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Alt. singer-songwriter Shayna King’s new single Calling You is set for release this August. Straight off the back of a nationwide tour and following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album, the new single shows a mature and developed side to King’s songwriting, inspired by her personal journey of “stepping out of your comfort zone to follow your passion.”
With a voice described as a “stunning mix between soft and powerful” and top live/album reviews under her belt, this next installment also shows King’s side as a producer, having been self-produced alongside co-producer and engineer Nick Poortman at Christchurch’s Quicksand Recording Studio. Thanks to Shayna for answering the following questions:
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
My new single Calling You, to be released 18th August. Being co-producer I really felt I could be very free creatively with this project. The song is also a personal reminder that you are in control of your own happiness. It’s an inspirational song lyrically, with an uplifting and catchy melody. Pretty proud of it!
How would you describe your music in one sentence?
Evolving.
What has been your most memorable show to date?
The first show of my New Zealand Tour where we had an unexpected almost full capacity and strangers singing along to the songs. It was an amazing feeling knowing the hard work had paid off.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
Egospect – Sheep Dog & Wolf, Me and Moon – Lydia Cole, Crying Birds – Eden
What is your long term goal?
To sustain a career in music. Keep growing as a musician and person. Travel and learn.
Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?
Usually from all kinds of past relationships and current people in my life (although they might not know it!)
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Enjoy what you do – play as much as possible, meet other musicians, write, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
What can you never leave home without?
My phone and lipstick in 3 different shades.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
Too busy taking “selfies” after a meeting in Auckland to notice our rental van with all the band gear was loaded on the back of a tow-truck about to be towed! DOH moment.
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About the interviewer Lisa Jones
I’m Lisa, Muzic.NZ’s founder and manager. I also manage the Aotearoa Music Industry Collective as well as the Aotearoa Rock Community and the Gig Space Facebook groups. I’ve been interested in music for as long as I can remember – I grew up listening to my parent’s records and watching the Top 40 Countdown on TV every weekend. I also played the drums and guitar in high school, and wrote lyrics for some of my friend’s bands. I come from a musical background; my Granddad was one of the main founders of country music clubs in Taranaki. Rock is my favourite genre of music, but I enjoy a huge variety of genres from old school hip-hop through to metal, punk, pop, folk and EDM. My advice to NZ musicians’ is to build yourself a great support network, never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and talk to
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