Chill. That’s Shawn’s style and sound. That’s the best way to describe it. Whether he’s lightly finger picking and singing falsetto or violently strumming and screaming apparently angered at the microphone, he brings his emotions of relaxation, energy, love, aggression, peace and struggle simultaneously to the surface for all to see. The passion is undeniable, creating a sense of repose.

Before Shawn Owen became the beach party vibed rocker he’s now known for, he was a champion snowboarder on the professional route. The sport was second nature to the West Virginia native, who began chasing powder as a toddler and, at the age of 17, moved to Colorado to pursue his snowboarding full time. However, Owen was also testing other creative outlets -- specifically music -- and numerous snowboarding accidents during his career convinced him to devote more time to music.

Shawn released his first solo project in form of a 6 song acoustic EP at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, WV on Jan 27, 2012. It consists of all original material written on various topics of life, love, pain, joy, loss and much other subject matter that relates to all our lives. Sparking multiple radio and print interviews, it created quite a buzz and is currently under review by Taxi.

Shawn began his professional music career by forming Stolen Element in 1999, playing a home brewed style of punk-rock reggae music while manning guitar and vocals over the past ten years. Stolen Element toured through beach bars and college parties throughout the east coast, selling over 3000 copies of their original EP. As the band dissolved, Shawn took to the solo route and has excelled in Annapolis, MD where he now calls home.

His early musical appreciation years were consumed by classic rock, 80’s pop (collateral damage consistent with having an older sister in that era) and early 90’s alternative. He credits what truly changed his musical life was the first time he heard Bob Marley. The energy and message he conveys with his relaxing vibe resonated with Shawn. Bob, along with Sublime and Jack Johnson, are acknowledged as Shawn’s biggest musical and dispositional influences. Along with many other inspiring artists, these icons have helped shape Shawn’s unique sound.

He performs regularly around Annapolis, MD and tours the surrounding region as a solo performer and fronting the Shawn Owen Band. The SOBs perform original songs and some well-timed rock reggae covers from various artists from Sublime to Bob Dylan, Bob Marley to Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers to Tom Petty to John Denver and everything in between.
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