Artist Interview: Official Shannon
Official Shannon is a powerhouse soulful pop artist known for her empowering lyrics and infectious energy. With her latest single "TMI", Shannon explores R&B territory while staying true to her message of self-belief and authenticity. In this interview, Official Shannon opens up about the inspiration behind "TMI", her creative process, and what's next for her music career.
Q. What inspired you to explore R&B territory with your new single "TMI", and how do you think it fits into your overall artistic vision?
A. R&B is always a genre I've had a soft spot for as a listener and creative, it was a mix of my writing and influences at the time and the direction the song took production wise as we built it up in the studio. It all happened quite naturally without me even mentioning the genre at all, it seemed to all just fit!
Q. Can you tell us about the message behind "TMI" and how it relates to your goals of promoting authenticity and self-belief through your music?
A. Yes! Perfectly put actually in a recent review from Tune Fountain “The track challenges the way women and minority groups are often judged or misunderstood. It is a bold call to stop apologising for being expressive, emotional or outspoken. Rather than shrinking to fit someone else’s expectations, Shannon encourages listeners to lean into who they really are and be proud of it. Official Shannon is not here to be quiet. She’s here to take up space, and with ‘TMI’, she’s making it clear that being loud, proud and yourself is something to celebrate.”
TMI really hones in my message of self empowerment whilst being packaged in a very catchy and energetic but easy going summer banger!
Q. How do you hope "TMI" will resonate with your audience, particularly women and minority groups who may have faced judgment or ignorance?
A. I hope people that listen will either be more aware or empowered by the message of liberating one’s self to such an extent that their happiness no longer is determined by keeping up appearances that society seems to force upon us whether that's to have one's life “together”, presenting yourself in a certain way or feeling the need to tone down your expressiveness and lose any element of being unique. It can probably relate to a lot of people actually but as a female writer and artist who has experienced a lot of judgement and harrassment from male cis men it means even more for those people who have experienced similar injustices in their life represented within the lyrics of the track.
Q. What was the creative process like for "TMI", and how did you collaborate with Sundown (Georgia Lowe and Archer Levy) to bring the song to life?
A TMI is the first song Sundown and I wrote together for a fun session in their first studio we started the song with a rap written improvised words about our thoughts and feelings about how women are treated in society today which we quickly established would be the second verse of the track and Archer built a beat around our ideas. The song was finalised over sessions but was paused for a bit as Sundown moved studios and built their own space. We finally revisited it for the purpose of releasing the song for summer 2025, scrapped the initial rap that helped us start off the song and filled it with gorgeous soulful R&B vocals throughout instead!
Q . Your lyrics mention "living my life like it's golden". Can you share more about what that means to you and how it influenced the song's production?
A.Yes, so as we changed the second verse to be more melodic we wanted to include that line as a nod to Jill Scott’s 2004 track ‘Golden’ which we couldn't stop listening too in the studio as a good vibes care free feel reference track.
Q How does "TMI" fit into your larger discography and artistic trajectory? What themes or messages do you hope to explore further in your future work?
A.Essentially I think it sounds a little different to my previous releases as I take a slightly new direction but I think music should be all about that, experimenting leaping outside of your comfort zone or boxes that people might have put you in before. In terms of my message and brand as an artist, it completely fits and definitely feels like an ‘Official Shannon’ release with its whole combination of meaningful lyrics, distinct vocals, experimental backing vocals and adlibs and the empowering delivery of the song.
Q You've had success with BBC Music Introducing and have performed at notable venues like the EFG London Jazz Festival. How do you think "TMI" will fit into your live performances?
A I've already played TMI at a couple of London gigs solo on my electric guitar in a Neo soul Lianne La Havas type of style and I'm currently obsessed with this stripped back version I might just have to record and release this live version!
Q. What do you think sets you apart as an artist, and how do you hope "TMI" will showcase your unique talents?
A. I believe that my art comes from a place of authenticity that could never be replicated by any other artist to showcase my stories the way I like to express them. Coming from a musical theatre background and being a very emotional and expressive person I definitely give a unique and endearing energy when I perform and combined with my sense of community and uplifting others there just something about it that brings it all together to form my artist project and mission to uplift others. Evidently with the community at Under The Radar London I've built within the underground music industry uplifting women and artists within minority groups, I've definitely practiced what I preach in real life and will continue to do so!
TMI is the latest piece of art I have to show the world how much I pioneer for women to believe in themselves more despite the obstacles they may face in society that aren't their faults.
Q. Can you tell us about your experiences as a female artist in the music industry?
A. Yes. As a woman in the music industry I found it very hard to navigate myself when I didn't see much representation of women on stage and behind the scenes. I questioned this constantly, and grew the desire to start my own event series of live music shows that would kickstart some more representation of female artists. I have achieved this by creating Under The Radar London and putting on almost 15 successful music events including Matchstick Festival (the first outdoor festival to have a 95% female/ non-binary lineup) we constantly challenge history to try and inspire real change within the music industry that can a lot of the time be stuck in the past.
Q. How do you balance your creative vision with the commercial aspects of the music industry? Do you feel pressure to fit into a specific genre or mold?
A Being an independent artist with no team around me I feel free to do what I like with no pressure which is amazing because it definitely means that I can create art 100% how I want it to be and sound. The process to release my music more commercially involves cherry picking my best songs for release within an artist project and having a release and marketing plan for the projects coming out, keeping that connection strong with my fans whilst building up the fan base further via social media posts and constantly networking in person and sending out my work to create a buzz! That's all there is to it really!
Q. You've been long-listed for Glastonbury Festival's emerging talent competition. How does it feel to be recognized in this way, and do you think "TMI" will help you stand out in the industry?
A. For a similar empowering song of mine to have been recognised by the music industry on the glasto panel was a great move for them honestly. The music industry needs to recognise and champion more artists that aim to empower others and spread joy. It obviously felt amazing to have had my track selected and celebrated by industry critics but also well deserved for that particular track ‘Dress To Please’ that seemed to really resonate with my listeners. I am hopeful that TMI will attract a similar or even bigger reception.
Q. Do you draw inspiration from personal experiences, observations, or other sources?
A. Largely from personal experiences as I mentioned I am an emotional and expressive person. Storytelling through song is at the heart of what I do!
Q. How do you think your background in Musical Theatre Performance has influenced your approach to songwriting and performance?
A. Its made me the person and performer I am today. Its set me up with confidence for life! The way I hold myself, the way I contribute ideas to a team, the way I boldly apply to the biggest opportunities! It's definitely given me a thick enough skin to make me want to try anything and everything! Rejection therapy is real at drama school and it makes you honestly fearless and less scared to fail because once you’ve gotten through rejection what's the worst that could happen after that?!
Q. What do you hope listeners take away from "TMI", and how do you think it will resonate with them on a personal level?
A. I hope they take away confidence and confirmation that they are enough!
Q. You've received support from BBC Music Introducing in Essex and Cambridgeshire. How important is local support to you, and do you think it's helped shape your artistic identity?
A. Local support is key to building national and global support. It's always the first step and very important. I've met so many artists since being played alongside them on BBC introducing shows and opportunities and building community as I have through my artist project and Under The Radar has really shaped my artist identity.
Q. Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your performances at notable venues like the Copper Box Arena or Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club?
A. Ooo yes so I didn't realise I'd need in ears to perform at the Arena as it was quite a last minute slot so I spent the whole performance worrying if I was singing in tune and in tune with my tracks! But after watching the videos back I think we managed ok! Definitely taught me a lesson though!
Q. How do you stay true to yourself as an artist while also navigating the ever-changing music industry? What advice would you give to emerging artists?
A. I trust my instincts especially when it comes to working with new people, creatives, behind the scenes. Essentially artists are the biggest employers in the music industry so when it comes to expenditure on your project you have to be really careful who you put trust into for your project! This is why networking and meeting industry contacts is so important so trust can be built up and reputation is everything!
Q.What's next for you after the release of "TMI"? Are there any upcoming performances, collaborations, or projects you're excited about?
A. I have a run of summer gigs coming up! Particular excited about a special R&B odyssey show coming up with the independent musicians collective which is now sold out for 27th June! A festival slot at Summer By The River 2025 at The Scoop and also a lovely support slot for my good artist friend Remetik at Pizza Express at The Pheasantry in Chelsea! New music may also be in the works and on the way soon…
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