Jul 3

Jul 3 Give A Hand To Shannon K. A New American Beat

Photographer: MarcelHair : René Cortez Make uo : Ashley JoybeckStylist : Desiree Morales — Photographer: Marcel
Hair : René Cortez Make uo : Ashley Joybeck
Stylist : Desiree Morales

US LIFESTYLE Magzine caught up with Indian-American singer/songwriter Shannon K. As the daughter of Bollywood music legend Kumar Sanu she has performed on big stages singing with her father. She is now making waves , in America, on her own stage. Shannon K tells us a bit about her fresh American beat. This is what she says in our exclusive Q/A.

How would you define your American Experience ?

America is a land of dreams where everyone is accepted. It’s a positive diverse place which not just embraces but also gives freedom to people no matter of the culture, orientation or choices. I love America and so far my experience has been quite positive. However I think that Im just starting to really be where I’ve wanted to be career wise and mentally so maybe I’ll be able to answer this question better a year from now.

What is your main contribution to America?

Since I was born in India and raised in London, I want to not only infuse my Indian heritage into my music somehow but also infuse what I learnt growing up into the music I create now. I think one of the greatest things about having lived in more than 2 countries is that I can have a non-biased standpoint on how and who I want to make my music for. I think an artist’s environment has a lot to do with that. That’s probably my contribution to people here, a change maybe.

“Coming to America opened a new portal for my music because there’s so much to try here. You’ve got people who celebrate themselves through pop music and you’ve got people who celebrate love through Alt music.”

How has someone elses culture enhance the way you approach your work?

As I mentioned earlier, growing up in London definitely changed the way I approach music especially when I think about comparing it to how my music would be if I had grown up in India. Coming to America opened a new portal for my music because there’s so much to try here. You’ve got people who celebrate themselves through pop music and you’ve got people who celebrate love through Alt music. Because of the diversity here, it’s easy to use a Latin tone in your songs which I plan to do with respect to the Latin Americans here.

How important is it to you to experiencing others culture ?

The most important thing to me is embracing my own culture. I respect all cultures but there’s certain things that I don’t agree with. Instead of picking and choosing good and bad things from each culture, I make my own culture a priority for me. There’s also many normal things that are considered wrong in some cultures like hairstyles, clothes, etc which I’d rather not argue with anyone about which is why although I respect other cultures, I’m going to stick to embracing mine as I feel it’s the safest to do so politically and emotionally.

“… my mother has always taught me that beauty lies within simplicity, that grace is the best jewelry a woman could wear.”

What shapes your personal style?

I think what shapes my personal style is being trendy and fashionable but also keeping my self respect at the same time. I don’t believe in exposing myself too much, and it’s absolutely fine if anyone else feels they want to do this as for them its not the way I see it. I think it’s because my mother has always taught me that beauty lies within simplicity, that grace is the best jewelry a woman could wear.

How would you describe the current US lifestyle?

There’s definitely freedom in everything here including speech etc and it’s also very plant based. I’ve noticed that living here makes you confident which is great.

When have you used your platform to impact social issues?

I’ve always used my platform to speak out on social issues such as animal equality, bullying, and world hunger. Recently, I was made to be the ambassador of World Food Program USA which helps the woman, children, and men who are dying of starvation or are malnourished. I supported UNICEF Sudan against the rule of child labor and child soldiers.

What food connects you to both your heritage and your nationality ?

I love Cottage Cheese Tikka (Paneer Tikka) and Lentil soup which are popular both in India and in America.

How has your age help or hider your professional growth ?

My age has definitely hindered with my professional growth because a lot of time my words are overlooked by producers or other people in the music field as they think that I’m just a kid and I wouldn’t know any better. It’s a complicated thing to be a young artist.

Who has the biggest influence on you? Who do you admire today and why?

I’m super inspired by Beyoncé. I’ve always been and she’s my goal as an artist. I think of her as a goddess when she’s on stage. She can do what no one else can and it’s truly inspiring. I think she inspires not only women but also men to some levels. She’s a true music icon.

What have you been up to “Lately” and whats next for you?

I have been collaborating with a few people on some new records including a really good friend of mine, Kyle Townsend. I’ve also been working on a few acting projects such as singing a song for a really great and talented director Fernando Ferro’s movie “The Big Feed” with Manolo Vergara and even had a cameo in the movie. On the non professional side, I’ve watched Avengers: Endgame around 60 times now and will till it’s out of the theaters, and recently I went to a Hollywood Vampire’s concert which was absolutely amazing and nearly passed out when I met Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, and Joe Perry.