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November 20, 2006
Yellowbird Releases Debut Album

Shane Yellowbird's debut album, "Life is Calling My Name", has been released, and the handsome young country singer is already creating a stir.

On a recent trip to Vancouver a flight attendant recognized Yellowbird from his music video on CMT and announced to his fellow passengers a celebrity was onboard. Though unaccustomed to the attention, the shy Yellowbird obliged his fans with autographs.

With his current single Top 10 , and his album one of the top selling country CDs by a Canadian artist, Yellowbird has gone from quietly pursuing a fine arts degree at Red Deer College to the hustle and bustle of a country music star.

Growing up in Hobbema, AB, Yellowbird, who is Cree, was a typical cowboy. His parents participated in the rodeo circuit and their son learned early on to rope and ride, fully embracing the cowboy lifestyle and accepting that it would one day be his future.

A strange twist of circumstances, however, put Yellowbird on the country music path. Born with a severe stuttering problem, he began seeing a speech therapist who suggested that he sing his sentences to help him speak clearly. The technique proved successful and also instilled a budding love of music in Yellowbird.

After entering several singing contests and winning, it seemed life was calling the young cowboy to fulfill another dream, that of a country music artist.

Spotted by O’Reilly International, Yellowbird signed on with the management company.

"We knew Shane could sing and song write. But when we talked to him about his speech impediment and realized what he had overcome to get this far, we knew he had the drive and determination you need in this industry," says Louis O’Reilly president of the company.

"Life is Calling My Name" features radio-friendly tracks in the traditions of George Strait or Garth Brooks and showcases Yellowbird’s amazing voice.

Yellowbird chose each track on his album much as he does everything in life – with thoughtful care.

"There’s no break up songs or unhappy songs," Yellowbird says. "The whole album is positive. It’s about having fun, being in love. I wanted the first album to be positive."

Reflecting his own personality and love of the simple cowboy lifestyle, the album offers an upbeat look at life on the Plaines.

"I Remember the Music" is a carefree saunter down memory lane, while "Easy" is a slow romantic twirl.

The album conjures up images of dancing on the front lawn and cuddling with your sweetie by the fire.

Also close to his heart, the album’s title track "Life is Calling My Name" talks about the freedom to just be oneself.

"This song really hits home for me," explains Yellowbird. "Life is before you, leave your problems behind."

He adds, artists like Mel Tillis – known for his noticeable stutter – serve as a role model.

"(Tillis’ stutter) was part of who he was," says Yellowbird. "And people liked that about him. It made him unique and didn’t stop him from having a successful music career."

Yellowbird hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Wherever you come from, whatever obstacles you face, your dreams can come true – something Yellowbird knows firsthand.

Yellowbird is proud of his country roots and still breaks horses and competes in calf-roping whenever he can. But given the exceptional early fan response to his songs, Yellowbird’s future seems destined to deliver more outstanding country music.

"Life is Calling My Name" is released on 306 Records and distributed by Navarre Canada/Universal Music Canada.

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