We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sade Shine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sade, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I would say appearing on American Idol has to be one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever been a part of. Because the year I made it to television was actually my 4th auditon.I actually auditioned,got cut,then auditioned again and made the top 45 out 12,000 people. Although it was over far to soon Being on television amongst so many competitors taught me so much about myself as an artist. I was also able to to really learn about Production and how it really works. For example Being asked to say “I picked Cotton” as part of my back story. Yes! You read that right!Don’t worry I refused. Ultimately I did enjoy Harry Connick Jr. Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban who tried to save me!
My first Lead Role as professional with no agent was very special.Right after
American Idol I was blessed enough to be cast as Ursula in Disney’s the Little Mermaid Broadway Musical.
Being an Independent creative comes with its own set of obstacles. Money Being one of them. It’s a known fact that in the music industry money creates opportunity. But I was fortunate enough to begin and continue my career , sharing the stage with Major artist like Nelly,Jellyroll,Lil Boosie,Snoop Lyon,JuicyJ, Soldier Boy,Big Boogie and so many more with often little to no money in my pocket. Just networking with the right people. These shows led to me having features with Famous artist such as Lachat Crunchy Black and Project Pat of 36Mafia. Developing a close relationship with Lachat after reuniting her and Juicy J after 21 years of not seeing each other. That was huge for me because I grew up listening to these Superstars.
Finally every year I host a Juneteenth event free to the community complete with Food,Entertainment, and live speakers! This year will be my fourth year and it continues to grow . Giving back and giving a platform to other independent artist.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Around age 6, I began singing in the Church. Later singing in Choir and speech and debate wining district and state titles in solos and Dramatic Interp Placing nationally. I began recording music at the age of 14, when I also began opening up for Major stars. After receiving a full ride to Alabama State I moved to Atlanta to begin a professional music career. In 2004 I gave birth to and lost my first child and was diagnosed with PTSD and Anxiety as a result. So I wanted to use my platform to be an advocate for artist who suffer from these conditions, creating my very own showcase for artist to be seen in a safe space.In 2011 I was cast in a Motown production in Branson Mo as Aretha Franklin where I now have my Own show! In 2011 I also created Shine Ent LLC. My booking company where I provide full scale entertainment and Booking for Major artist of all different talents. I currently travel in different shows working with different Promoters all produced by me. With my Live Band covering R&B/Hip-Hop and Soul. I cater to the client which means whatever they request! I am a singer/Songwriter and Rapper so there is a wide variety of shows I cover. My first independent tour was in 2019 and catapulted my career independently. I am currently accepting and bookings and continuing to build my show and my brand independently. Promoting my New single “Top5 ” on All major platforms as I work on my New Music with Lachat of 36mafia. You will be able to see my Ladoes of Soul show live at the Majestic Theater next season 2023 in Branson Mo!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I want people to understand that I’m an entertainer. This means I’m around different groups of people for different reasons. If you come to my social Media you will see everything,from me in a formal gown on the red carpet singing soul music at an award show. To me on stage with Green braids Rapping at a major hip-hop show. Or me me just casual singing the Black National Anthem at a peace rally. I’m really a non biased person and I pride myself on that. I am a Community Activist and I rally for justice and non violence for all. My brand is for that person who didn’t think they could fit certain social circles. I want to inspire those who feel like the under dog and show them no matter what your background you can be independently successful and love by a wide variety of people. That can appreciate those who don’t fit I a box.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Wow…where do I begin…at a young age in 2004 I lost my first born child tragically. My first time holding him was as he took his last breath. I closed his eyes as I sang “In the Arms if the Angels” It changed my life and my world view forever. The great thing is that the Music career I was pursuing became more than a goal,but therapy. My Own music and the music’s of others help me make it through day by day until I was able to tell my story. Now I have written a song for my baby and my experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6aGzDd7nbrg9omFp90Od7v
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadeshine/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sadeshinemotown
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sade-shine-ba471199
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCzvMY67EM5Jv0zirTwxlMOg