Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Scheherazade Stone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Scheherazade, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I knew at the age of 3 that I would become a singer and that being a musician was going to be my chosen profession. And because my mother is a classical musician as well, playing viola, oboe and mandolin, I was 100% fully supported in that pursuit. Oddly enough, I feel that my given birth name of Scheherazade (most think it’s a stage name) was almost prophetic in who I would become – a storyteller- but to music.
And for me there is also a spiritual connection and innate calling associated with my craft which I recognized early on in my life. I couldn’t explain it but the feeling of music, the sound, and the vibration lifted me up in powerful ways and could change me for the better in that moment.
In essence, music reminds me of who I am. It gives me a sense of transcendence, healing, and of being in the moment completely, as well as a connection to universal truths, community and ritual. And I feel that whether I’m a listener, writer or performer.
I think that the spiritual connection with being a musician often stems from the ability of music to transcend the limitations of the material world and to touch the soul in profound ways that are so much bigger than what we “know” on this earthly plane. That is true power!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hailing from the musical mecca of Detroit but rooted in the eclectic energy of San Francisco, I’m a singer-songwriter whose journey through music has been both challenging and fulfilling. Born into a musical family, I found my voice under the guidance of my classically trained mother, setting the stage for a lifelong love affair with sound.
My formal training in vocal performance began at the age of 11, leading me to The High School for the Performing Arts and ultimately earning a Bachelor’s degree from SFSU. Under the mentorship of renowned vocal coach Judy Davis, I honed my skills, embracing a wide array of musical genres from jazz to soul, rock to hip hop, and everything in between.
My musical journey has taken me across continents, performing at renowned festivals such as the Monterey Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and SF Jazz Festival. I have lent my vocals to Grammy-nominated albums and garnered nominations for several Bammy awards, cementing my status as a unique and versatile artist.
Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with a diverse array of artists, from jazz legends like Don Cherry, Taj Mahal, Donald Byrd and Doug Carn to modern icons like Beck, Simon Phillips, Tony MacAlpine, The Grateful Dead and Brian McKnight.
As I continue to evolve as an artist, I remain committed to crafting songs that resonate with authenticity and soulfulness, inviting listeners to join me on a journey of self-discovery and expression. With each new composition, I seek to move and inspire my audience in ways that forge connections and transcend language and culture. Because beyond the mere arrangement of sounds, lies a deeper narrative—a reflection of the human condition in all its complexity and beauty. Through my lyrics, I delve into the recesses of the psyche, exploring themes of love and loss, hope and despair, triumph and tragedy. Each verse is a mirror held up to the soul, inviting introspection and empathy, as listeners find echoes of their own stories resonating within the melodies.
In a world fragmented by division and discord, I aspire to use the universal language of music to bridge those divides. And through my art, I strive to ignite a spark of light, inspiring others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and exploration because in the end, what defines powerful music is the impact it has on the hearts and minds of those who dare to listen—to dream, to feel, and to be transformed.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
The Depth of Emotional Investment: Creativity often stems from a deeply personal place, and the process of creating art can be emotionally intense. Non-creatives may not fully grasp the emotional highs and lows that come with pouring one’s heart and soul into a creative endeavor. From the elation of inspiration to the frustration of creative blocks, the emotional journey of a creative can be profound and complex.
The Importance of Vulnerability: Creativity requires a willingness to be vulnerable, to expose oneself to criticism and judgment. Non-creatives may underestimate the courage it takes to share one’s creative work with the world, especially when it involves revealing intimate thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a source of strength and authenticity for many creatives.
The Long and Winding Road of Creativity: The creative process is often nonlinear and unpredictable. Non-creatives may struggle to understand the twists and turns, the periods of stagnation followed by bursts of inspiration, and the iterative nature of creative work. Creativity is not always a smooth or linear path but rather a winding journey filled with detours and unexpected discoveries.
The Perseverance Required: Bringing a creative vision to life can require tremendous perseverance and resilience. Non-creatives may underestimate the tenacity it takes to push through setbacks, rejection, and self-doubt. For every “yes” there are a thousand “nos” so creatives must often weather periods of uncertainty and adversity, trusting in their vision and their ability to overcome obstacles along the way.
The Joy of Creation: Despite the challenges, there is an undeniable happiness that comes from the act of creation itself. Non-creatives may not fully appreciate the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that comes from bringing something new into the world, whether it’s a painting, a song, a story, or any other form of creative expression. The creative process can be deeply rewarding, offering moments of beauty, insight, and connection that transcend words.
By understanding and appreciating these aspects of the creative journey, non-creatives can gain a deeper insight into the minds and hearts of the artists and creatives around them. And for creatives themselves, recognizing that not everyone may fully understand their journey can foster empathy, patience, and a greater sense of connection with others.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Financial Support: Let’s talk about setting up grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities for artists and creatives. It’s super important because it gives them the financial stability they need to really focus on their craft without worrying about money issues.
Accessible Spaces and Resources: We have to make sure artists have places to do their thing, right? Such as affordable studios, rehearsal spaces, and exhibition venues. Making these places accessible helps nurture creativity and lets artists really show off their work.
Education and Training: Investing in arts education is key. We’ve gotta give kids the chance to explore their creative side at school and offer training programs and mentorship opportunities for up-and-coming artists.
Promotion and Exposure: We need to support initiatives that get artists’ work out there. That means funding exhibitions, performances, and online platforms that showcase creative work.
Fair Compensation and Recognition: Artists deserve to be paid fairly for their work, plain and simple. Whether it’s for performances, exhibitions, or commissions, they should get what they’re worth.
Cultural Policy and Advocacy: Let’s push for policies that support the arts and make sure artists are included in government budgets and stuff. That way, they’ll get the backing they need to keep doing what they do best.
Community Engagement and Collaboration: Bringing artists and the community together is a win-win. It builds connections and makes everyone feel more connected. Think community projects, public art, and events that bring everyone together.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We’ve gotta make sure everyone’s voice is heard in the creative world. Supporting underrepresented artists and creatives is a big part of that. It’s all about making the creative scene more inclusive and fair for everyone.
When we put these ideas into action and really value art and creativity, we create a space where artists can thrive. And that’s not just good for them—it’s good for all of us. It adds so much to our communities and makes life way more interesting.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.scheherazadesings.com
- Instagram: scheherazadestone
- Facebook: facebook.com/scheherazade.stone
- Youtube: Scheherazadestone334
- Other: Noteworthy Music Videos to check out: “Do It Again” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj_QfLVk0EE “Beyond the Stars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m22ihnGmBGM&t=22s “Solo Flight” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU26xelgUrM
Image Credits
Sibila Savage