks such as “I Love Different Now.” “Maybe love’s a little mystery / we never figure out / sometimes it’s full of magic / sometimes it’s full of doubt / I still believe in love, but I love different now.”
“I Wasn’t Done Lovin’ You Yet,” co-written with Thom Schuyler (Kenny Rogers, Michael Martin Murphy), is a haunting two-step about the memories that remain when a relationship ends. “Here I am facing the memories again / back in the middle of what might have been / it’s hard to remember, it’s hard to forget / I wasn’t done lovin’ you yet.”
The album features the work of some of Nashville’s finest session musicians: Kevin Post (Blake Shelton, Terri Clark), Tigar Bell (Merle Haggard, Travis Tritt), Dave Smith (Lee Greenwood, Mel McDaniel) and Monty Parkey (Alan Jackson, Daryl Worley). It was produced by Dave Smith and recorded and mixed at his studio, Nashville Song Lab in Nashville; the album was mastered at Jimmy Dulin Productions.
The album and digital downloads can be purchased on www.shantellogden.com beginning October 7.
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