Meredith Shaw has been described as a feel good cross between Sarah McLachlan and Natalie Maines. A little bit pop, a little bit country and a whole lot of passion. Shaw’s live show gets everyone’s feet tapping but always gives their hearts a soft place to fall.

Her early 2011 release PLACE CALLED HAPPY is a personality-driven pop record that flips from emotion to emotion, expressing the many ups and downs in a person’s day or life – coy and cute; confident and fierce; full of uncertainty and doubt, all the while dreaming big and loving life.

Produced by Gordie Johnson, the frontman for Austin-based rockers Grady and the leader of the award-winning Canadian band Big Sugar took an interest in Meredith after he heard her sing backup with a Toronto band. When that project didn’t work out, he suggested she gather some songs and come down to Texas to work with him at Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Studio, whose clients have included Neil Young, Lucinda Williams, Frank Sinatra and INXS. “It made me emotional sometimes being there because it’s one of those opportunities that make you think, ‘Thank god, I didn’t stop,’” says Meredith.

Her road to this fortunate spot has been full of twists, highs and heartbreaks but Shaw wouldn’t have it any other way. She started with a demo at 14 that ultimately lead her to recording in Nashville with Producer Mel Shaw (no relation). She played live shows throughout her time in highschool and continued to hone her stage presence at Queen’s University. It was at Queen’s that Meredith met the boys from the now Juno award winning band Bedouin Soundclash. “I was very inspired by them and their dedication to developing a new sound,” she says.

Now armed with a shiny new record, set to release in early 2011, Shaw has showcased at Canadian Music Week, NXNE, Hamilton Music and Film Fest, The Rivoli, and The Opera House. She was asked to showcase in New York this May at The Bitter End, Caffe Vivaldi and The Slipper Room and in London England at The George & Vulture. Sharing the stage with other artists is a real privilege and she has been able to do so with, among others, Tim Chaisson & Morning Fold, Nancy Dutra and Chloe Charles. Shaw’s song “Girls Who Believe” has been chosen for a Fall 2010 episode of CTV’s Degrassi.

Place Called Happy will be released in early 2011 and will be supported by a tour and radio campaign.

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THINGS I CARE ABOUT

VON CANADA
I volunteer with these guys. If you love babies this organization is for you!
www.von.ca

GIRL TALK
This group is just getting started but they are all about building the self-esteem of young girls – love that. Plus my company muffymade designed their logo.
Girl Talk website

PWA TORONTO
This is an organization that gets all proceeds from a big event I do the fundraising for each year during PRIDE week.
www.pwatoronto.org

SCHOOLS WITHOUT BORDER
Schools Without Borders (SWB) is a unique youth-led organization that makes education and learning more accessible for young people.
www.swb.ca