Citywide Bytes—Crystal Shawanda’s new album earns JUNO nom

JUNO Award-winning blues artist Crystal Shawanda’s new album “Sing Pretty Blues,” has earned her a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year. It’s a real powerhouse of an album, with a range of music that doesn’t hold back. In this interview, Crystal talks about what it means to receive this nomination and her reaction on getting the news. We talk about her many years in music and the different paths she’s taken from a country artist to singing the blues. She shares the themes and stories behind “Sing Pretty Blues” and working with her husband Dewayne Strobel on the creation process. We also talk upcoming festivals, and get a look at what’s next. Wrapping up this episode is the single “Preaching Blues,” the strong opener to the new album. Be sure to follow Crystal on Instagram at crystalshawanda and visit https://crystalshawanda3.bandzoogle.com/home.