– Shelby, congratulations on the release of your debut album, “Confessions of a Drama Queen”! Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the album and what it means to you personally?
Thank you! I wrote this album while on my inner child healing journey and wanted to make sure that the songs were deeply personal, honest and fun to dance to! Miley Cyrus is my number one inspiration always, so I took a lot of inspiration from her albums and authenticity. I love how she creates pop music that is extremely multi-faceted in sub-genres. I do that anyways while writing, but I wanted to make sure I was touching especially on the aspects of all of the different music I listened to and loved growing up since this album is an ode and gift to my younger self.
– Your lead single, “Sex, Secrets, Promises”, offers a raw and honest glimpse into your storytelling. Could you share with us the story or emotion behind this particular track?
This summer I knew that my almost 2 year relationship was going to end. I went on vacation to Mexico and met a guy who love bombed me and made me believe he really wanted to have something with me after our trip. I was still guarded, but was extremely vulnerable because I knew I was coming home to a breakup. He had everyone fooled, my family and even the strangers on the resort. After having an incredible night with him and hearing a bunch of sweet nothings, I caved in and hooked up with him, but even after he was saying “I can’t wait to have you in my hometown, I want to do this right next time. Take you to dinner and make it special.” I went home ghosted and completely shattered and felt like all of healing I had done over the last 3 years was destroyed and I felt like I couldn’t trust anyone anymore. I was broken up with when I got home so that didn’t make it any better for me. I spent two weeks crying my eyes out until I heard the original instrumentation for the song and channelled all of the anger and sadness I was feeling into writing Sex, Secrets, Promises! If I hadn’t written this song I don’t think I would be as strong as I am after had written it.
– Despite facing obstacles like the global pandemic, you’ve shown incredible resilience in independently releasing four EPs and now your debut album. What kept you motivated during these challenging times?
Working with my Co-writer and now best friend Mike Manos is what kept me going. He encouraged me to write amazing songs because he is also incredibly talented. He is like my Lennon to my McCartney. We just understand each other and he pushes me to be a better and more authentic version of myself, writing music that I’d never think of writing. Once I wrote a couple of songs with him I just knew it was a perfect fit and that inspired me to keep doing better and helped me find my sound and brand.
– Nile Rodgers has been a mentor to you, and your journey reflects your determination and talent. How has his guidance influenced your musical style and approach to your career?
I have also loved disco music and grew up listening to his songs so even before meeting him and being around him I was influenced by his sound. He is such a kind hearted man and the fact that he is the legend Nile Rodgers and still incredibly humble and kind inspires me to stay grounded. I know that will always stick with me for the rest of my career and I hope one day we actually get to write a song together!
– What do you hope listeners take away from “Confessions of a Drama Queen”, and how do you envision your music impacting them on a personal level?
I hope first of all, they’ll dance, but most importantly on a deeper level I hope they know that it is okay to feel everything and be honest with themselves and others about those feelings. I was bullied as a child for feeling deeply and I’ve learned that my emotions are not my weakness, but a strength. I hope they’ll be encouraged to follow their dreams and not be scared of watering their garden to help them grow that strength inside of themselves.
– Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your music career, and what can fans expect from you in the future?
My biggest goal is to be able to do this as a full time career, play shows and write music everyday. I don’t care if I don’t become Taylor Swift level famous, I just want to be able to be financially stable doing what I know I was meant to do. Some small goals I have right now are to open up for the band Grouplove and then hopefully Miley Cyrus, play some music festivals and have a tour of my own and of course continue to make music! I’d say you can expect all of this from me in the future because I am going to make it happen!
