Very Special Guest Interview - Sheya Lily

This incredibly talented young lady has a unique knack of capturing and mesmerising her audience with the purest and most heartfelt vocals. I am yet to come across a genre that Sheya is unable to make her own, all whilst maintaining the full range of emotions that her voice contains. It is not just her sensational vocals that is a lure for listeners - it all stems from her wonderful song writing ability. When you first listen to Sheya, pay particular attention to the lyrics. Not only does every original song tell a truly emotional story, but there will often be lines within them that indicate personal experiences, and these are what makes Sheya's songs special. And let's not forget that she accompanies all of this with the highest level of acoustic guitar playing. Sheya understands music and understands herself - the balance between vocals and guitar remains perfect throughout every set. Here, Sheya shares some of her experiences about her musical career, her hopes and ambitions for the future, as well as revealing her absolute number one fan in the entire world.

What was the story behind you entering the music industry?

I first discovered my love for the performing arts when I won a competition to be Satan’s Little Helper at The London Dungeons as their first child actor when I was 10 years old. I already enjoyed acting at this age, but this role also included a song I had to sing. I realised when rehearsing this song that I actually really loved singing and I wanted to pursue it further. I started having Musical Theatre singing lessons and learning acoustic guitar separately. It wasn’t until I met musicians Hannah White and Kieron Marshall (now owners of The Sound Lounge music venue and café) that I was encouraged to put these together, aged 13. I was offered my first ever gig singing and playing guitar and that’s where it all began!

Is there anyone who inspired you to begin a career in music?

I’ve always been inspired by the amazing Eva Cassidy. I delved into her music when I began busking at 14 and admired her voice and song writing style. I’m also inspired by my Grandpa, who began the love of music in my family. Although I never got to meet him, I have heard tape recordings of his incredible voice. I always hope that he’s looking down on me, proud that I have continued music in my family.

Who would you like to collaborate with and why?

I would love to collaborate with singer songwriters like Ed Sheeran, Gabrielle Aplin or Phoebe Bridgers. I love their styles of music and admire them not only as musicians but as talented songwriters, too. I would love the opportunity to write with them and learn more about the industry.

What is your favourite original song to play live?

My favourite original to play live has to be ‘Finding My Way’. This was a song I wrote in 2019 when I was studying music at The BRIT School. It was also my first collaboration, with singer songwriter Zac Carpenter. This song has definitely had the best response from people, and those who watch my livestreams or come along to my gigs always love it when I play it. It makes me really happy to see people singing along and enjoying the song!

What is the story behind the song?

Unlike my other released songs, ‘Finding My Way’ is actually fictional. I usually write about people or experiences, but this was the first time I explored fiction. Zac and I wanted the song to be open and easily interpreted. It means those listening can relate in whichever way they interpret the lyrics.

What is your favourite cover to play live? What makes it so enjoyable to perform?

There are so many covers I love performing! I particularly love playing ‘All The Pretty Girls’ by Kaleo, one of my favourite bands. The song fits in my vocal range nicely and I really enjoy playing it. It’s a great song for busking!

How important is it for you to have a fan base behind you? What is your message for them?

I am always so grateful for those who support me and my music. To every person that watches my livestreams, comes along to my gigs, or streams my music online - I am incredibly thankful for you! Having a great fan base behind you is so important. It motivates you to give them more material to listen to. Especially during times like these, being an unsigned musician can be quite difficult. People supporting you and enjoying your music is what keeps you going!

A lot of your songs are about people and love, and you tell stories through your song writing. How else would you describe your music style?

I think my music is a mixture of styles. It’s definitely singer-songwriter acoustic, with hints of pop, folk and country. I love country song writing and I always find myself intertwining it with my own.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about the music industry at the moment?

What I love about the music industry right now is that we have kept going! Despite the obstacles we faced last year and continue to face this year, in some ways music has definitely brought people together. Musicians live-streaming has given people the opportunity to discover new music across the globe. People are listening to music now more than ever! With the sheer determination of musicians worldwide, we have been giving people entertainment in such a confusing time.

Obviously everyone has been affected by coronavirus in the past year. How has your career progression been affected?

Covid has definitely affected my career as well as many other musicians. I had gigs lined up just as we went into the first lockdown in March last year. Although it has affected my live performance, I have found other ways to connect with people by live-streaming on my Facebook music page. The first lockdown definitely affected my motivation, but recently I have started to pick up again and I am currently working on a new EP!

How has the rise of Internet music affected the industry? Are you more of a physical CD or Spotify artist?

I think there are pros and cons to streaming. I love Spotify, as it is accessible to everyone and it means they can reach my music at a click of a button. This is where most people listen to my music. However, streaming services don’t pay musicians very well. I love having physical records or CDs of my favourite artists, because I know these are much more lucrative for the artist and also it’s just great to have a collection of physical music!

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be and why?

If I could change anything about the music industry, I would give more attention to the smaller, unsigned artists with small fan bases. I have seen famous musicians give smaller artists opportunities which I think is amazing! Taking a leap and listening to someone undiscovered who has put years of hard work into their craft always means so much to the artist.

What would be your alternative career if music did not work out for you?

Alongside my music, I have been acting from a young age. When I was 16, I landed the role of Young Queen Elizabeth I in a Channel 5 docu-drama about the Queen’s life. This experience definitely made me want to pursue acting seriously! My dream would be to land a role in a film that also includes music, combining both things I love - that would be incredible!

After the pandemic is over, what are your plans to move your career forwards?

When the pandemic is over, I hope to record and release a new EP of songs that I have been writing through the pandemic. I’d love to give those who support me some new music! I will jump at live performance opportunities and take all the acting castings I can get! 

I would like to say a massive thank you to Sheya for taking the time to participate in this interview with me. Not only has she got an abundance of talent to make any child inspired, but she is incredibly humble and understands that making the most of every opportunity is paramount for success in the music industry. If you are only hearing the name Sheya Lily for the first time, I highly recommend you check her out and become part of her rapidly expanding fan club. Sheya can be found on Facebook at her page 'Sheya Lily Music', where you will also find links to her YouTube channel as well as SoundCloud. Sheya has been doing regular live streams on Facebook during the various lockdowns and plans to continue those this year. It might only be for an hour at a time, but I promise you that you will regret it if you do not give her a go.