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LA-Based Singer, Dancer and Producer SHYRA SANCHEZ Opens Up About Her Newest Music and More!
Posted On 09 Aug 2019
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photo credit: Raquel RichardRenowned Los Angeles singer, dancer, and producer Shyra Sanchez recently co-produced and wrote a new dance track! Shyra first impressed dance music fans with the hit single “DJ Love Song,” which peaked on Billboard’s Dance Chart at #28. The song caught the eye of award-winning film director John Singleton, and he placed the song in his action thriller film, Abduction.
More recently, Shyra collaborated with emerging artist TRAIG to release the new single “Universal Love” during Pride Month as an anthem for global unity and acceptance. They recorded this song in San Francisco with mega dance producer Leo Frappier (Mary J. Blige, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kym Sims). The song was later remixed by some of the top producers in the industry, including: Bimbo Jones, Klubjumpers, Edson Pride, GSP, James Anthony, Rob Moore & Mark Hagan, Dan DeLeon and Headrocka & Deluca. The single and several remixes was released as part of the Traig Feat. Shyra Sanchez Universal Love album in two volumes: Volume One came out on June 28th and Volume Two was released on July 26th.
In addition to working on her own career, Shyra loves to help others excel on the stage. In 2016, she started the STAR Academy as a way to give back to young artists and entertainment professionals to succeed in Fashion, Film, Television, Runway, Print, Theatrical, Pageantry, Cheer, Sports and other performance arts. She is also a fitness trainer, motivational speaker and the co-founder of ShyFit, a line of sportswear and lifestyle products for the new generation.
Connect With Shyra Sanchez Here:
Learn more about Shyra Sanchez in the following All Access interview:
Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you?
Recording my new upcoming single in the studio!
Now that we are more then half-way through the year, how has 2019 been treating you?
2019 has been a learning and challenging year. The knowledge I’ve gained has come from pain and progress in equal amounts. I’m excited about life, love, and music, but I’ve also experienced loss. I’ve been writing new songs with various producers and feel like I’m achieving uniqueness.
What are some goals that you have for yourself this year?
I’m releasing my first EP in September under my production company SuperShy Music. I’m also launching my new fall collection for my athleisure clothing line – Shyfit.
Growing up, how important was music in your life?
Music was all around me growing up, and was a constant companion. I can attribute my love for music to my family. Through their love, I gained an appreciation for art and substance. I’m forever grateful for their influence and for the influence of other musicians.
Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician?
When I was two or three, I watched my grandparents and mother sing and play music. This influenced me deeply. I realized that I also wanted to sing, dance, and create. However, I also want to give people the same feeling I had growing up. I want to share my music and creativity with the world.
Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else?
Yes, absolutely. Creating music is very difficult. I always saw myself doing music and felt that it was in me, but I’ve felt doubt. Overcoming critics, hesitation, and insecurity isn’t easy. But I’ve realized that music is in my blood. It’s my passion. It’s my calling. Belief in oneself is so important and that thought carries me through.
If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing?
I could see myself being a Motivational Speaker. I’m very passionate about helping others achieve their full potential.
Would you be as fulfilled in life?
Yes, I think I would be. Music and motivation are one in the same. At the end of the day, I just want to help people. The path I take to achieve that goal is irrelevant.
What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career?
That an “overnight success” takes 7 to 10 years! What I mean by that is, it takes a lot of hard work, perseverance, and creativity to succeed. You’ll end up hearing a lot more “no’s” than “yes’s”. But that’s ok as long as you’re staying true to your art.
Let’s talk about your newest track, “Universal Love.” What was the inspiration for this song?
This song is a reflection of life. We’ve all had numerous experiences with people trying to bring us down. However, we’ve also experienced grace and positivity. I just want to tip the scale towards goodness – I think we can always progress in that direction.
How did this collaboration come to be?
The idea for “Universal Love” came from my belief that people should be accepting, accepted, and treated with respect. Diversity makes life beautiful and we should celebrate our differences. We should allow people to live the life they want, as long as they’re not preventing others from doing the same. Many of these ideas have been around for a long time, but I feel that “Universal Love” can serve as a reminder to embody something greater.
Do you plan on making a music video for this song?
Yes we have created two music videos. The latest single is “Universal Love – Lee Dagger Dub Mix”.
How would you say that “Universal Love” compares to any of your past songs?
My music has always been positive, uplifting, and fun. This one is different because it’s my first time working with another artist. It brings a different dimension to the song and has a positive message that can resonate with everyone.
Can you describe what it was like making your Remix Album, Vol. 1 & 2?
Volume 1 is for the industry and radio peeps. Volume 2 is for the international fans.
Volume 1 focused on the original mix with Leo Frappier and Grammy winning Producer Bimbo Jones and Klubjumpers.
Volume 2 focuses on your fans who love underground international dance music like Headrocka who is from the UK and produced Lisa Stansfield (Been Around The World) and Edson Pride who is from Brazil and remixed Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Cher. Both volumes keep everyone turned up.
Recording the Remix Album was an amazing experience. We had very talented producers that strongly believed in the message. Every mix that was produced was heartfelt and authentic; and I feel very blessed to have worked with such talented musicians.
What was it like working with all the impressive producers on it?
It was humbling to work with these incredibly talented producers that believed in the vision
Where can people see you perform next? Do you plan to tour at all this summer or later this year?
Follow me @shyrasanchez and you will be the first to know about upcoming dates. Yes, I’m planning dates for this year and 2020. Follow me to know when!
What has been a favorite performance of yours so far?
Recently I did a surprise performance at my Jr. High School. Seeing the reaction from the students and staff was so fulfilling. It was truly an amazing experience.
How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music?
Well now, I always bring a contract to the studio and I ALWAYS keep my masters!
What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now? What has social media done for your career so far?
Social media is both good and bad. Honestly, I prefer interacting with fans and supporters in person. However, social media allows me to connect with millions of people instantaneously and I’ll always value this access.
Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?
Prince
Nile Rogers
David Byrne
Joan Jett
Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?
Easy question!
Rick Ruben
Dr. Dre
Pharrell
Mark Ronson
If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?
You’d have to ask John Singleton, Joe Carnahan and Steven Spielberg. They would be the ones making it!
What has been the coolest place/TV show/commercial that you have heard a song of yours?
John Singleton placed “DJ Love Song” in his film “Abduction”. It peaked on Billboard at #28. Hearing my song on the big screen was an unforgettable experience and solidified my desire to create.
Where would you love to hear a future song of yours played?
Let’s fast forward to 2054. One of my songs is playing in the kitchen while a mother makes her daughter dinner. The daughter is singing along and decides that she wants to write music. Nothing would be better than that.
At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?
I want people to feel alive when they listen to my music. They don’t have to feel a specific emotion; they just have to feel something real and comforting.
Would you like to share anything else with our readers about your music?
Thank you for listening. Your support and feedback keeps me going, and I hope my music encourages others to pursue whatever makes them happy and whole.
