SHAB – Music to My Heart

By starrymag | January 5, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) To me, my sounds seem as if extensions of my moods and influences.  It’s simply who I am and the way that I engage with the world.

But others more knowledgeable than me have started labeling my music as “World Pop.”

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I was blessed across the three cultures where I have lived to have picked up so many influences.

From a Mosque’s call to prayer to Handel to Kraftwerk, from JLo to Rufus du Sol to Otis Redding. Throw in some Selena and The Monkees and ABBA.  And a little bit of Marvin Gaye. A whole world of influences!

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Music to My Heart.”

 

A) “Music To My Heart” was written with the thought of various people in my life who do in fact warm my heart: my children, my partner, my siblings.  But most of all, my mother, who is one of my heroes.

For me, these people are not only the ones who light up your life, but who also give it meaning.

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

 

A) Well, it all starts with a catchy beat…for which you can thank Damon Sharpe. But the Latin vibe is also now somewhat universal – and each of us have persons in our lives who make our spirit dance.  It’s a universal sentiment.

Q) How did you come to work with the Martinez Twins on the track?

 

A) My team thought that the song “Music To My Heart” would be a great opportunity to bring in an emerging Latin artist — and Damon had just recently worked with the Martinezes. When Ivan & Emilio latched onto the idea, the collaboration was a natural fit.

 

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

 

A) The imagery and storyline illustrate the type of romantic passion that can so greatly move one’s heart.  In the video, I have eyes only for my male dancer counterpart – Julz Tocker, a “Dancing with The Stars” alum, and him only.

(But I would be remiss not to note that Julz is pretty easy on the eyes!)

 

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

 

A) The method by which Damon and I compose is to start with a lyrical concept.  First, I will jot down some thoughts for the mood of the song as well as some suggested word formulations: and thereafter Damon tries to marry that theme and those proffered words with a rhythmic and melodic sensibility.

Once I overcome any prevailing writer’s block — and get off my butt to write some lyrics — Damon is pretty quick to conjure some excellent sounds.

 

Q) Share with us what it was like working with producer Damon Sharpe.

 

A) Although I am sure that I will work with other producers in the future, I always forsee Damon has part of my inner circle. He has been incredibly patient with me while schooling me first about the music-writing process, and now, the performing realm.

I trust him and his judgment like no one else in the music business.

Q) How much of say do you have when it comes to the production of your music?

 

A) As far as pure PRODUCTION is concerned, that’s Damon’s role up until he has recorded a demo of a particular song. Once we have the recorded demo, I am able to work with him in terms of adjusting rhythms, lyrics, tempos, etc. and occasionally the structure.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Damon and I have already co-written and recorded eight of the songs for such second album that will be released in early 2022.

As of now, we are planning to finish the composition of two more songs before New Year’s: and hoping that an eleventh and final song for the album being a collaboration with someone who is a bit of an idol of mine but also someone everybody knows.

(I wish that I could disclose the identity of the secret collaborator, but the timing isn’t right yet!)

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I haven’t had much of a chance during the last two years to perform during these COVID times – and remember here that my first English album was released during the middle of this pandemic.  Accordingly, I am dying to perform these songs live — and hope to get some great opportunities during 2022 to appear before new audiences.

 

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

 

A) Four names come to immediate mind: Pitbull, Post Malone, Miley Cyrus and J Balvin.

 

Q) Yoga is a big part of your life. What would you recommend for people who are new to it and want to try it out?

 

A) Yoga is not just a form of exercise. Indeed, the contemplative practice of yoga is actually something that can transform your psycho emotional mindset while providing the release of physical stress.

As far as advice to beginners is concerned, I would suggest finding as teachers those yogis who emotionally resonate with their students.  Also, I would emphasize that the benefits of a devoted yoga practice are realized not just in the moment but also will have tremendous effect through the course of your life.

 

Q) How has yoga helped you stay centered and calm during the pandemic?

 

A) I tend to meditate while focusing upon my breathing during yoga practice, which I find an incredibly energizing exercise. The meditative qualities of that practice are restorative and help to clear your mind and psyche of the stuff that just doesn’t matter.

 

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

 

A) Social media is clearly the most direct manner by which I can reach out to my fans.

And I love getting their feedback new releases of my work, as sometimes their input resolves into ongoing compositions or treatments.

 

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

 

A) Let me know that you’re out there!  Follow me on Instagram and TikTok and Facebook, while knowing that you are engaging with me personally (and not some other person who is typing away on my accounts)!