Shay Dillon

News Article	Artist News Home

Internet a vehicle for local singer's success

Published on 12/27/2006

By Jill Bauerle

Being internet savvy has helped Shay Dillon bring her music to an international audience without leaving Nevada City. Last week, Music Aid, an international charity, named the blues vocalist as best female vocal artist in its International Music Awards contest. Music Aid provides opportunities to musicians worldwide and supports educational programs for children in Asia and Latin America. "We're not really after a record deal," said Dillon, who writes songs with her husband, Paul Kraushaar, in their home studio. "Our initial plan was just to get out there as songwriters and get our stuff heard." Dillon's music will be a part of a Music Aid compact disc that is being created by Hollywood producer Jay Baumgardner. Songs from the CD will be sold as downloads on the Music Aid Web site and will also be circulated to talent scouts at various record labels. Dillon, who moved to Nevada City 11 years ago from Chico, said that last year she started submitting her music to her music to Internet radio stations and Web sites such as Moozikooradio.com, Garageband.com and Broadjam.com This week her song "Slippen' Away" ranked No. 13 on Garage Band's blues chart. Public comments on her GarageBand profile praise Dillon's "smooth vibe" and "tight production." Her smoky vocal style could be compared to the soulful pop of Joss Stone. After reading about the Music Aid contest on Broadjam.com, she submitted her single, a sultry blues song called "Holdin' On." According to the Music Aid Web site, winners were chosen from hundreds of nominations and voted on by thousand of musicians and artists from 20 countries. Dillon was first selected ass best female vocal artist for the U.S. and then won the international title. Dillon is not expecting to rocket to stardom, but she's happy to keep making music and building and audience through the Internet. She expects to complete her new album, "Through the Fire," in January. Dillon's work is also featured on Hurricanehealing.com, a Web site that donates 50 percent of profits to support peole displaced by hurricanes in 2005. She said that she likes being involed with charity projects that are not just about her music. "Just being involve is cool," she said. "You can actually reach out and help people."



Article Credits and References

Jill Bauerle The Union- Nevada City, Nevada County, CA Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Music Artists

News Article

Internet a vehicle for local singer's success