Short Bio:

Shauna Castorena is an independent publisher, essayist, and cultural commentator with over 20 years of digital editorial experience. Her work explores live music culture, ticketing economics, fandom, rural identity, memory, class, and the emotional relationship between people and music. She is the founder of multiple independent country music publications, including Country Music On Tour, and Country Music News Blog, with her more recent focus being on personal essays at WhiskeyChick.rocks. 

Selected Industry Editorials 

Selected Personal Essays 

  • “When Does Your Healing Journey End” – WhiskeyChick 2026 – Exploring trauma, recovery, and the danger of expecting closure. 
  • “Sometimes You Need The Blues” – WhiskeyChick 2026 – Personal essay examining emotional extremes and the uneasy relationship between suffering and inspiration. 
  • “Drive South”  – WhiskeyChick 2025 – Memoir-style essay on teenage freedom, survival, and finding joy where you can.
  • “Writing In The Margins” – WhiskeyChick 2024 – Reflections on carving out space for creativity.
  • “Why Eddie Trunk Is My Compass” – PureRockNews 2014 – An early personal essay examining music discovery, journalist identity, and finding direction through unwavering role models.

Selected Live Event Coverage 

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree from Mundus Institute through the American Hotel & Motel Association’s Educational Institute’s Hospitality Management Degree Program – 2002
  • Independent study in digital publishing, music journalism, and long-form essay writing. 2006 – Ongoing

Audience & Publishing Reach

  • Over 500 email subscribers at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com
  • Independent publishing platforms and affiliated social channels collectively reach over 250,000 followers.
Whiskeychick Country Music Journalist