Shannon LaBrie is a midwestern farm girl with a slight inclination to city life. But, when it comes down to it, she prefers no shoes, messy hair and a really good laugh. She’s a constant hummer, always singing a melody, thinking out loud and loves a good quote book. If you caught her on a non-work night, she’d be drinking wine and smoking a cigar on the porch, listening to James Taylor in awe of the sky.
SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE, SHANNON! LET’S START OFF SMALL. WHO WAS YOUR EARLIEST MUSICAL INFLUENCE, AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THEM?
My earliest musical influence would be my Dad. There’s a sweet story my Mom told me. When I first was born, I was crying (as most newborn babies do). She said that I was screaming so loud, but the moment my Dad took hold of me he said, “hello Shannon LaBrie,” and I instantly went silent. I always like to say his voice was my first brush with music. I remember as a little girl, I would lie my head on his chest to feel his voice vibrate when he talked to his friends. Apart from my Dad’s speaking voice, he was very musical and taught me all the things a beginner should know in regards to music.
WHAT ASPECT OF MUSIC INTERESTS YOU THE MOST (WRITING/PERFORMING/ETC), AND CONVERSELY, WHAT INTERESTS YOU THE LEAST?
For me, performing and singing live is everything. I LOVE writing music, recording music and collaborating, but for me, all of that finds meaning when the live performance aspect comes in. I think my least favorite part of music is sadly… the business side. Being an artist in 2020, you have to learn it all, and I have to admit, I struggle with the internet. Lol. I’m an in-person kind of person, so it’s been challenging this year to say the least.
WHAT TRACKS HAVE YOU BEEN LISTENING RECENTLY?
I’ve been eating up music these days as a fan. There are so many great songs out. Off the top of my head, I’m LOVING:
Mickey Guyton’s “What Are You Gonna Tell Her”
Skylar Gregg’s “Landfill”
Kyshona’s “Too Much”
Liz Longley’s “Funeral for My Past”
Yola’s “Faraway Look”
Jess Nolan’s “Like a Flower”
Beyoncé’s “Black Parade”
IF MUSIC WAS NOT YOUR CAREER PATH, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
Honestly, if I wasn’t doing music – and I don’t say this lightly – I’d lose my mind. It wouldn’t be pretty. I am forever so thankful for my career as many days I feel as though it keeps me sane and smiling!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE A SOLO PERFORMING ARTIST?
Don’t focus on the highs or lows, focus on the journey. It’s not about reaching the goal, it’s about making lifelong friends, and at the end of the day, being able to look at yourself in the mirror and feel satisfied with who you are and what you’ve given to your community.
To know more about Shannon LaBrie visit: www.shannonlabrie.com and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram @shannonlabrie
