Crystal Bowersox Lands New Record Deal!

Here’s some good news in the midst of some Idol favorites recently parting ways with their record labels. American Idol Season 9 runner up, Crystal Bowersox, has signed a new record deal with independent label, Shanachie Records, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  Via The Hollywood Reporter

American Idol alum Crystal Bowersox has landed a new deal at Shanachie Records. Home to such renowned world acts as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Ofra Haza, the company, founded in 1975 and now under the E1 umbrella, is among the country’s longest-running independent labels. In Oct. 2011, Bowersox, who came in second on season nine of Idol, parted ways with 19 Recordings and Sony Music subsidiary Jive Records.

Crystal has signed with a label that houses many reggae acts. That sounds perfect for the rootsy singer songwriter.

“I’m happy to get back to work and glad that everything fell into place with Shanachie. I was going at it alone and now I don’t have to.”

Even if the label could have done a good job, let’s face it. It IS tough to go it alone. Losing a major label deal is not a good thing. But for some of the Idol alums, signing with an indie or small niche label means lower expectations for record sales and more personalized attention.

Crystal tells THR that she’s written 18 songs, spent some time in Santa Fe to get her head on straight, and she’s ready to go. She describes her new material as “rootsy,” “folky” and “a little more subdued.” Crystal’s management is hoping for an early 2013 release. The singer has to decide on a producer and will probably record in Los Angeles, Nashville or New York City. “I want to be open to whatever transpires. I have to get out of my own way,” says Crystal.

“I’m in a good place in my heart and my life and it’s reflecting in the music,” adds Bowersox, who says she’s grown up more in the last two years than she ever imagined. “I think between [age] 25 and 27, something happens to your brain — that’s where I’m at.”

That includes being not just at peace with her TV show past, but proud of the experience. “I have to be real with myself and know that all the goodness and opportunity would not have been possible had I not done the show,” she says. “I am so lucky to have graced that stage. People recognize me on the street and it’s an incredible blessing. Idol brings nothing but good — to the people that allow it.”

I’m learning to go with the flow a little more,” says the mother of one. “And I’ve come around in that I’m looking forward to collaboration because that’s way that you grow. Learning through others’ experience: I’m down for it. I’m ready.”

It sounds like Crystal is in a really good place these days. I can’t wait for her next album.

About mj santilli 34841 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!