We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shalaine Stebner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shalaine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My dad was always in a band. When I was little, they would practise in our basement, so I grew up surrounded by music. When they played gigs, we didn’t stay home with a babysitter, we went along! We danced, ran, and played all night, and usually fell asleep in the coat room or under a table!
I think that every family has different values…some watch sports, some play strategic games, others are into the arts! No matter what they value, having their support in whatever you choose to do is invaluable!
When I decided that it was my turn to pursue music, it was a no brainer that my dad would be my drummer. The relationship between us changed, and every time we played, I couldn’t believe how proud he was of me. I always knew they were proud, but to actually SEE it, that was so special! My mom has been my biggest supporter behind the scenes! Pushing me to challenge myself, reminding me that you only live once, and that life is too short to live with regrets, I am so lucky she is always just a phone call away!
Dad has since retired at his request, but they both still come and dance the night away! I recognize how truly blessed I am to have had the unconditional love and support from them, and I hope to pass along that feeling to my own kids!
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.
I am a singer/songwriter from Central Alberta! I grew up on country music, and have always had a steel guitar in my soul! I taught myself to play guitar at the ripe age of 22, but I never viewed myself as a songwriter until I was in my 30’s! I knew I wanted to record music, but I never wanted to record covers. In 2020, my husband was laid off and fell into a deep depression. His struggles inspired me to write my first official song that I put out into the world! Social media can be an excellent tool to put yourself out there, and the feedback from that experience gave me the confidence to start taking myself seriously as a songwriter! I found a recording studio that I could afford, and began recording and releasing as much as I could afford! I am blessed to have received an award from the International Singer Songwriter Association for my songwriting, and am so excited for what the next year holds!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I was watching a music competition on TV, and they had Gene Simmons on as a mentor. His advice came from a lifetime of experience, and was truly invaluable! He told every contestant that they were a better singer than he is, but singing is only a small portion of the entertainment industry. You can be a mediocre singer, but if you can get on the stage an captivate the audience to the point that they can’t take their eyes off of you, then you don’t need to be the best in order to be successful!
This made me reflect on my current situation. Singing has always come effortless to me, and I know that I have the potential to be captivating on the stage. But the big question is…why? Why would someone choose to come and see me? Why would someone take their hard earned money and choose to spend it on me?
The answer to that question evolves every day. I believe that I am genuine. I believe that I am passionate. I believe that I am funny. I believe that I am relatable. I believe that I have the talent to transform different situations into music that others can feel in their heart and soul. I believe that I still have so much to learn, not only about the music industry, but also about MYSELF!
I don’t ever want to be the best in the room. I want a push to be better…to do better!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Supporting artists doesn’t always relate to money. There are so many different ways to support artists that only take a moment of your time! Here are a few ways you can support an artist with minimal time commitment and little to no money required!
Sharing is caring…if we post something, please share it! Our reach is only so far, so adding another hand makes it that much farther!
Do you already subscribe to a streaming platform? If you do, please please please add our songs to your playlist!
Speaking of subscribing, please subscribe to your fave artist! This will increase our algorithm and potentially put us in front of new listeners!
If you don’t already, follow them! Then invite your friends to follow them!
Comment and engage on our content! If we are going live on a platform, say hi! If you are watching a replay, comment!
Lastly, if possible, come to our shows! Buy some merchandise! Without people in the audience, we would just be singing to the walls!
We appreciate any and all support, and we notice even the little things!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.shalainestebner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalainestebner_music?igsh=d3pvc2Zia2V5ZW1r&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shalainesmusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalaine-stebner-b00891188?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shalainestebnermusic?si=vZu1xp7xn54haz9H
Image Credits
Rachel Dietz Photography
Maggie Andrews Photography