On the heels of performing as Stevie Wonder’s “Special Guest” on last year’s Sing Your Song! tour, GRAMMY®-nominated quintuple threat; singer-songwriter-pianist-producer-actress Sheléa Shines is back with her latest offering, “Never Give Up On Love,” as well as a new televised tribute to the legendary late, great ‘Queen of Soul,’ Aretha Franklin. Our first Sheléa interview was in 2013, shortly after the release of her debut album. Since then she has continued to make a name for herself and years later there’s plenty to update you all on.
Also of note, back in 2020, Sheléa also landed her first major role in Lifetime’s critically acclaimed biographical film, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel [2020]. She hasn’t been playing any games!
Our Sheléa Interview
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop into this single, “NEVER GIVE UP ON LOVE” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
Sheléa Shines: I wrote “Never Give Up On Love” with a dear collaborator of mine, Davy Nathan. This was one of the early songs we created together. It was very personal about me finding love again, and I’m so glad people are encouraged by the message of never giving up on love.
Parlé Mag: How then does “NEVER GIVE UP ON LOVE“ either differ and / or compare to previous SHELÉA entries?
Sheléa Shines: “Never Give Up On Love” is one of the most soulful offerings I’ve presented in a while. I have also written while being really happy, and I think that is very evident. It’s joyful.
Parlé Mag: You’re also starring in the PBS special, ‘ARETHA! WITH SHELÉA AND THE PACIFIC SYMPHONY’ — Tell me a lil bit ‘bout this upcoming endeavor…
Sheléa Shines: In 2022, I debuted this curated show at the Royal Albert Hall with my dear friend, Jules Buckley. I have been successfully touring this in Europe the last few years. I was always wanting to bring this show to the U.S. PBS, who has always supported the arts, will air it nationally May 30th.
Parlé Mag: Tell me your whole inception into entertainment — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for SHELÉA?
Sheléa Shines: My early experiences in music were in the church. I thought that was the extent of how I would use my gift. It wasn’t until I joined a girl’s group in college that I got a taste of being in the studio, and immediately knew I wanted to do this for life. I started as a songwriter / producer and loved every part of creating music. But my path led to me being an artist as well; and I’m grateful to still really love what I do.
Parlé Mag: Now you were born in Redwood City, but grew up in Bakersfield, CA, correct? So growing up in “Bako,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Sheléa Shines: That is correct. I listened to mostly Gospel music: The Winans, Commissioned, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Yolanda Adams, and The Clark Sisters. That was a beautiful full circle moment when I portrayed Dorinda Clark-Cole in the biopic, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.
Parlé Mag: That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?Sheléa Shines: Very much like Aretha and Whitney, my roots are in the church. And so you hear that in my approach. I love and study all genres of music, but there will always be soulfulness.
Parlé Mag: As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?
Sheléa Shines: Sometimes it’s personal. Sometimes it’s something I’ve heard from a friend or loved one. But it’s always something close to my heart. I only know how to write and create from my heart.
Parlé Mag: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Sheléa Shines: I would want people to feel love and light when they listen to my music.
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Sheléa Shines: There’s so many I would love to collab with, but I think in this moment, I would say Whitney Houston. I think we would have so much fun. She was so encouraging to female artists she respected; and I know we would’ve created something really special and heartfelt.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Sheléa Shines: I’ve played almost every venue of my dreams: The White House, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, The Library of Congress, the Hollywood Bowl and the Royal Albert Hall. It’s not a venue, but my dream is to sing the anthem at The Super Bowl.
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
Sheléa Shines: I think there’s a lot of great music out there. Sometimes it can be challenging to find. But I think people are making great music.
Parlé Mag: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Sheléa Shines: I think staying true to who I am, and being unapologetically soulful and musical will serve me well. There will always be an audience for that authenticity. I also think being willing to adapt is key to longevity.
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Sheléa Shines: I’ve had so many meaningful moments in my career. But playing The White House twice, while President Obama was there, will always be a highlight. It was historic and deeply special.
Parlé Mag: What’s an average day like for you?
Sheléa Shines: My day changes constantly. Sometimes I am traveling nonstop—a fluster of flights, hotels and performances. Other times, I wake up in my own bed and relax the whole day. I try to include the gym with either extreme.
Parlé Mag: Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Sheléa Shines: My fans are so important to me. They call themselves The Shay Babes, and I love interacting with them on social media and when they come to my shows. I’m deeply grateful for them all.
Parlé Mag: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Sheléa Shines: My favorite part of being an artist is feeling that connection and touching people’s hearts through my gift. Being in the music industry can be challenging because you do get a lot of no’s and closed doors. You have to be very secure in who you are, and why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Parlé Mag: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Sheléa Shines: The advice I would give is make sure you LOVE it. If you don’t, you’ll probably be miserable most of the time. But if your passion is deep and your purpose is clear, you can weather the storms that come.
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Sheléa Shines: I would want to be doing exactly what I’m doing now. I love that I truly feel that way.
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for you, SHELÉA?
Sheléa Shines: I am exploring Broadway, and am so excited for the challenge.
