10th August 2007 - First Album "Beyond 9" now available on CdBaby:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/monicashannon

 and Apple iTunes!

"BEYOND 9" story

I am “9” and you?
You know, behind your birth date there is a number...
If you add all the numbers of your birth date, you will get it!
This special number tells about your general features, interests and dreams.
It is really curious and interesting to compare your number with the one of your parents, partner and friends.
But, for sure, there is something more “beyond that number”...that's your innermost spirit, that's you!
Now you know the reason why I chose 9 songs for my first album!

I conceived my album thinking about the four elements.

The Island and Up and Down are WATER. They are completely inspired by the sea and its creatures. The Island is dedicated to an enchanting place in Ireland, the Skellig Rocks. Up and Down draws its origin from my love for whales. It has been written during my journey to the Azores Islands, in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean.  

Marina's Tale and Soul Portrait are FIRE. They talk about love at first sight, a strong emotion and a boundless passion. Marina's Tale is the adventure that my friend experienced in Australia, a marvellous place so faraway from ordinary life. Soul Portrait is a love story, an unmentioned love, representing  the soul of my best friend.

The Iron Train, The Shadows among the Trees and I'm Aware are EARTH. They are about important realities and how much it is important to find the meaning of our lives. The Iron Train is the longest train in the world, crossing Mauritania, from the heart of the country to the Atlantic Ocean. It is a goods train, carrying iron ore but people living there, consider it a “hope train”. In fact, they travel through the desert, three times per week, lying on the iron for 16 hours, just for a few coins and a piece of bread. Unfortunately it is true, unfortunately it is real... The Shadows among the Trees is dedicated to all our dreams, to remind us that we have to follow them, always and forever, finding the meaning of our lives. I'm Aware is inspired by a letter that one of my friends wrote after travelling to Laos, one of the countries where people fight, every day, against unexploded landmines. This song is surely dedicated to all those people who devote their lives to help and save the others.

My Sheltering Sky and Infinita Infinità are AIR. They are inspired by our instinct and from where it comes. My Sheltering Sky is our spiritual guide, because, when we make a choice, we are never alone. Infinita Infinità is our soul and its immensity. 

Enjoy!

Love, Monica Shannon

http://www.monicashannon.com/

http://www.myspace.com/monicashannon