Featured Artist
Shébani
How did you get into music?
For as long as I can remember, I was always blasting music in my room, singing and learning dance moves from music videos and dance movies like Honey and Save The Last Dance and just pretending I’m a performer on stage. It didn’t occur to me that this was a profession I could pursue - I was too young to realize that it’s possible, but I was lucky enough to be brought up in a very creative and artistic household. My older sister was my biggest inspiration growing up. She sang me to sleep most nights, and I watched her perform at talent shows on a regular basis.
I began learning the guitar and singing everyday at the age of 18, but I never sang or performed in front of anyone until I signed up for a singing competition in my university. After I graduated, things started to pick up from there, I launched my YouTube channel and began to upload covers every week, got involved in jam sessions, open mic nights and a few performances here and there.
In 2016, I took the plunge and released my first body of work, the Alter Ego EP. The rest was history!
How would you describe the music that you make?
I would say my music is pretty vulnerable and honest. I’m strongly driven and inspired by my thoughts and the way emotions work. I’ve experimented with a lot of sounds and I’m still trying to figure out who I am as an artist in the process. I definitely don’t think it’s an overnight achievement. We tend to learn more about ourselves in our personal and social lives. The same goes for music. I’m always learning and growing, and that inspires me more than anything in the world. I hate stagnancy, I find it quite boring. I write about my learnings and growth a lot, about my stories, my feelings, my happiness, pain, struggles I’ve overcome, love and all the things that make us vulnerable humans.
Who are the artists, or people, who inspire you?
Any artist who has found the perfect balance of self-awareness, kindness and determination to get through the hard days. I’m inspired by people and artists who leave an impact and create value in what they do. Don’t get me wrong, I’m also inspired by sounds, voices and aesthetics. But music to me is more than just the way it sounds or how it looks. I like to get deeper and really understand the intention behind everything. I would never want to open a pretty box and find it empty, I’d rather open an average looking one and unravel some really interesting and exciting things. NAO, Banks, Julia Michaels, Gallant, Aaliyah, James Blake and Jon Bellion are some of my all-time favorite artists!
What are your latest musical accomplishments?
I’ve done a lot of things that I’m insanely proud of. I’ve crossed so much off the list but there’s still A TON to do. I can give an easy answer and say maybe supporting Jorja Smith and Liam Payne in 2019 for DSF’s 25th anniversary show.
But I believe that the hardest thing I was able to do is decide to take a break from releasing any music and start working on my debut album. I’ve gotten so used to releasing singles almost monthly that I’ve become desensitized to it. It’s been over a year since I’ve released my last single and I’ve been on a nonstop process of writing, creating and allowing myself to mold a new sound. That excites me more than anything, and I’m really proud of how it’s all coming along.
What is your creative process like? Has it changed since the pandemic?
Yeah, a thousand percent! My creative process used to be really anxious. I felt like I had to be quick with everything. The pandemic taught me how to slow things down. You can’t rush good music. I’m personally not so good with making music on an off day. If I’m not feeling it, I take the time to do something else. Maybe spend it with a friend or family, have a good time and explore the world. The best fuel for music is to live your life away from it. How else are you going to make stories to write about? I find that that really helps me with writing.
Technically speaking, my creative process always begins with an idea or an emotion I’m feeling in the moment. I write it down on my notes if it’s lyrics, or record it on my voice memos if it’s a melody. This one single and small idea then turns into a whole song. My process is definitely gradual, and I find that journaling is the best way to get ideas out.
Where have you performed? What was your favourite venue to perform at?
I’ve performed in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Lebanon and Jordan. The most performances I’ve done are in Dubai. I’m so grateful for shows like Sole DXB, DSF 2019, the Beat DXB and much more. They’ve shaped me tremendously and I was so lucky to connect with amazing crowds and people along the way. I miss it so much, can’t wait to get back on stage.
However, some of my favorite venues to perform at were Under The Bridge and O2 Academy Islington in London. When Ed Sheeran started out, he was one of my biggest inspirations to become a songwriter, and I had heard that in his beginnings, he performed at a venue in London called The Bedford live. So during my musical studies there, I called them up and asked if I can put on a show. They said yes! I don’t know how that happened, but I was so humbled to be on that stage. It wasn’t a big one in size, but you can feel all the history and the incredible moments that were created on it. That’s irreplaceable.
What are your latest releases? What is the story behind them?
I haven’t released any music in a minute! I’m currently working on my debut album with Berlin-based artist and producer James Chatburn. He’s incredible and I’m so happy to be creating with him! This is a project that I am truly ready for, and it had to be done. I’m so excited to share it with the world soon.
Which one of these releases is your favourite and why?
It’s hard to choose, because every release I had was like an important moment in my life. It has changed so many things for me! But if I had to choose, I’d say my favorites are the unreleased ones. It’s my biggest project thus far, and it’s therapy to me, I had a lot to think about and discover along the way. Again, all will unfold soon!
Are you working with any other artists right now?
Yes! I am! All coming soon
What is an average day like for you?
First things first: Breakfast & Coffee. After that comes journaling, meditation and setting my intentions for the day. I try my best to do this everyday, but sometimes it just starts off on the wrong side of the bed.
I have a to-do list that I refer to daily, and I try my best to get as much work as humanly possible. My days vary between admin work, projects I work on besides music, and of course songwriting days and music days for my personal projects.
I try to add fun in the mix as well, I’m not too good with the ‘no days off’ concept. I think that wears me out and depresses me. So I have to spend time with my family and loved ones. Or just read a book/watch a TV show. I take my weekends and off days very seriously!
What does your involvement in the Regional Artist Spotlight mean to you?
I love to see more women get involved in the music industry. I love to see women write songs and get in the studio to make projects happen. I love to see new producers, artists, songwriters, managers, DJ’s get out there and take up space. But regardless of gender, here’s the BIGGER picture: I believe that the more we speak out as artists, the more we inspire others to come out and join the field. I don’t only want to shed light on my music and accomplishments and call it a day. I’d like to think I give more value than that. I want to leave a positive impact in the world and make sure it’s known for others that it’s not wrong to pursue a creative outlet. It’s time we don’t shame people for wanting to sing, write songs and get up on stages. It’s time we allow them to shine and be themselves. If all it takes is for me to be loud and present, then that’s the easiest way for me to create a ripple effect and help others believe in themselves and what they have to offer. One day I want to be on someone’s “top 5 artists who inspire you” list.
What is your top 5 after-party playlist?
- Anything by NAO. All of it!
- Alternative R&B
- Best of James Blake
- Byfaith (a playlist curated by my sister)
- All the throwback playlists (‘90s R&B, ‘00s R&B)