Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shayla Hamady. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Shayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

As cheesy as it sounds, the most meaningful project I’ve ever worked/am working on is myself.

When I started releasing music at 13 years old I wasn’t thinking about anything besides writing down what was on my mind. I had one of the worst times in school and writing was my way of escaping. I wasn’t thinking about numbers or profit I was just completely engulfed in the music.

Throughout high school, people began to notice and watched my videos on YouTube. I was bullied and ridiculed for everything I did. That’s when I started focusing on what other people thought rather than what I truly wanted.

I started battling depression when I graduated in 2017. It’s even hard for me to write about it here, to be honest. I always say it through my music but never straightforward. I think about all of the bad things happening around the world all of the time. I sacrifice my comfort and what little I do have and I can’t help but give it away in hopes it might change something about the world.

Depression has had so much influence on my music and every time I grow and face another battle, you can hear it in my songs.

However, in 2021 I realized I couldn’t live the way I was for much longer. I was down on my knees begging God and the universe to help me get through this. I finally went to therapy and started slowly branching out more in my music. I practiced meditation, started working out more, and forced myself to face what I was scared of even if it was terrifying because I learned how amazing the outcome always is.

Now in 2023 how far I’ve come is just truly unbelievable. Although still falling in and out of depression I recognize triggers and think about the energy I give off. I left a toxic relationship and moved across the state because where I was was not serving me anymore. I would never want my energy to have negative effects on others and that’s a huge motivation for me. My music has become who I truly am and I know what I want now. The journey has even led to my artist tagline, “Can’t leave this earth till I change it.”

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?

I started producing and releasing music in 2013 when I was 13 years old. But I swear I was writing songs straight out of the womb. I would write with my best friend but eventually, she stopped and I kept going. YouTube was just starting to pop off when I was uploading videos against my dad’s will. I downloaded Mixcraft production software, onto my parents’ computer and started playing around with making beats at that age too. I also bought a cheap beginner’s guitar from my dad’s friend. The rest is history.

Along with writing, producing, and mixing music for myself, I also write songs for clients all across the world. What sets me apart from most people in my industry is that I’m 100% true to who I am and don’t care about numbers. If I hear or see someone that genuinely loves what they’re doing I will support the crap out of you. The world has lost sight of following dreams and instead, they follow the money. I’ve made a vow to myself to listen to my heart and not the green.

Again I am just so proud of myself for where I’m at in my journey. I hope to grow my brand into a team of people who want and have the motivation to change the world. Whether you’re a fan or work with me, always follow the motto, can’t leave this earth till I change it.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Whether you’re in the creative field or not, people are going to try and tell you what you can and can’t do all of your life. It usually starts with family too. But I’m begging whoever reads this to not listen. If I would have listened to everyone around me and stopped making music I wouldn’t be alive to tell you this. And I wouldn’t have impacted the lives that I have.

And there is no reason why if you’re miserable where you are you should stay. It’s extremely hard to leave a situation that’s comfortable and predictable but if you stay in a routine of only imagining what you want, you will never get it. And that is the fearful truth.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

There is no “right” way to create something. Everyone’s minds work differently and anyone can create or think of anything.

I always thought there was some outline or box that I had to be put in but I’ve realized that my art is MY art. If someone doesn’t like it that’s okay because it’s what I created. Even if people don’t see things the way I see them I’ve learned to let it go. If anyone at any time is taking any piece of creativity from you you need to stop and reroute.   

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shaylahamady.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaylahamady/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaylahamadymusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaylahamady
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz08uNJ5puOpow3BznRgBNQ
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/11nrhGqWLzfjFhEMwMGCtI?si=CWAfrnIaSzyAS13OISjjOw&nd=1
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/shayla-hamady/918596390

Image Credits
@shaylahamady @thegriddetroit @lucidsevv