Shannon Lay – Mirrors

By starrymag | July 31, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) My sound is a warm, mellow, finger pickin’ good time.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) The Velvet Underground, Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, Slayer, Britney Spears, Arthur Russell, Ted Lucas, The Cure, Otis Redding; all kinds of music inspires me.

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

A) “Mirrors” is about learning to love the challenging aspects of ourselves rather than rejecting them.  It’s about facing our whole self and making space to love everything we are. It’s also inspired by astrology and the role that it’s played in helping me to get to know myself better.  I love how long we’ve been looking up and seeing our reflection in the stars.

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

A) I think there’s a real need to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for newness. This isn’t an easy task, so I like to provide encouragement through my music. I know I always appreciate a reminder to keep going.  I see so many people really pushing themselves out of their comfort zone in favor of growth and change and it’s so beautiful. I’ll always be cheering them on.

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

A) It felt good to dance for the video.  Movement is a great bridge to joy which is such a helpful companion in the face of challenges.  The task of letting go can be much more pleasant if joy is present.

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

A) I love writing lyrics to music these days.  For “Mirrors,” Rob Shelton and I got together, and he played piano while I wrote lyrics.  Sometimes I’ll write poetry and then put it to music but lately it’s been more writing on the fly to music.

Q) Rob Shelton lent a hand with production on “Mirrors,” but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

A) I’ll always play a big part in the production of my music. It’s important to me to be close to the process and I’m super open to ideas. I love seeing what other people hear for a song. Rob knows so many amazing musicians and having him hear flutes and percussion and watching it all come together was amazing. Having different perspectives on a song is really fun.

Q) You recently played at Golddiggers and Hipnic Fest. What can fans expect from a live Shannon Lay performance?

A) My goal for shows is jacuzzi vibes.  Warm and comfortable.  Relaxing and intimate.  Ideally, we’re sitting together in a beautiful space where people are able to enjoy the stillness and sink into the sound. I love playing live and my intention is to leave people feeling loved and filled up.

Q) What are some of your favorite songs to play live?

A) “Rare to Wake” is always a lot of fun.  And “Awaken and Allow” has a really special magic in it that never fails to blow me away.  I’ve been loving playing my cover of “Angeles,” too. It’s one of my favorite songs and it just feels lovely in the set.

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

A) Bjork is always my ultimate collaboration fantasy.  I only recently started writing with other people and I love it. When the chemistry is right it’s pure magic. I’m looking forward to releasing more collaborative songs with the next record.

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) The new Jessica Pratt record has been on heavy rotation.  I love her sense of sound.  She puts so much of herself into her music, you can really feel the care. It’s serious but it’s also playful.

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

A) It’s quite helpful for getting the word out to people about shows and releases. And even though it’s not my favorite thing to do, it’s been fun trying to get creative for promoting and it’s great for finding new art and music. I also like to drop healthy encouragements and reminders within social media since it’s a place we typically go to dissociate. I’ve been doing the occasional “here’s 15 seconds to take some deep breaths” video to remind people they’re in a body that needs love.  I like how easy it is for people to connect and share but sometimes it can get overwhelming for sure.  I have a 15-minute timer on Instagram and it really helps me to not get sucked in. You can add it in your phone settings, highly recommend.

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

A) I say thank you a thousand times.  Thank you for hearing me and seeing me and enjoying what I do.  It’s really amazing to get to play music and create art and I’m so insanely grateful that so many people encourage me to keep doing it.  It is a pleasure to show up and show out for y’all.