Best of 2009
Collected Sounds : Best of 2009 ~ Anamnesis
Sonic Jive : Top Songs of 2009 ~ 'Driving Far' #6
Paul Franco : Best Music of 2009 ~ 'Wind' and Anamnesis

Feature
'Weekend is here again. What can be better just forgetting about life’s hectic schedules and just listen to music or going some place where the grasses are green and the sun never sets. Here is one American artist and her name is Shauna Burns. She is the Celtic Tori Amos with a flair of Loreena McKennitt’s penchant for rousing the ancient spirit. Two full length albums from her are available: Anamnesis and The Moon and the Fire Circle. You can learn more through her official MySpace page. Enjoy your tea.' - The Celtic Music Fan

Interviews
Read the interview with 'Crazy John' Kerecz in Origivation Magazine.

Listen to the interview with 'Crazy John' on OSH Radio.

Listen to the interview with Barbara Bruce's show Believe.

Eclectic Mix Music Feature (Show #231)

Shauna Burns talks to Rockwired about her latest EP Anamnesis, doing Renaissance Fairs and her ambition to be a voice on King of the Hill. - Brian Lush, Rockwired

'I really liked the look of Anamnesis, you have to work a little bit to get inside (and to pronounce it!) but I wanted a word that would connect the idea of memories and senses. When I read the classic definition it just felt right.' - Exclusive Magazine Interview - by Russell A. Trunk

'Shauna surrounds herself in the studio with the familiar scents and sights of home, where she composes most of her music. In front of the Yamaha C7 grand piano at Spiral she places photos of loved ones, pets and places. Shauna believes that every song has its own unique frequency... a frequency that is partially formed through her own creative process and partially transmitted through her, as a property that belongs to the song itself.' - Spiral Studios Interview

Anamnesis Reviews
'Lush electronic and acoustic arrangements are combined to provide the foundation for Shauna Burns' voice in the gently delivered and progressively styled opening track 'Smell.' The well-executed textural change between the chorus and verse is tremendously dramatic. The rocking electric guitars in 'A Letter' work perfectly with Shauna's percussive Tori Amos-styled piano work. And in fact, this upbeat track is certain to draw many double takes from staunch Amos fans, especially with Tori's brand new release. The instrumental bridge has a wonderful piano solo. Much gentler and sung atop a lone piano, Shauna delivers in her own distinct vocal style the sensitive ballad 'Wind.' We especially appreciated the stark combination of piano with Shauna's voice in this lovely mid-EP track. The album's standout is 'Driving For.' The light arrangement with crisp percussion and rhythmic piano perfectly supports Shauna's evocative vocal delivery. While a light harmony layer sneaks in from time to time on this EP, including this track, Shauna's lead vocal is typically sung solo. 'So tell me ...' is the EP's closing track. The darkness of the piano-based ballad is underscored by string parts. Anamnesis is a lovely five track collection that will tide Shauna Burns' fans over until her next full length release. The album is available from a variety of online outlets. With this short playing release, the artist shows us that she has clearly established her stride, audience following and musical style that will continue to build and draw interest from enthusiasts worldwide.' - Musical Discoveries

'The new 5-song EP by Shauna Burns is an intended continuation of her 2008 full-length album, The Moon and The Fire Circle. Anamnesis is her latest Pop effort that is saturated with melancholy with the loss of love, its lingering memories, and other very personal thoughts encapsulated within perfect piano-driven songs. What makes Burns' dark pieces work so well are their atmospheric compositions. With haunted vocals, effectively ethereal music, and a delivery that makes you believe every word, Anamnesis is a fantastic work. The first song, 'Smell' is well crafted with its pained recollection of something lost, never to be found again. It's serious enough to grab you into its depths and keep you there. It's followed by the sprightly 'A Letter,' softened by the lyrically minimal ballad, 'Wind,' and then crowned by the remaining two, (the extraordinary release of 'Driving Far,' and the heart-rending 'So Tell Me...'). Anamnesis is a stunning work of an artist in full control of her art. With music above much of what we hear today, the sound of emotional outcry, and intriguing lyrics, Shauna Burns is a singer-songwriter that should be in the full view of an appreciating public. Shauna Burns is very highly recommended.' - Matt Rowe, Music Tap

'Shauna Burns has created a haunting masterpiece with her five-song EP titled Anamnesis. Each track builds on the next one giving fans a wonderful taste of what Shauna has to offer. What is especially appealing about Anamnesis is Shauna's dynamic voice that will instantly melt your heart when you hear her sing. Another strong aspect about Shauna's Anamnesis is the incorporation of piano that helps fuse a unique sound. If you are a fan of Tori Amos and other powerful female Singer/Songwriters like Tori, then Shauna Burns will be a welcome addition to this list of great female artists. The EP is an achievement of one's vision. Shauna will mesmerize you the very moment you hear her sing. Anamnesis gets a well-deserved A+ - Go out and buy this CD already, you will not be disappointed!' - Isaac Davis Jr, Junior's Cave

'The ethereal feel to the opening track on Shauna Burns's five-song EP, Anamnesis, is genuinely uplifting, with a warmth and richness brought to it by Burns that many artists only dream of possessing. 'A Letter' turns the volume up a little more and is very Tori Amos-like, with adept piano work exhibited. 'Wind,' my favorite track on the CD, was a standout that brought out the best in Burns's voice, which here sounds simultaneously soft and powerful. And 'Driving Far' is altogether different, with more of a grown-up pop element infused in it, similar to the work of artists like Kate Bush. Overall, Anamnesis is beautiful work, and Shauna Burns does the singer-songwriter genre proud. I wish there were more artists like her working today.' - JC Chute, The Celebrity Cafe

'Anamnesis (Ancient Greek: 'recollection, reminiscence' literally 'loss of forgetfulness') is a term used in medicine, philosophy, psychoanalysis and religion. So how does this term relate to Shauna Burns and her new EP? Ms. Burns is never one to bring something to the table that is simple and clearly defined. She opts for the complexity of the inner sanctum we call the mind. Within that entire process are her words and music that will instantly transport their way there into where your thoughts may be lingering and festering, in need of nourishment. On this five song EP Shauna Burns reminds us of her haunting and beautiful vocals and how easy it is to be entranced by the musical web she weaves with a fascinating blend of folk, Celtic and rock music. Each song seamlessly leads to the next inviting you in and becoming intrinsically connected to one another. Before you know it the music stops and you wonder where the time went, it is like a bat of an eyelash, a spec in the universe that came and went. Even though Anamnesis is a short journey Shauna Burns makes the best of her time once again and delivers the goods in convincing fashion. One can only hope that this is a precursor to something bigger right around the corner.' - Keith 'MuzikMan' Hannaleck

'We here at Collected Sounds have been following Shauna Burns for years. What’s really cool is to see an artist evolve from record to record. In my review of her last record, The Moon and Fire Circle I mentioned that her songs sounded similar to each other. But when it’s gorgeous I don’t mind. However, on this EP, she really stepped out of her comfort zone. These songs are not samey at all. I think you’ll like this one even if you loved her previous records, it’s different but no less enchanting. I mean, it’s still Shauna right? Oh and did I mention her hottie new look? Yeah.' - Amy Lotsberg, Collected Sounds

'Anamnesis, which means recollection, is a five-song EP that offers an introspection into the five physical senses. Marketed as sequel to her previous release, The Moon And The Fire Circle, Anamnesis is an excellent achievement and a wonderful continuation. Fans of Tori Amos, Kate Bush and Amy Lee of Evanescence may find similarities but Burns fuses cascading piano and a dynamic voice to come across as slightly more uplifting while remaining genuinely sincere. There is a semblance of broodiness and the lush arrangements to be expected of fans of her peers, but Shauna Burns stands ably on her own and this EP is a definite five-star recommendation. Give it some alone time and immerse yourself in it and realize just how special Anamnesis is.' - Brooke Horrocks, SonicJive.com Music Reviews

'The creative process of Shauna Burns is fascinating, and her newest EP, Anamnesis, which means 'recollection' or 'remembrance,' is set to hit the music market on April 14, 2009. Though this is a short collection of works, Anamnesis can be seen as having depth and layers, and develop a more structured and contemplative sound, complete with various other instruments and electronic loops added by producer Steve Lemmon. Some things are just sweet when they are short. This particular EP happens to be one of those.' - L Anne Carrington

Best of 2008
~ 'Around You' blasted into the #7 spot of the FMQB AC Chart in April.
~ Collected Sounds : Best of 2008 ~ the Moon and the Fire circle Full Review
~ WCH Radio's Top 50 Songs For 2008 ~ 'Around You' #23
~ Radio Crystal Blue Top Recording Artists of the Year 2008
~ MySpace Paul's Best of 2008
~ The Promise Live : Best of 2008 ~ the Moon and the Fire circle
~ 'Around You' #1 on Song Vault Pop Radio

Listen to the Interviews
~ Nikki Rocks the Politics Interview with Nikki Starr 7/11/08
~ Digi Vegas.com Interview with Paulie Podcaster (#092) 5/29/08 Out-Take
~ KLAV Las Vegas/Vegas Rocks Interview with Meg 3/21/08
~ Southwest Blend Interview 3/19/08
~ KUNV Las Vegas Arts and Live Interview with John Nasshan 3/13/08
~ Eclectic Mix Music Feature (Show #147)

Read the Interviews
~ Rockwired.com Interview with Brian Lush 4/12/08
~ Las Vegas Review Journal Page 1 - Page 2 Interview with Jason Bracelin 4/8/08 'Burns isn't just singing about the moon, she's aiming for it.'
~ Salt Lake Tribune Interview with David Burger 5/16/08 'The Moon and the Fire Circle, an atmospheric concept album that recalls Tori Amos and Kate Bush, with lyrics about the mystical tension between light and darkness.'
~ Deseret News Page 1 - Page 2 Interview with Scott Iwasaki 5/9/08 'Burns, a world-renowned, Celtic-inspired musician, is a graduate of the University of Utah and looks forward to returning to the Beehive State.'
~ Faire News.com Interview with Escarlata 6/24/08 'Talking with members of the audience after her show, the woman in the black gown listens intently. It’s her first year on the Renaissance Faire circuit and she’s intensely interested in everything.'
~ Renaissance Magazine 3/26/08
~ El Paso Times Page 1 - Page 2 Interview with Doug Pullen 6/28/08
~ Alamogordo Daily News Page 1 - Page 2 Interview with Nick Fahl 6/24/08

the Moon and the Fire circle Reviews
'The musical universe of Shauna Burns is dominated by stream-of-consciousness lyrics that float effortlessly over piano-driven melodies complemented by a delicate mix of guitars, harps, and cellos and accentuated by warm bass tones and strong percussion. [And] features some of her most inspired songwriting to date... If this enchanting album turns out to be anything less than the musical personification of Shauna Burns' search for footing within the universe, it is still a moving and intense journey 'from [the] light to the dark and back' that many listeners will, no doubt, want to take again… and again.' - Jud Conway, KindWeb

'[T]he opening track, Bloom, is a stand out. It's orchestral, ambient, ethereal and a great composition. Shauna's music is sort of transcendent. It is really great to listen to when you want to 'get away' but can't. I find it helpful on those stressful days. It has a wonderful calming effect.' - Amy Lotsberg, Collected Sounds

'The singer and pianist [has] written some stunning songs and her delivery is sharp. Desert Sun is a subtly orchestrated song with a lovely melody. Chamber is a lushly produced, beautiful number with some of Burns' best singing. Tumbleweed muses about full moons and lost love even as Burns' turns in some fine piano playing. Around You is an up tempo very radio friendly song that retains an artsy integrity. Shauna Burns continues her artistic journey and it’s one worth following.' - Anna Maria Stjärnell, Collected Sounds

'Somewhere between Sarah and Kate rides Shauna Burns. With her ethereal voice, spacious arrangements and lots of piano, you can't help but become enchanted with 'The Moon and The Fire Circle'. Throw in some cello and other interesting strings and you have an album that will let you float away. If you love Sarah or Tori or even Kate, you should really check out this beautiful CD.' - The Promise Live

'Shauna Burns is one of those artists that not many people know about even though they're so talented that it's ridiculous. Tori Amos is the most obvious comparison, but Shauna sets herself apart with almost flawlessly composed instrumentals that give her music an intensity that you don't find with most singer-songwriter types.' - Audioclash: Live Music

'One Word. It starts with an 'A'. Awesome. This CD is absolutely awesome. Eerie at times, ecstatic at others. The lyrics tell a story that twists and turns through the brightest of melodic lights to the darkest lyrical corners, and then, just like that, it compels you back into the light. The musical highlights are cryptic and almost chilling piano pieces. Sometimes when I listen to a project that is so personal and creative for the artist, I feel like an intruder. I turn the volume down and cautiously look at the liner notes. That was not the case with this CD. I felt invited - no - I would say it was more like I was drawn to the music and words. I want that, I want the creativity and inner voices that can twist and turn my own reality and give me freedom to think, create and change. That is what I love about music; that is what I want in music. And that is what the Moon and the Fire circle is about.' - Chel, Spinnaker and Lena

'Shauna Burns is a phenomenal talent, and the music on this album will take any listener on a journey that will connect one’s inner soul to the universe. You can literally feel like you are flying between the planets, through a maze of stars, up around the moon and then out to bask in the sun. In this hectic and stressful day and age, this album is what we all need to hear to not only transport us out of the usual hum drum, but remind us of our roots. As her piano playing swirls and crests, her pure voice soothes and almost blesses with innocence as you travel from the embryonic stage to the peak of growth.' - Southwest Blend

'The first thing that strikes you is Shauna Burns' abilities to play the piano. Her chords struck, strike another found within. Music is a force that can speak to emotions and souls, moving past the first contact of the brain. Shauna Burns has spent untold time at the keyboards to make the instrument a conduit of her rather than her a master of the instrument. This is where you separate the prodigies from the technically brilliant. On her album, the Moon and the Fire Circle, she creates 14 songs that are extensions of her.' - Matt Rowe, Music Tap

'Her brilliant piano playing on tunes like 'Tumbleweed' and the softness of 'Magic' prove that she destined for stardom. Her soft voice floats with the music like clouds in a perfect blue sky. I highly recommend this album for all music lovers.' - Celebrity Cafe

'Listeners will immediately identify growth in Shauna's material in the instrumental arrangements. The recording quality is so accurate in these songs that careful listeners will hear the pedals of the piano. Additional strings, electric guitar, bass and percussion round out the tunes. Listeners will note layered vocal harmonies on the new record and Shauna's singing is more expressive, lilting gently, continuing to draw allusions to Celtic artists. This stunning collection is a thoughtful deviation from her prior work that demonstrates artistic growth and attention to details that will bring her new fans worldwide.' - Musical Discoveries

'A cross between Tori Amos and Evanescence with vividly descriptive lyrics and haunting melodies. Great piano accompaniment and appropriately subdued vocals.' - PopCulture Guy

'Ethereal. Not a common word in my vocabulary, but that’s where the music takes me. Delicate, floating on another world. Subsequent hearings start to bring out the language and allow me to hear the story with more clarity as I float higher and higher.' - Eartaste

the Moon and the Fire circle Press Release
There is a full press release at Red Rock Music for The Moon and the Fire Circle which hit stores on February 19, 2008.