SPOTLIGHT - Chanel Stasiuk

Chanel Stasiuk was a finalist in my Diamond in the Rough talent competition, and she's been working hard on new songs in anticipation of her debut album. Working with Ron Irving, we can look forward to much more to come from this amazing young talent. If you'd like to catch up to her, she'll be performing her new material at the Wired Monk in Cloverdale on Saturday Feb. 26th. Here's Chanel's answers to my 10 questions:

1) What's your most memorable gig?

I'd have to say my performing at Merrit Mountain Music Fest in 2009 because it was my first time performing in front of such a HUGE crowd, and I was so nervous but the audience was so amazingly supportive that I had such a blast. Also I sang my own songs, and that made it even more special.

2) What was your craziest gig?

Definitely when I sang in a bar for the first time. I was only 13 so I had to stay in the office down stairs out of the bar, and could only walk through the bar to get to and from the stage.

3) Which of your songs is your favourite and why?

"Romeo", my newest song, is by far my favourite. It's all about teen love and how you feel like you could go anywhere and do anything as long as that person is beside you...but a thousand other girls are in love with the same guy.

4) What are your goals for 2011?

My goals for 2011 are all about getting more exposure. Booking as many gigs and building connections is what I care most about right now...but I wouldn't object to a record deal.

5) What are you most excited about in your life at this time?

Right now, I'm most excited about the new material that I've been working on. I've been pouring my heart out into my songs and I can't wait to perform them for everyone.

6) What special events do you have going on this year?

Well this year I've really been focusing on my original music and I've begun working with Ron Irving. He's been helping me a lot with my writing and it's really expanded my horizons, For example, hes showed me that it's possible to write a song using more than 4 chords!

7) When's the next time your local fans can catch up to you?

I'll be performing at the Cloverdale Wired Monk, Saturday feb.26 at 7:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome and encourage to come watch. I'll be performing some new material, original and covers, so It'll be great show. Also, I encourage everyone to check my website www.chanelstasiuk.com for all my upcoming performances.

8) What's the best musical email you've ever received?

For the past two years I've been doing these really fun charity shows at homes for disabled young adults. Everyone at the homes are so enthusiastic and encouraging, I've recieved emails from several of the people who have watched me sing, but I was most flattered when one lady said that she wanted to be the president of my fan club! That was probably one of the nicest compliments I've ever received.
 

9) What's your favourite band/song at this time?

Well, I've always been a huge Rascall Flatts fan, but lately I've really been into The Band Perry. They have so many great songs and I just love their new album. My two favourite songs of theirs are "If I Die Young" and "Hip To My Heart".

10) If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have 5 Albums, what
would they be, and what is your favourite all time?
Ok, this is a tough one, but I would say...

5. The Band Perry (The Band Perry)
4. Nine Lives (Aerosmith)
3. Cross Road (Bon Jovi)
2. Play On (Carrie Underwood)
1. Golden Road (Keith Urban)
And my all- time favourite actually isn't on my list, but it is definitely Shania Twain's album "Come On Over".