to say you've shared a stage is a whole other story! I am really honored.
BB: Besides the show in February, you have also had the opportunity to perform at venues such as Charlie Daniel's Journey Fest, The Florida Strawberry Festival, and you’ve sang The National Anthem for ESPN and The Philadelphia Phillies. Does it ever make you feel like you're "making it" in this business? Or do you still feel like you are paying dues, as beginning musicians often do?
SS: You know, I have always had the mentality that no matter what happens, I am going to sing & write music. But I have to say that in the last 12 months, I have had more dreams come true than I can tell you! I believe in working hard & setting a vision for where I want to go. Visualizing that path is half the battle, but once you see it... very little can stop you from getting there! I am truly blessed to be able to be living my dream!
BB: Much of your music is your own. Do you write both the lyrics and the music? Or do you have a team that you work with? Tell us about the songwriting process.
SS: I do write both lyrics and music, but when co-writing it depends on each persons strengths as to what I bring to the table. One of the most important lessons I learned was to play to my strengths and to allow people working with me to play to their strengths. The songwriting process is so hard to put to words (LOL). I have songs that have still never been completed after 4 years of writing, and then again I have songs that only took me 20 minutes to write from beginning to end. It really depends on the situation, the writers involved and the mental time you dedicate to it. One of my mentors once told me "write when you feel like it, write when you don't....just write!" And so that's what I do! You just never know what you will turn out!
BB: You're not only a musician, but also a mother. Is it difficult to balance your music career and taking care of your daughter?
SS: It can be, sometimes, but I try to just make sure that when I'm with her, she feels like nothing else matters! I try to be present. I also know that I am teaching her to be a strong & confident person, so I try to make sure she sees the importance of how much I love her - but also that I'm true to my heart and am following my dream. She is already starting to show signs that what I am doing is encouraging her to dream bigger for herself! I love that!
BB: Your new release is a world-wide release. Tell us exactly what this mean, what it entails, etc.
SS: Well, that means it will iTunes on February 13th for the entire world to download. Yay!
BB: After you return from the U.K., what are your plans then?
SS: Oh, we have some fun stuff planned: but I have to keep it under the radar for now. I will let everyone know as soon as I can though!
BB: This year has really only begun and so much is happening for you. Where do you see yourself by December? What more would you like to accomplish this year?
SS: Ahhh, I love this question! I see myself playing stadiums with some of my music idols! AND... this wouldn't be a fun game if we weren't going for trophies! I have watched the Grammys®since I was a little girl and dreamed of going, but that dream looks like it will be coming true in 2012 so now I have to set my sights on something bigger....the actual Grammy®:)
BB: Shelly, thank you so much for taking the time. We wish you the most success! Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
SS: I just want to say thank you to everyone that has supported me and continues to support me on this journey! I am told that my enthusiasm is contagious, and I am hopeful that it is just that for your readers! Success breeds success! I ultimately want my journey to inspire and encourage others to chase their dreams! Looking forward to a fun 2012! Thank you to Bay Buzz for all your continual support!
BB: Thank you Shelly. Congratulations and Good Luck in all you do!
SS: Thank you Constance! By the way, your website looks amazing! It has really come along and I really appreciate you posting our show! Can't wait to see the feature!
Copy
Featured Artist
Shelly Starks
BB: Shelly, thank you for taking the time to talk with The Bay Buzz. First, congratulations on your soon to be released new single; and for the upcoming show with Eddie Money at The State Theatre on February 2nd. A lot of exciting things are happening for you. How does all this make you feel?
SS: I am just really excited about everything coming down the pipeline! I feel like all the hard work is starting to pay off. It's a pretty amazing feeling.
BB: You have toured and performed with some music superstars, including Andy Griggs, Jeff Bates, Larry Stewart, Grammy winner - Bryan White and John Michael Montgomery. What was that experience like?
SS: Each one was different! But working with these music superstars has taught me a lot about the music business. I try to look at every opportunity as a chance to learn how I can get to where they are. I have found this is the best attitude in life if you would ever consider changing places with someone you look up to.
BB: Your music is reaching many parts of this world. Do you feel the music industry is different in say - London, than it is here in the United States?
SS: They do have different formats for interacting with the artists, but overall it is similar. I CAN tell you that even though the UK's primary language is English, our language is vastly different in terms of the culture. You have to be very careful what you say....different words mean different things in the U.K. and vice versa. HAHA! Let's just say it's been fun getting to know the differences.
BB: You just returned from a pre-launch radio tour in the U.K.. What can you tell us about that?
SS: It was fast and furious! We were only there 6 days, but we had 6 radio interviews, shot an EPK video (which can be seen on my website!!!) and had a live show in London! It was fantastic! And the best part is that we started catching the attention of other radio stations. They were calling asking why they weren't on this mini-radio tour and if they could be added when we return. Very cool!
BB: Your U.K. radio tour to support the February 13th official global release of "To Be A Woman" is coming up. How is this tour going to be different than your pre-launch tour was?
SS: Well, for starters, there will be MANY more radio interviews! I am being told our goal is 35 radio shows in 10 days!! Oh my goodness, I was not sure what to say to this, but it's going to be a blast! We will also be revisiting some stations and so it will be nice to have already had an introduction and focus on what's next!
BB: Let's talk about the second song, "Battle Scars" that is releasing with your single, "To Be A Woman". When did you write it? What inspired the song?
SS: I co-wrote this song with Carmen Taylor and Chad Roland back in April of 2011, I believe. Writing can be a funny thing for me. Sometimes, I draw from personal experiences and sometimes I just do my best to relate to a specific situation. But for this one, I thought the lyric had the ability to touch every person on the planet! We all know single moms, we all know someone who has been affected by cancer; but all in all no matter what you go through, your "scars" from life are part of who you are....they are beautiful!
BB: Now let's talk about your big night onstage with Eddie Money. The show is called "Money Talks - The Stories Behind the Hits". How did this show come about, and what is your role?
SS: This is WAY cool! My promoter, Lynn Herron, is co-promoting this show with Eddie's promoter out of L.A. Initially they only wanted me to open the show and sing "Ronnie's part" in Take Me Home Tonight, but soon that evolved into me singing back up vocals for Eddie's entire set! Talk about excited!
Oh man! What an honor to say you've opened for a legend; but
From a church pew in Texas, to Florida, Nashville and London, Shelly Starks music takes the world by storm. With the release of her new EP and the opportunity to share the stage with a legend, Shelly took some time to share with The Bay Buzz her good news and her musical experiences.
