Diandra Interviews Shannon K: Love Never Fades Away
Diandra: What was the inspiration behind “Run?”
Shannon K: My past experiences have inspired me to write the song. I had always been somewhat insecure about myself and that had been bugging me a lot, not to mention the kinds of things I heard from people when I first started my career.
Diandra: Having traveled the world, what is one place you would “run” to if you needed to reboot and recharge? Why?
Shannon K: I will always run back home because that’s the place for me to reboot and recharge, surrounded by my loved ones.
Run- Shannon K ( Official Music Video)
Diandra: What is your favorite family memory with music?
Shannon K: My favorite memory is when my dad shared some of his stories from his musical journey. It was truly so inspiring to hear how he started his journey, and the hardships he faced to becoming one of the most incredible, legendary artists of the 90s.
Diandra: Known for your anti-bullying anthem, Give Me Your Hand, who are the people in your life that have taught you to love yourself? What did they love most about you?
Shannon K: My family and friends have always told me to love myself no matter what. My family is my biggest support system, and without them I wouldn’t have been an artist or have the life I have, as I was an orphan.
They have always wished nothing but the best for me; I’m very fortunate to have such kind souls as my parents and to be friends with some of the most beautiful people, ever, who are always there to cheer me up when I’m down.
Diandra: With your songs singing to the bittersweet of love, what is the most bitter thing you have learned through a relationship and the sweetest?
Shannon K: The most bitter thing I’ve learned in a relationship is that sometimes they’re not going to be as enthusiastic about it as you are, and that’s going hurt you! You can’t ever force someone to feel more or less than what they feel. Everyone has their own capacity to feel and sometimes yours will be bigger than theirs, but that’s just something you have to accept. The sweetest thing about a relationship is that sometimes they’ll understand you more than you think they would, and that makes you feel so safe.
Diandra: Studying psychiatry, what is the most fascinating thing you have learned about human behavior?
Shannon K: I learned that our brains can remember stories much faster and longer than anything else, so if you want to remember something next time, create a story around it! That’s why storytelling is so cool, in music, because it helps you remember the song and it gets in your head quicker.
Diandra: How do your studies alter or inspire your songwriting?
Shannon K: My studies help me gain more knowledge towards things I didn’t know about. I feel like the aspect of learning has inspired me to always be a student in my recording sessions or songwriting sessions, because you’ll always end up learning something new. It’s great to keep that learning side of your brain switched on.
Diandra: What is the best quality your sister Annabelle brings out of you as an artist?
Shannon K: My sister understands my creativity and always reminds me that, as an artist, I have a unique vision. Sometimes there will be things that I will want to do with my music that people won’t get, but I believe you’re not a true artist if people don’t think you’re slightly crazy.
Diandra: Writing songs of empowerment, what are your favorite songs to listen to when you need to feel empowered? Pick a Top 3.
Shannon K:
1. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
2. “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston
3. “9-5” by Dolly Parton
Diandra: Kindness and gratitude were major lessons your parents taught you. What is a kind act done for you that you will always be grateful for?
Shannon K: I will never be more grateful for anything or to anyone than my mom and dad for choosing to adopt me and giving me a life that I never would’ve had if it weren’t for them. I’m forever grateful to them.
Diandra: What is your favorite Bollywood love story, and which character would you be from it? Why?
Shannon K: I really love the movie Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge because it’s such a beautiful love story about a couple who falls in love, but rather than eloping, they face their strict families and convince them to accept their marriage. I’d like to play Kajol’s character named Simran, because she’s very disciplined and knows her values.
Diandra: Having such a powerful social media presence, what are the highs and lows of building yourself as an influencer?
Shannon K: The highs would be that your voice reaches out to so many! You are able to meet so many people who are similar to you, and it’s great to connect with people from across the world. The lows would be that numbers speak louder than talent, which is disappointing. I’ve come across some of the most talented artists/musicians, but it’s so sad to see that they don’t get acknowledged as much as people who aren’t talented but have lots of followers. This is why, as an influencer, I’m always supporting other artists, musicians etc.
Shannon K – A Long Time (written by) Poo Bear
Diandra: You have said that quarantine has inspired you a lot, creatively. What are the new themes your new music is approaching since lockdown? Any favorite lyric so far?
Shannon K: I’m approaching a bit more of a soul and R&B theme. Quarantine surely gave me a lot of time to think deeply about things, and I feel like my perspective on life has completely changed. This is one of my favorite lyrics from a song that is still in the making: “Being lost in the right direction.”
Diandra: What is the most romantic thing you have ever seen that you would turn into a song?
Shannon K: I once saw a sweet old man surprising his wife with flowers and chocolates. That moment made me realize that love is such a strong bond and that it never fades away.
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