Crystal Shawanda, a Manitoulin Island musician, released her sixth studio album, Church House Blues, in April 2020. This is her first new record since 2017. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shawanda chose to move forward with the release, emphasizing the importance of continuing to create and share art. 'We need to keep living,' she said in a recent interview. The album features a blend of blues and soul, reflecting her personal journey and the resilience needed during these uncertain times. Shawanda hopes that her music can provide comfort and connection to listeners who are also navigating the pandemic. The album is available on streaming platforms and was produced with the help of remote collaboration due to social distancing measures.
