Published: September 3, 2009 10:03 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight September 2009 Edition
Sharia
Sharia
The Atlanta based R&B Singer Sharia is making music that is full of excitement, passion, and soul. The sexy entertainer has deep southern roots and family value that can be heard in the artist's music. Sharia says she has always wanted to be a service to the people and music is one means of the artist achieving this goal. Recently, Sharia spent some time speaking with our Webzine online about her music and influences in this super cool spotlight. Enjoy!
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Sharia: Music has always been a great passionate force in my life since some of my first memories. I remember being about four years old and learning a song for my mom's nursing graduation. When her class sung the song, I too stood up in my seat and bellowed out the notes with her. What notes they were, I could not tell you to this day. I always just loved to sing Soul songs even as a little kid. Around the age of seven or eight, I began to write my own songs. That was when I knew that I wanted to be able to share my gift for music with the world.
As for musical history in my family, my oldest sister is an awesome singer as well, and my musical voice has been influenced by her. She is eleven years older than me, but we would write songs together and make up dance routine to go along with it. I had a wonderful childhood, and appreciation for music has always been apart of my family. My father was a part of a Do Wop group decades ago. Now that is funny because knowing my father. No one would suspect that he would consider being a part of a singing group.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Sharia: When it comes to picking up an instrument, I can truly say that I never mastered any specific playing instrument. My voice is my instrument, but it is definitely something that I want to sharpen in the future. Well, anyway, the first instrument that I picked up was the violin. One of my sisters plays beautifully, and the instrument was passed down to me at the age of 10. At that time, I thought that the violin was not cool so I quit the orchestra. As I look back, I wished I had been encouraged to continue. That would have been a wonderful skill to have. Oh well!
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Sharia: My teenage years were a time of uncertainty for me. As a teen, I thought that I would be a doctor because that is what my parents wanted for me. Although I knew that I loved to help people, being a doctor was something that I wanted to do to appease my parents. I am so glad that I broke away and decided to follow the path that I feel is destined for me. I am thankful that I did receive a higher education and graduate from college.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with? There are so many talented performers within the music industry.
Sharia: If I could pick one performer, it would have to be the "Earth Angel, Michael Jackson". May he rest in Peace. Everyone knows that he is the "Ultimate Entertainer". Just so phenomenal! But if I had to choose someone who is still living, it would have to be Andre 3000. The reason I choose him is because he transcended his persona and evolved into a performer instead of just being a rapper. It is wonderful when a performer can break down cultural barriers and race to touch the human nature in us all.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Sharia: I would have to start off with Louie Armstrong. He worked magic on that trumpet. BeBe King plays Lucile like a fiddle. It's awesome to hear. Prince is eccentrically brilliant. And Mozart is relaxing to the soul. As for musicians who utilized their voices, I would have to say that I love Sade, Anita Baker, Billie Holiday, Luther Vandross. They are influential to my musical sound. There are so many musicians today that I love to listen to such as Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Musiq, Indie Arie, Joe, Chico DeBarge. I enjoy listening to Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Natasha Benefield, The Fall Out Boys, John Legend, Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkston, Jennifer Hudson and the lists goes on and on and on. I like all those within the music industry who are putting out quality music.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Sharia: The ultimate goal for my music career is reach the essence of the human soul of listeners all around the world. I hope that my music inspires people from all walks of life to feel the connection of emotions that I express in my music.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
The obstacles that I have faced have been numerous. They have been internal as well as external such as life circumstances. I have a family of my own to raise. Since I am used to putting family first, it was difficult for me to attempt to pursue a personal dream of mine. It also has been difficult because I did not have the support from significant people in my life to pursue music as a career.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Sharia: Yes, I definitely recommend that anyone especially an aspiring musician to pursue their dreams. I see it as utilizing a talent that we as musicians have been blessed with. We are doing an injustice to ourselves and the world at large by not sharing this gift. Follow your heart!
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Sharia: A piece of advice that I have been given is to stay humble. I think this is important because there is a tremendous amount of inflated egos within the music industry. Without people to appreciate what we do, then what do we actually have. It is important for me to remember to always remain humble by giving thanks to everyone who appreciates my music. It truly is a blessing when others can share in your vision and love for music.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Sharia: I would say that most of my music is Soul. Some may consider it to be R&B. This is possible as well. I hope my music convey the message of speaking from one soul to the next. No matter what color you are. At some point in everyone's life, we are bound to experience anger, love, and pain. That is what is expressed in my music. That is why I just call it Soul.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Sharia: My favorite piece of work that I have created thus far is the song Flower Queen. The lyrics capture the spirit of feeling defeated yet realizing how great you are. Anyone man or woman can blossom into a beautiful flower. He or she is a Flower King and Queen.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Sharia: Fans can purchase my music on www.songcastmusic.com/profiles/Sharia. Fans can simply click on the iTunes or Amazon MP3 icon to purchase my music or they can go directly to iTunes or Amazon websites. Amazon will allow fans to listen to a sample of each of my songs. If they would like listen to two songs in its entirety, they can click on the MySpace or Facebook link. And Fans, please be sure to add me as your friend as well as add your name to my mailing list so that I can keep you posted of my latest performance sand new happenings. Also, my music is in rotation on Love 103.7 FM out of Macon, GA., 1420AM in Stone Mountain, GA, which streams lives from AfrosnShelltoes.net on Tues. from 5-7p.m.. And lastly I am on 91.3 FM out of Prairie View and Houston, TX for the NeoSoul Saturday program. I look forward to hearing from each and every one of my new fans.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Sharia: I have to thank my husband for supporting me financially. I am thankful to say that I have been blessed to have several best friends who have support me 100%. They are Andrea, Erika, Latoya and Teneshia. I Love You Ladies! And lastly my parents have always been there to support me on whatever life decisions I make. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Isaac: Any last words?
Sharia: Thank you, Isaac for this opportunity to allow me to broadcast my love for music to the world. And if you live in the ATL, GA or surrounding areas, please be sure to come check me out live as I open up for the group DAY 26 of MTV's Making the Band 4. It is for a great cause. Breast Cancer Awareness and Finding A Cure. It is hosted my Eva Pigford, winner of America's Top Model. The event takes place October 10, 2009. Visit www.thepinkpartyatl.com for more info. And last and most graciously, a thank you goes out to all those who value my music and support me not only as an artist but as an individual. You know who you are. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
