Backstage At Chicago Music Guide: Shawna O’Hara – Editor
Above photo by Dennis M. Kelly
Biography:
Shawna is an Illinois native, growing up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She attended the University of Iowa where she graduated with a BA in Communications and Public Relations, and Suffolk University in Boston, where she obtained her MA in Domestic Public Policy. Her foray into journalism began with broadcast, as she initially set out to be a familiar face on ESPN before turning towards public relations and music-based writing.
Favorite Genres and why
Shawna was heavily shaped by grunge, punk, and alternative rock, having been small while grunge was exploding. Her first musical love was The Beatles, who influenced her musical ear from jump. She strongly believes that the Beatles to Nirvana pipeline is a no-brainer. She also gravitates towards genuine wordsmiths, including The Replacements, Queens of the Stone Age, and her new punk favorite, Amyl and The Sniffers.
Most memorable concert experience
Being plucked from nosebleed seats for Paul McCartney at Fenway Park to join the front row for a concert tour taping, Bush at The Vic, and any time she’s lucky enough to catch her beloved Foo Fighters.
Favorite aspect of Chicago, or Chicago’s music scene
Shawna appreciates that the Chicago music scene is a mirror of the people the city creates: unpretentious, authentic, fearless, and true.
Artists your currently listening to / Top 5 albums
In heavy rotation right now:
Be Sweet to Me, Violet Grohl
moisturizer, Wet Leg
Measly Means, Villanelle
(Heavily revisiting) Like Clockwork, Queens of the Stone Age (and she’s waiting on their new album in September)
Never Enough, Turnstile
Best example of your work
Foo Fighters Bring Joy, Energy Back to Chicago at Soldier Field
Favorite Chicago venue
Metro
Fun fact
A die-hard Southsider, Shawna was a member of the White Sox Pride Crew on-field team from 2012-2014.
Connect with Shawna O’Hara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsshawnaohara/