ShAnnie - Shan + Annie = ShAnnie
A duo comprised of Shan Kowert & Annie Acton. They formed in 2005 and released their debut cd in 2007, which received a nomination for Vocal Duo at the 2008 Texas Music Awards.
Now, with the second release, their 2011 cd "The Station" produced by John Inmon, receiving 3 nominations at the Texas Music Awards; ShAnnie says they are "humbled and honored in knowing that their "passion" is getting positive feedback".
"Eclectic Americana Folk with Celtic and Spanish undertones"... that's what some are saying about this duo. Their voices are clean and soothing, and the music is beautifully accompanied by 6 or 12 string acoustic guitars. ShAnnie's music is soulful, lyrical and mesmerizing. Annie will capture your eyes with her dramatic fervor for each and every song. Someone once said... "Annie, when you sing, I believe."
Meanwhile, Shan is crosspicking the twelve strings like nobody else, making it seem like he is playing two guitars.
Whether it is Annie or Shan taking the lead vocal, the other voice is floating around in harmony.
It is a fact... the chemistry of these two people will not only lure you in, but keep you wanting more.
Shan Kowert - Singer/Songwriter/ Guitar
Born in San Antonio, where his Dad was stationed in the Air Force. Shan is a 5th generation Texan with deep roots in the Texas Hill Country. He grew up in Fredericksburg. Shan comes from a diverse group of ancestors, whom comprised cowboys, Indians and German immigrants. Musicians also bloomed on the Kowert family tree, with guitar, fiddle and piano players and even one great-grandfather that was a professor of music and played the pipe organ. At age 16, Shan got his first guitar; a Yamaha 12 string. He was influenced by music icons such as Jose Feliciano, Dylan, Lightfoot, Folgelberg and many others.
Shan found his muse for songwriting late in life, but as they say; "better late, than never". He has a poetic side not only with words but with strings too. His style is unique and beautiful. He plays both 12 and 6 string guitars, but it's when he's cross picking the 12 that you'll swear he's playing two guitars at one time.
He's an incredible singer, a great guitar player and a creative writer with a "million dollar smile".
Annie Acton - Singer/Songwriter
Born in California, Annie was raised all over the world. Her Dad also served in the Air Force, which took them to Guam, the Phillipines, Germany and all over the U.S. It was always hard to keep friends, but that just made the family closer. Music was a definite bond shared by the Acton family. Her Dad was into Rock and Roll while her Mom was swaying to Motown. It is no wonder her musical influences are very diverse, from Patsy Cline and Mel Torme, to The Ramones, Ella Fitzgerald and even Alison Krauss.
Her passion as a singer helps drive her as an artist, and eventually brought her to Luckenbach and closer to Shan.
Annie has always loved writing, reflected not only in their songs, but also in their weekly newsletters, which are filled with incredibly fascinating stories from deep inside her captivating and inventive mind. She's also quite a photographer and delivers artistic images to mirror every story. You're missing out if you're not signed up!
ShAnnie - the short of it...
ShAnnie;
Shan was designing/building swimming pools in the hill country and Annie was a photographer/retouch artist in Austin.
Who would have thought they would end up at Luckenbach, Texas one rainy night about to embark on a new direction.
Thankfully, they continue to travel their journey in search of the next song...