Shelly Bhushan

Called “soulful and feisty” by The New Yorker Festival, NYC-based soul-pop artist Shelly Bhushan releases new focus track “Feather” off her fourth studio album Something Out of Nothing, which she released independently in May. With lyrics penned by Bhushan and music co-written with her band members, “Feather” presents the artist’s “tellin’ it like it is” honesty with the laid-back soulfulness that has inspired comparisons to Bonnie Raitt and Bruno Mars. 

Backed by John Celentano on drums and Harry Cordew on bass and backing vocals, Bhushan sings with conviction and longing that draws up a roller coaster of emotions. The lyrics, all written by Bhushan, are equally mesmerizing. The Deli NYC raves, “Shelly’s lyrics have the ability to capture the human soul, and she knows how to elevate this emotionally through her music." Time Out NY named her a 2009 Critic’s Choice, extolling “Is that a voice!”

“Feather” is the fifth of ten tracks on her Something Out of Nothing album, Bhushan’s fourth release and second full-length album. With her signature impassioned vocals, Bhushan sings about being a free spirit:  I’m in circles / Like a tiny feather caught up in the wind… Ever so slow, like you don’t care where you go.


The daughter of immigrants (her father is from India, her mother is from Mexico), Shelly Bhushan was raised in the Bible belt of Texas. An avid fan of pop music, Bhushan grew up listening to a wide range of bands, including Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson, Hall and Oats, Led Zeppelin, and Supertramp, as well as Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, NIN, and No Doubt. Bhushan began singing in the second grade and later joined her first band after college, a swing band called One O’Clock Jump where she learned to be a front person. In 2000, she moved to NYC to front the band Live Honey, which helped her gain the attention of music label execs and fans on the NYC music scene.  After winning a top three spot in the American Music Awards’ Coca Cola New Music Awards, she toured the US with Live Honey for a while before parting ways with the band. After struggling to form her own band, Bhushan eventually met drummer John Celentano (who later became her husband), Ben Hoffstein (keyboardist who played with the band until 2011) and Harry Cordew. Bhushan and Celentano now perform as a trio with bassist Harry Cordew, who has played with the JB's (James Brown), Roberta Flack, The Jive 5 and many other “old school” greats.  To date, Bhushan has released two EPs and two full-length albums, the latest being critically acclaimed Something Out of Nothing. 



Upcoming Shows
10/13 Rockwood Music Hall - New York, NY
10/15 Rockwood Music Hall - New York, NY

To hear and learn more about Shelly Bhushan go to:
Web
shellybhushan
Facebook
facebook.com/shellybhushan

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