Review: Sherrie’ Austin Performs On StageIt

This week, Sherrie’ Austin performed on StageIt.com promoting her independent CD, Circus Girl, coming out in the fall. The June 15 performance was one in a series, as part of her “Jumpstart” campaign to help fund her new independent venture.

Accompanied by Will Rambeaux who was out of view, Austin performed with her guitar from the living room couch and offered an interactive connection with her fans. Viewers simultaneously chatted online. In between songs, Austin read and responded to many of the comments.

She told us this was the first time she has co-produced a record and is very excited about the songs on the upcoming CD.

After a couple of songs, she brought out on stage (i.e., her couch), Shane Stevens, who co-wrote the No. 1 hit by Lady Antebellum, “American Honey.” Both Stevens and Austin performed the song and thanked the audience for their “tips.” (Viewers purchase credits online and award performers by tipping them during the show.)

After I chatted “How did you write that song?” Shane saw the comment and shared the story of how he, Hillary Lindsey, and Cary Barlowe got the idea from a bottle of whiskey bearing the same name.

Although performances usually broadcast “one to many,” this was the definitive “one to one.”

Throughout the show, Austin teased us with a “big announcement” coming soon. Viewers tried to get it out of her, but her lips were sealed. One thing viewers did get from her was another show. After fans chatted they wanted to do this again, she spent a few minutes with Shane checking their schedules, and set her next date on StageIt for June 28, 8pm. She even asked the fans if that date worked for them and solicited song suggestions she should sing next time.

She ended the show with a haunting acoustic version of “Streets of Heaven” and gave viewers a true interactive experience.