We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannah Boone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
As a kid I always enjoyed performing for family and friends. I’d put together arrangements of popular R&B and gospel songs with my cousins and we’d do concerts in my grandparent’s yard and in the house. We were serious and you couldn’t tell us we weren’t really doing something on the same level as Whitney and Mariah. I knew I wanted to put more into the craft and reach more people by pursuing a career in music when I was in high school. ’97/98′ all through my time in school everyone knew me as a violinist, which I was very serious with, but in those years it was discovered that I could sing by accident. The chorus teacher overheard me and immediately had me join the ensembles there in school and entering competitions on the state and county level. I scored perfectly in each. I’d already been singing in church, but my voice was unlike the other members that sung and I really didn’t think it was anything special. Performing vocally in front of large audiences in those years really felt like home to me. It felt amazing and I knew that it was what I wanted to do most, just sing and enjoy the crowd and the sounds, connect with people and bring them joy.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Shannah Boone, a singer/songwriter from Elizabeth City, N.C. by way of Riverhead, Long Island, N.Y.. I’ve been involved in music and the arts all my life, but formally for 38 years. I started my serious study a 8yrs old with classical guitar. I studied that util the 4th grade when we all were asked to choose and instrument. We had to pick 2, a main choice and a backup. I chose the flute. So did everyone else… so I was stuck with my backup, the violin. That was the best thing that could’ve ever happened because I immediately fell in love with the instrument. I practiced hours and hours a day and excelled quickly. I of course had private lessons which are crucial and I encourage every musician wanting to seriously pursue an instrument to take. I began to perform at local private events, which led to local public events, which led to traveling all over the state to perform, and eventually a European concert tour. Singing wise though, I found my voice in N.C.. Here in N.C. it’s the opposite of Long Island in that people know I sing but are shocked to learn that I play the violin. I’ve always seemingly been adjacent to industry professionals but not quite in it myself. I decided to try on my own around 2011-2012. I’d been chatting with country singer Rissi Palmer online, simpler subjects, food and other fun things people post, I hadn’t even thought about asking her advice about music for just enjoying the regular social media interactions. I was about to try and record my demo and I was really stumped about the process and my husband asked …wait…don’t to talk to Rissi Palmer on Facebook? I answered yes…and… and he suggested reaching out to her about recording independently. I batted the idea down so many times because I didn’t want to be a bother her about it, but eventually I contacted her. We set up a phone call and she could not have been more supportive. She’s remained an amazing friend and a huge encouragement to me, especially when I feel like giving up on music or have a bout of imposter’s syndrome. She hosts Color Me Country a radio show on Apple Music and is doing amazing things in the industry for women and bipoc in Country, Folk, Roots, and Americana music, and beyond. I was able to get that demo done and that boosted me to start performing around N.C. In all of this, me trying to make a name for myself singing in N.C., Kocaine Kay learns that I sing and asks if I will feature on his tracks. I never thought of myself as being able to sing on his track because in my opinion his music was so good, I wondered why he’d want me on it. I was thinking there’s no way on earth I’m cool enough to feature…he must have me confused with someone else. Well he kept asking and asking encouraging me that it was the move to make and not to hesitate. When I finally collaborated with him I heard what he was talking about. It worked. Our studio sessions were always productive and he was never without an encouraging word. I’m super proud of our collaborations because I feel like I’m a part of something so special with him and Da Sound Room. I literally watched him grow this idea to what it is now and he has such an amazing drive and the talent to match. His full commitment to every live performance is inspiring and I love to see it. I’m glad to be a part of it.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Support local artists. Support independent artists. Pay them. That’s the most important thing. Independent artists don’t have large advances from labels and endless funds to create the things audiences enjoy. We depend on you so that we can provide more entertainment, more of the art you love for you and spread it to others. Really the local and regional supporters determine what goes on the radio and who tours and what sells nationally and beyond. It’s your support that helps artists build their craft and gain the recognition needed to go further. A huge thank you to anyone that does exactly that, supports local and regional artists. A big thank you to this platform for providing space for us to tell out stories.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding thing about what I do is relationship building. I love connecting with family, other artists, my community, audiences, etc.. Kocaine Kay and I may have missed each other if it weren’t for music. Most of my life I lived in N.Y. and just visited N.C., and there’s an age difference between us, me being older. Music brought us together and I’m so glad for that connection. His beautiful wife and children, enjoying live shows and get togethers, building that relationship, I’ve loved that and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for him and DSR. I love when I’m out around town and someone asks me where I’m performing next. I love when I’m performing and people come up and give hugs and dance feel welcomed and moved by the music. I love when someone tells me after a performance that I sang a loved one’s favorite song and it touched their heart. There’s nothing in the world like building relationships through music. 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shannah_boone
- Facebook: Shannah Boone
- Youtube: TheGoldstrings
- TikTok: @shannahboone