Introducing Songstress Shaynah

Shaynah was born into music, her parents, both professional musicians, have inspired her and instilled in her a love for music. This talented soul has supported Sabrina Starke on her “Dreamer’s Tour”, performed on the Codarts/Keymusic talent stage of the North Sea Jazz Festival, and is currently working with HAYP (Ladies of Soul), Anan den Boer (Alain Clark) and Nosa Apolo (Craig David). Her undeniable talent, dedication and hard work were rewarded in December 2014 when she received the “Music Matters Award”. As a result, she proudly released her first EP “DARE” in June 2015, featuring the popular single “Werk It”, which earned her the title of “Radio 6 Soul & Jazz Talent”. In 2018 she came back with newly gained inspiration and a fresh new sound, which translated into the song “Over”, the first single from her most personal album: “Chapter 22”. Her story, wrapped in an emotional musical masterpiece, consists of three EP’s; PUZZLED, WASTED & NAKED”. With her heart on her sleeve and her hurt exposed, she tells the relatable stories of a young human getting to know herself. Today we speak with her to get a better understanding of who she is, and she stands for.

1. Are you happier as an artist or creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Tell us the story about the last time you had that thought, what was going on, really paint the picture for us so we can understand what you were going through and how you thought through this question and what (if any) conclusions or insights you came to.

Being creative is the core of my artistry. I make music to have conversations with myself, to discover how I truly feel about things, and to process my emotions. Next to being an artist, I compose and produce music for (dance)theater plays and other artists, and I think my work for especially the theater industry, is comparable to the working hours and job security of a "regular" nine-to-five. I have a running joke with my best friend (who is also a creative entrepreneur and artist) that if the music industry fails us, we will move to a thinly populated island and work in a surf shack. This is still one of my most realistic plan Bs. If I ever have a "regular job," it will have to include creativity or a "soft-life" in some shape or form for it to be sustainable for me.

2. For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc, what type of products/services/creative works you provide, what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others. What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.

Please provide as much detail as you feel relevant, as this is one of the core questions where the reader will get to know about you and your brand/organization/etc

I am a songwriter, composer, music producer, and certified vocal coach for professional singers. I come from a very musical family and now make soulful neo-r&b-inspired songs that urge you to become more comfortable in one's own vulnerability.

3. Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had been made aware of how to market myself better earlier on in my journey. Social media consistency is still a challenging aspect for me to maintain.

4. For you, what's the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative?

Sharing my music and stories with a live audience and my live band, and seeing the reactions first-hand. There is nothing like it!