After what has been an already incredibly prolific run of releases these last few months, US singer-songwriter Shannon Tehya continues her dynamic streak once again with the tender new single 'Stay'.
Bringing back more of that warm and lofty aesthetic she has been growing for herself, 'Stay' makes for a wonderfully rich and dreamlike listen. With her heartfelt vocal performance soaring across a vibrant acoustic-led production throughout, she is continuing her ascent as one of the more captivating names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano was my first love. My mom got me into piano lessons when I was in elementary school, but I eventually transitioned to guitar because I was never great with structured lessons, I preferred to figure things out by myself.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
When I was younger, my mom had a variety of cassette tapes, and I remember really loving the Indigo Girls and The Chicks. My parents shaped my music taste a lot, and I’m really grateful for it, because they have great taste.
What was the first album you remember owning?
This is an awesome question, and I remember the first CD I was ever given like it was yesterday. At my 6th or 7th birthday party, my friend gave me “Fearless” by Taylor Swift. It sparked a crazy Taylor Swift obsession that I can honestly say has not diminished over time.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There’s a lot more than one! I know I’m probably supposed to answer this with a famous song everyone knows, but the truth is my friend Ivy wrote this song called “Actress” and I think it’s one of the best songs I’ve ever heard. I wake up with it stuck in my head almost every morning and I get a lot of song envy when I think about how powerful the lyrics are. I need her to release it on spotify so I can blast it on all my playlists.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Yeah, usually something weird happens and makes me spiral, and the only way I can get out of the depression I end up in is to write my way out. I think of it like a therapy session, and I light a candle or incense to make the vibes more calming.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment I’m pretty obsessed with Lizzy McAlpine, Big Thief, and Leith Ross.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Taylor Swift, because her shows cause seismic activity. Any person who opens for Taylor, collaborates with, or performs with Taylor is guaranteed to have a successful music career.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is when I’m out with the band playing a show, and people start to dance. That’s incredibly magical to me, just seeing people get lost in the music.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part of being a musician is the sheer volume of men who feel the need to critique my physical appearance during or after a performance. “That was great but you would be prettier if you’d smile more.” I’m not actually trying to be pretty, I’m trying to remember how many “where do we go now`s” there are in Sweet Child of Mine.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best advice I’ve ever received is that as humans, we are suffering a lot. Arguably most of the time. Mental health is a constant struggle. Someone once told me you can either suffer and take actions that move your career forward, or suffer and do nothing to move your career forward. Pain is a constant, how you alchemize it is the variable.
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Shannon Tehya's new single 'Stay' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.