Bio

Shayna Sands is an Austin-based singer/songwriter and guitarist. As a teen, she formed a rock n' roll band in Corpus Christi that spouted out heavy riffs and lyrics about tyrannical bosses, mainstream mentality, and escapism. At nineteen, she was getting her footing in the Texas Americana scene in pickers' circles in San Marcos. One year later she made her way to New York City where she immersed herself in the blues circuit by listening to the seasoned warriors nearly every night for years. She returned to Texas to study classical guitar and composition. Now she performs with a mix of all her influences, but always seems to possess the attitude of the rebellious music that influenced her in her early days.

Dazzling audiences from Texas songwriter nights to New York City club shows, alongside DIY European tours, her reputation has only flourished over the years.  Sands' dedication to the craft is admirable and has fostered a legion of fans.  Inspired by everyone from Howlin' Wolf, and Bob Dylan to Big Thief and Leonard Cohen, her fusion of influences is unique and powerful. Having performed in a vast variety of contexts over her years as a performer, her solo work is focused on the folk and blues aspects of her oeuvre. 

With a voice that is sometimes likened to an untamed Billie Holiday,  Shayna Sands guides the listener through vivid soundscapes. Her music sees a poetic fusion of classical techniques with blues and folk elements making for a deeply emotional listening experience. Her willingness to slug it out on the road has proven to beyond a shadow of a doubt that she's a lifer. These refined aspects to her compositions and her grizzled work ethic have drawn the attention of publications like  STEAM Magazine, The Caller Times and The Bend Magazine. In February of 2020, it led to her recognition by the Corpus Christi Songwriters Hall Of Fame. 

The future is bright for Shayna Sands as she continues to develop and looks to countless more tour dates to come. A disciple of the road, deeply dedicated to growth, discipline and experiencing all this life has to offer, her music has taken on a worldly wisdom. There is a deep sense of passion fueling her sound and reminding us all that Shayna Sands is a musical force to be reckoned with and one who is threatening to take the 2020's by storm. This Southern girl has gone out, played all over the globe and made her hometown proud!

Sample Video

LOVE ME, BABY live at Disc Go Round Record Store Day

Press Photos