INTERVIEW: New York songstress SHENNA shines bright with forthcoming EP ‘Made of Gold’

Featuring shimmering sounds of sonic pop goodness with a smile to match, New York-via-Virginia based pop songstress SHENNA has perked up our earbuds with her latest release “Air Balloons.” The rising singer/songwriter is on the verge of releasing her sophomore EP ‘Made of Gold,’ and with anticipation rising, GroundSounds caught up with SHENNA to talk about her latest music, forthcoming EP and more check out the exclusive interview below.

SHENNA, can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started with music?

I started music seriously at the age of 7 singing background for my cousins and performing at family events. I always knew I wanted to pursue music professionally  since a young age and would collect vinyl records from thrift shops and listened to Michael Jackson and Diana Ross mainly.

Can you tell us about your transition for Virginia to NYC? What do you enjoy most about the ‘Big Apple’?

I made the transition to New York City from Virginia a year ago. I always knew I wanted to move to NY and decided after making a few connections down here that this was the city for me. I love my hometown and am happy that they are supporting me with my dreams.

Can you tell us about the writing and creative process involved with your latest track “Air Balloons?”

I wanted to make a track dedicated to an unforgettable summer night with friends and new faces were everyone is living in the moment as if time doesn’t exist! My producer created the beat with a familiar pop keyboard progression to draw in listeners. I wanted my vocals to sounds as if I was in the party and having a great time being around awesome people.

You recently performed at the D.C. Pride Festival can you tell us about this performance and festival?

The Pride Festival in D.C. was a wonderful experience. I got to meet many new people from different states and network with other musicians! I performed two  new songs off of “Made Of Gold” colluding my single “Air Balloons”. It was very cool to see the crowd react to the news songs in a positive light.

You are expected to release your sophomore EP Made of Gold,  this summer, what has it been like working on this project and bringing it to fruition?

Working on my sophomore EP has been fun yet a challenge! During the recording of my first project I was still in search of my sound but during the recording process of “Made Of Gold” I feel that I finally found my sound.

What made you decide on the EP name Made of Gold?

The message behind the title “Made of Gold” is that we all are precious and have a valuable role in life. The word “gold” is usually associated with luxury, rare, and rich. I feel that is as individuals need to always remember that we are valuable!

We read that you have also been working on several voice over projects, what can you reveal to us about these endeavors?

At the moment I am working on a independent cartoon and singing some jingles for commercials. It is always fun to do voice overs because you get to channel a new character!

What bands/musicians are you currently listening to?

Currently I am listening to a lot of old school music in order to gain inspiration. I feel that music back in the day had such raw emotion because it was less computer generated and used live instruments.

When you are on stage singing and performing what goes through your mind?

Honestly It all depends what song I am performing. When I am on stage I try to take in the moment and convey the emotion of the song I am singing to the audience. It never fails that sometime between my set I realize that I am on stage doing what I love to do and have people supporting me in the audience. It is such a great feeling!

After the EP release, what is next for SHENNA?

I plan to tour and perform in different cities with a dream of becoming an opening act for a mainstream artist! I will definitely continue to record and am excited to see where the future leads me!

SHENNA, what can fans look forward to?

I feel this project is really showcasing the type of artist I really am and I am excited to bring my supporters into my world.

Stay in touch with SHENNA: FACEBOOK | WEBSITE