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Flash Entertainment continues its regional artist spotlight program to support regional music talent…
Since dancing to music videos in the bedroom, Shébani has made great strides in her music career. The talented Iraqi R&B singer-songwriter successfully launched a YouTube channel and released a number of killer singles, not only on the top stage of the UAE, but also on the international stage.
But what really makes her stand out from the crowd is her motivation to create positive change…
How did you get in touch with music in the first place?
My childhood memories are full of singing and dancing to music videos and dance movies in my room. Before I realized this might be my profession, I was a performer. Fortunately, I grew up in a very creative family. My sister is my biggest inspiration. I often watch her perform in talent shows. When I was 18, I sang every day, but I never performed in front of anyone until I signed up for a college singing competition. Things improved after graduation-I launched my YouTube channel and started uploading covers. I participated in impromptu concerts, open microphone nights and some performances here and there.
In 2016, I took the risk to release my first work “The Change yourself EP. The rest is history…
How would you describe the music you make?
My music is fragile and honest. I am strongly driven and inspired by the way my thoughts and emotions work. I have tried a lot of sounds, but I am still trying to figure out who I am as an artist. I definitely don’t think this is an overnight achievement. We tend to learn more about ourselves in our personal and social lives. The same is true for music. I have been learning and growing, which inspires me. I wrote about my studies, feelings, happiness, pain, struggles I overcome, love, and all the things that make us vulnerable human beings.
Who is the artist who inspired you?
Any artist who finds the perfect balance between self-awareness, kindness, and determination can weather the storm. I am inspired by people and artists who have left an impact and created value in their work. I am also inspired by sound, sound and aesthetics. But for me, music is more than just its sound or appearance. I like to understand and truly understand the intention behind everything. NAO, Banks, Julia Michaels, Gallant, Aaliyah, James Blake and Jon Bellion are my favorite artists of all time.
What is your recent musical achievement?
I have done a lot of things that I am proud of. I have crossed out a lot of things from the list, but there is still a lot to do. I can give a simple answer and say that I might support Jorja Smith and Liam Payne in the DSF 25th Anniversary Show in 2019.
But I believe the most difficult thing I can do is to decide to suspend any music release and start making my first album. I was so used to releasing singles that I became numb to it. It has been more than a year since I released my last single, and I have been writing, composing and letting myself shape new voices. This excites me more than anything, and I am very proud of the progress of all this.
What is your creative process like? Has there been any change after the epidemic?
Yes, one percent. My creative process once made me feel anxious. I feel that I have to deal with everything quickly. The pandemic taught me to slow down. Good music cannot be rushed for success. The best fuel for music is to live your life away from it. How are you going to write a story? I find this is really helpful for my writing.
Technically speaking, my creative process always starts with an idea or an emotion that I feel right now. If it is lyrics, I will write it on my notes, if it is melody, I will record it on my voice memo. This single little idea then became a complete song. My process is definitely gradual, and I find that writing a diary is the best way to express my ideas.
Where have you performed?
I have performed in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Lebanon and Jordan. The most performance I have ever done is in Dubai. I am very grateful to Sole DXB, DSF 2019, Beat DXB and other programs. They shaped me immensely.
I like most of the venues under the bridge in London and the O2 Academy of Islington. When Ed Sheeran first debuted, he was one of the biggest inspirations for me to become a songwriter. I heard that he performed at a venue in London called The Bedford live from the beginning. So when I was studying music there, I called them and asked if I could perform. They said “yes”. I don’t know how that happened, but I stood modestly on that stage. It’s not big, but you can feel all the history and incredible moments it creates. That is irreplaceable.
What is your latest version? What is the story behind them?
I haven’t released any music for a while, but I’m currently working on my first album with Berlin artist and producer James Chatburn. He is incredible and I am very happy to be able to create with him. This is a project I really prepared. I am very happy to be able to share it with the world soon.
Which of these editions do you like best and why?
It is difficult to choose, because every release of mine is an important moment in my life. But if I choose, I will say that my favorite is unreleased. This is my biggest project to date, and it is a treatment for me.
What does your participation in the regional artist spotlight mean to you?
I like to see more women participating in the music industry. I like to see women write songs and enter the studio for projects. I like to see new producers, artists, songwriters, managers, DJs go out and take up space. But regardless of gender, this is a bigger picture: I believe that the more we speak as artists, the more we can inspire others to come forward and join the field. I don’t just want to clarify my music and accomplishments, and then I will call it a day. I want to have a positive impact on the world and make sure people know that there is nothing wrong with pursuing creative ways. If I just need to be loud and present, then this is the easiest way for me to create ripple effects and help others believe in myself and what they offer. One day, I want to enter someone’s list of “Top 5 Artists Who Inspire You”.
What is your top five post-party playlist?
1. Anything from NAO. all.
2. Alternative R&B
3. The best James Black
4. Byfaith (playlist curated by my sister)
5. All retro playlists (R&B in the 90s, R&B in the 00s)
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