Laura Cheadle – Shine This Lifetime

By starrymag | May 9, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as funky soul with a pop vibe. [smiles]

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I love the legends like Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, etc. My musician father raised me on true, genuine music. [smiles]

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Everybody Say.”

 

A) “Everybody Say” was birthed in the quarantine. Instead of hanging my head down low because I wasn’t able to tour, I pivoted and wrote an uplifting song that I know we all needed right about now.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I feel fans can truly feel the “hope” that is the underlining message throughout this song. This song brings joy and wakes up that part of your brain where you remember all those moments of laughter and living in the moment.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video literally screams “happiness.” The message of this song was always to remember it’s okay to breathe and shine and not worry so much. My music video was half animated by the animation company KXB Studio here in Philadelphia.  Not only does the video feature me running around in animated, singing flowers, but it also features some forest animals standing in as my band mates!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) My songwriting process is the opposite of technical and I never write the same way. Sometimes I’ll have a melody in my head for months and then finally put lyrics to it. Other times, like in this instance of writing “Everybody Say,” I’ll wake up from a dream with lyrics and run to the recording studio to finish it with music. I also collaborate with a selection of people as well. The vibe is always amazing no matter how and when I write a song.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I have a major hand in the production of my music. I am extremely fortunate to have not only an amazing musician father, but a father who owns a recording studio. I sit in with my father and we create and produce my albums together. It’s an incredible collaboration!

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your upcoming album Shine This Lifetime album?

 

A) Shine This Lifetime is exactly what the title conveys – shining! I wanted to create an album that gives the listener a smile in their soul when they listen to it. Life has been hard enough, and I really wanted to create a joyous listening experience.

 

Q) What songs on the album hold a special place in your heart?

 

A) “Everybody Say” is definitely one of the songs as it was the first song that inspired the album to be written. My song “Shine This Lifetime” is going to be the second single. It is a modern disco song that is filled with contagious happiness that really shows my range as a vocalist. I’m excited to release that next! Video to follow.

 

Q) What tracks challenged you the most to create for this album?

 

A) It’s funny because the entire album came out so easily. I hadn’t released an album since my 2018 release Chill. This new album was based on inspiration and literally flew out of my brain. It was so much fun to write again and have such an unexpected muse.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from your music on Shine This Lifetime?

 

A) I hope listeners feel amazingly happy after listening to the album from start to finish. I also hope when the last song ends, they feel refreshed and renewed.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, are you planning any livestream events?

 

A) I have been live-streaming the entire quarantine and had my first socially distanced live show on April 10th!

 

Q) What do you miss most about being on stage?

 

A) I miss always meeting new people in person. The most incredible part of being a musician is that it’s always a different experience. I always end up meeting fans/friends/musicians that become my friends down the road.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future? 

 

A) I can’t choose one person. I’d love to collaborate with people of all different genres and create some beautifully interesting music!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Bruno Mars’ new music is incredible! He takes old school to a new level.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Especially in this era of COVID, it’s important to stay connected no matter what. I also always aim to inspire people with my “Hippie Thoughts of The Day” and spread positive messages. You never know who is watching and needs a pick me up. ❤️

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I want to thank everyone who is on this journey with me and constantly keeps in touch. Thanks for making my soul shine.

 

 

 

 

 

Watch The Video For “Everybody Say”