We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shaina Wexler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shaina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
I truly hope that I will be known as someone who believes in the power and magic of their dreams, passions, and goals; someone who trusts that, with vision, intention and hard work, the magic within me will reach the ears and hearts of those who need it. I’d also love to be someone who inspires and empowers others to believe in and work for their passions as well!
Shaina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Of course! Yes! I am an indie singer/songwriter and music producer. An aspect that sets me apart a bit is that I am what is called a “one-stop”, in that I write, compose, arrange, produce and mix engineer my music. By taking on each and every one of the roles necessary to take my music from inspiration to fruition, I am able to have my personal “fingerprint” on the entirety of the project, which I love!! Over time, I have developed a real appreciation and passion for each facet of the process. I write inspiring, emotive, epic, and cinematic songs featuring soaring female vocals. I create tracks in both English and French, and often, a fun mix of both! I principally compose with moving piano, stirring strings, and moody percussion in order to facilitate a deeply emotive musical experience that connects with the listener in a vulnerably human manner.
My music can be heard and purchased on all streaming platforms, (Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon Mp3, Deezer, Bandcamp, etc.) and physical CDs of my albums, as well as merch can be purchased on Bandcamp. I use my Instagram page to keep friends, supporters and listeners updated on the latest creations and developments with my music! As an indie artist, every stream, purchase, share, follow, and playlist add makes a big difference for me, so I feel truly and deeply grateful for each and every person who supports me by supporting my music!
Additionally, I have been a vocal coach for the past 16 years! Many years ago, I developed a holistic body and mind coaching method that ensures the health and longevity of the voice, as well as improves the overall wellness of the body! I work with all voice types, genders, and levels from Broadway performers to folks in their church choir, ages 9-96! I really adore sharing my passion for singing and music with others that hold that spark within them as well!!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
In many creative fields there is this idea perpetuated that an artist should feel so grateful and lucky for any opportunity presented, that they should readily forgo reasonable pay (or any pay for that matter), and are taught to not speak up for needs or even safety. To those on the outside, creative work is often equated to “play”, and we artists can then begin to internalize a belief that our work is therefore unworthy of livable wages and personal protections. Unlearning this insidious belief has been very key in allowing myself to truly succeed! Reminding and centering myself in the true value of my skill sets, passion, and work ethic has been pivotal! This unlearning has helped me to find my voice and advocacy in my fields.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The mission that drives my creative path is that of authentic self expression and self knowledge. From the beginning, when I was quite young, my songwriting and composing was a means of catharsis for me. It was birthed from a profound need to wrangle and understand the world and circumstances around me. As I grappled with deep emotions, I used the creation of songs as my means to go within and to work through the uncertainty. Writing music, and belting out the songs I had created always helped move me towards a place of peace and acceptance. For the past seven years, since turning my music into my career, my mission has been to maintain the purity of the space from which my music flows. I strive to stay aligned with the purpose of creating and sharing music from an open, unveiled heart. I believe that music can be so affecting, and even life changing, for a listener when it is a truly honest expression of the artist’s soul!
As a vocal coach, my goal is to meet each client where they are, become invested in THEIR goals and hopes, and help to bolster them as a singer and as a human!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shainawexler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shainawexler/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/ShainaWexler
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/07hMNK5Nk9C7WKciYvPSDB?si=xJ-KNFPMSZKSo_7TseleEg Bandcamp: https://shainawexler.bandcamp.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ShainaWexler Contact and to schedule private vocal coaching: [email protected] Shaina Wexler Music Merch: https://shainawexler.bandcamp.com/merch Private vocal coaching: $100 per hour Shaina Wexler logo T-shirt : $25 The Truth of Fantasy CD: $15 Tout ou Rien CD: $10
Image Credits
Jeff Goldberg