New Artist Spotlight

New Artist Spotlight: Bomshel

By Peter Cronin

Music producer Chuck Howard started putting together his dream female duo with Kristy Osmonson (now professionally known as Kristy O), an energetic performer and talented harmony singer who plays fiddle, acoustic guitar and mandolin. Howard and Osmonson already had several songs put aside for the act before they found its other half.

The perfect compliment to Osmonson revealed herself to Howard during a trip to Colorado. Standing in line at a music event, Howard struck up a conversation with Buffy Lawson. She turned out to be a writer of several songs earmarked for the future recording project. He also learned that Lawson was a performer.

After being introduced, a unique chemistry quickly developed between Osmonson and Lawson and they selected the name Bomshel. At Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Downtown Nashville is where Bomshel began honing their music style and stage show.

"We knew it would take longer to blend our individual styles, but it was worth it for us to take the time to build our show organically," Lawson said. "We hope our music will touch people and make them happy."

Bomshel spent last summer recording their self-titled debut album and the fall opening shows for acts Jo Dee Messina, Montgomery Gentry and Brad Paisley. Their first single, "Absolutely Finger Lickin', Grits an' Chicken Country Music Love Song," penned by Lawson with Eric Pittarelli and Rob Royer, was released in March. Howard produced the album for the duo's personal Curb imprint, Bomstomp! Records. The album is set to be released this year.

On the Web: www.bomshel.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS:

Who is your musical hero?

OSMONSON: "Mozart."

What CD is on your stereo?

LAWSON: "Vivaldi's Four Seasons."

What book is on your nightstand?

LAWSON: "Simple Truths."

What is your pet peeve?

OSMONSON: "Breaking a string onstage."

What actor would portray you in a biopic about your life?

OSMONSON: "They already made a movie of my life, 'Napoleon Dynamite.'"