Check it out, Shani shares a bit the AITP festival and life-thoughts and a bit of her soul (through music)
Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us a little about yourself. how and when did you start making music?
I started making music when I was 7, on a little yamaha toy piano that my parents bought for me. First I was a classical pianist, then moved on to jazz when I started high school. I wrote my first song in my Senior year of high school, when all the music seniors were supposed to do their senior solos. Instead of playing a piano piece, I was just compelled to write a song and sing/play it in front of everyone. It was called “This Thing Called Life”. I was so nervous that I forgot the words in the beginning of my song…so I just played my intro twice (shhh don’t tell). I felt this exhilaration, this sense of accomplishment, after I had finished the song. It was like I had shared a piece of my soul with everyone in the room that evening, and it was something I wanted to feel again and again. The following year, in my freshman year of college, I took a songwriting class that completely changed my life. It was as if the light bulb went off, and I knew exactly what I was meant to do. I went on afterward to continue my songwriting studies, learn to write on guitar, and learn to compose for orchestras. I did two independent tours in college, and recorded, mixed, produced, and released my first EP “Warm Rain” in 2009. I then came out with my first studio album “Merry Go Round” in Jan 2013, after two years in the making, played at Sundance Film Festival, and toured this summer. Now you’re all caught up pretty much!
I couldn’t imagine doing anything else that brings me more happiness. The magic of creating music, of bringing something into existence that can inspire and move people, is one of the greatest rewards in my life.
I can thank Norah Jones, John Mayer, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and so many others who helped become the songwriter I am now. Norah’s album ” Come Away With Me” was the first CD I ever got as a present, and I listened to that nonstop on my little walkman discplayer. I also remember pouring over a mix CD I got in 7th grade, that I took with me on a trip to the East Coast with my sister and mom. It had a random selection, including some Goo Goo Dolls, Bill Withers, and Ace of Base songs. So kind of all over the place:) But it gave my adolescent self a selection of music that made me feel, and think, and grow in a way I never knew before.
Good question! I just listened to Smokey Jones’ song “Lightning”. Great voice:)How did you connect with Artists in the Plus and what attracted you to working with them?
Yes! It was my first introduction into the AITP family. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Except for the fact that I didn’t really know what to say on the air the first time and I was a goof…because it kind of feels like your performing for yourself in your room. And then you feel silly that it’s like you’re kind of talking to yourself.What would you like to see as a result of the festival, this year?
I would love to see some incredible opportunities and exposure happening for the artists across the world, and also some strong recognition for AITP from larger music companies. Perhaps some sponsorships and partnerships with other music industry companies. I think that one of the special things about Artists in the Plus is that it is succeeding in connecting musicians from all over the world in this one online community. This worldwide reach can be furthered in so many ways to really put the ball in the indie artists’ playing field when it comes to having a sense of control and direction for their music, and not feeling limited by where they come from or what opportunities they have in their hometowns. Artists in the Plus can even bring our vision to another “cloud” besides the web; maybe we’ll be hearing live or recorded shows up in the air during flights as part of an airline’s entertainment!
I’ve only used Hangouts On Air, and I’ve gotten some great reactions. I’m gaining new fans daily, and it’s also helped me be creative on my tour of the west coast that I did in August. I brought my tour to others by doing 3 live stream shows; I think it’s pretty neat that someone in Australia could be following my tour and watching it live, as if they were right there in San Francisco, for example.
Village Studios in LA will be hosting the festival, this year and there will be a studio stage in North Carolina and another in Norway. Will you be travelling or performing remote from your own studio?
If you could ask one performer to join you on a record, who would it be?
Hm… can it be two? Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. They are just such genuine and talented women, full of life and light. I think it would be unbelievable to record with them.What one thing would you change about this world, if you could?
The lack of consideration and thoughtfulness people can have toward others. We are all human, and sometimes too much judgement and assumption causes senseless hatred or violence. Just think– If it was a priority, or human nature, for every single person on earth to do one selfless thing for someone else every day. It’d be a much better world.
You can find me at www.shanirose.com, where you can listen to and/or buy my recently released album “Merry Go Round”. I know you all are also dying to see my music video (youtube.com/shanirose7), and maybe perhaps like my Facebook page (Facebook.com/shanimusic), so go take a peak:)
