POP / FOLK / ACOUSTIC

Helen Shanahan is a somewhat reluctant and accidental star in the making.

She never meant to perform the songs she’d written. They were personal and private reflections - written only because they naturally flowed from heart to lyric to guitar.

“I never really thought I’d play my songs to anyone - I would just hide in my room and play. My friends encouraged me to play for them and then when I started performing I just loved it,” Helen said.

Now with her own MySpace music webpage and her first album “Girl in Love” due for release in May, the shy 20 year old from Winthrop has her sights firmly set on a career in the music industry - and hopes her star will soon be rising.

The EP-length album features songs Helen wrote while still in high school. Helen’s songs ride the joys and sorrows of love and life and draw the listener into an articulate and heartfelt world of story, melody and guitar, through her eyes.

“My songs sum up how I feel about certain things - they are stories about relationships, observations and my reflections. Often they are words I wish I could tell someone,” Helen said.

Despite her teen years when penning the lyrics, each song reveals a surprising maturity and sensitivity. Helen’s thoughtful observations and introverted reflections of everyday situations are beautifully captured in her music, which can best be described as contemporary folk/pop with a strong acoustic feel.

“I’m not a very open person - and music is an outlet to express myself. It’s scary sometimes when I’m performing my songs as I am then telling people what I’m feeling.”

“I keep a journal and write all my lyrics in it.  I constantly write things down and turn my thoughts into lyrics. Sometimes I don’t even remember writing a song - it’s like it has always been a part of me.”

With more than 30 songs already penned, Helen is honing her confidence and skills in the Perth pub and festival circuit.  She is doing the rounds of ‘open mics’, busking opportunities and private events, and gathering a strong following of fans who identify with her authentic style and lyrical storytelling.

WEB:

www.sonicbids.com/helenshanahan
www.myspace.com/helenshanahan