Shayla Souliere – Over

By starrymag | June 25, 2017

By: Lindsay Flanagan

Q) Can you tell us about your background in music?

 

A) I am actually at Berklee College of Music Online and almost done completing my Music Business and Technology degree. I have sung my whole life and I am self taught on guitar/played piano when I was younger. [smile]

 

Q) Who are some of your inspirations (musical or non)?

 

A) My friends, my family and (of course) other musicians as well!

 

Q) How would you describe your sound to set it apart, or relate it to, the pop music of today?

 

A) My sound is really poppy; however, I would say I have a bit of edge to my music in a few of my original singles and in my image.

 

Q) I read that you were a gymnast before you became a musician. They are two very different disciplines, but have you found any similarities in the way you practice and train to sing as you did for gymnastics?

 

A) Oh yes! I would say that gymnastics and music both take up a lot of time and dedication. I could tell you that gymnastics has for sure taught me all about dedication, teamwork, commitment and confidence which I find myself bringing into my music very day!

 

Q) I also read that you broke your ribs so you were unable to complete the Edmonton Undiscovered singing competition. Did you break them doing gymnastics? Are you fully recovered? (We hope so!)

 

A) I did…and no, I wish I could say it was from gymnastics. I actually thought it would be fun to have a chicken fight with my friends in the backyard and it didn’t end so well. [frowns] I am fully recovered though! [smiles]

 

Q) You were still able to garner some success from that competition. Can you tell us how you met Grammy-award nominated producer and songwriting Alex Cantrall and how that changed your musical path and career?

 

A) Yes, for sure! I actually met Alex when a friend that I met in a singing contest mentioned my name to him one day. Everything from that point on has been amazing!

 

Q) You had great success with your first single “Screw U.” Can you tell us a little bit about that single? What inspired you to write it?

 

A) I wrote “Screw U” about a situation a few of my friends had gone through in past relationships and I also felt that most people could relate to it.

 

Q) Your newest single “Over” features Pimpton. The song sounds fantastic and it could very well be a summer theme song! First, what was the writing process like on this song? What inspired you? Second, what was it like working with Pimpton?

 

A) The creation of this single was so fun! I couldn’t have asked for a better songwriting team to write with. Pimpton and I have known each other for a while and one day I was listening to my single and instantly knew that I needed Pimpton in this song!

 

Q) Will we be able to catch you on tour anytime soon?

 

A) I sure hope so! Stay tuned on my social media.

 

Q) Speaking of tours, who would be your dream tour mate?

 

A) I would love to go on tour with: Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato and I honestly could keep going! There are so many artists that inspire me every day.

 

Q) You travel frequently from your home in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Los Angeles, which are (obviously) two very different regions—culturally, geographically. What do you love the most about LA and what do you miss the most Regina when you’re away?

 

A) I love that music is everywhere in LA and I love big cities! I miss my family, friends and my puppy the most when I am gone from home! [laughs]

 

Q) Besides music, what other hobbies do you have? Specifically, what do you do in order to rejuvenate your creativity?

 

A) I still love gymnastics. I love to work out and really just love to hang out with my friends! I get inspired through many different things. I’ve been driving and had to pull over to write song ideas down.

 

Q) What advice do you have for people who want to pursue their musical dreams?

 

A) Follow your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.