Phresh Unsigned Artist India Shawn

This month’s Phresh artist comes alllllll the way from Atlanta. I got word about this artist about a year ago from my friend Assante he would always tell me and everyone check out this artist named India Shawn she's this she’s that (talking in a good manner LOL) and like before I even thought about starting this blog she popped in my head, automatically I thought, she had to have been signed to a major label already. I contacted my friend Assante asking him if she had been signed the answer was no. I was surprised because she’s very talented and down to earth artist, an image that of a star. India Shawn writes her own material my favorite song by her is “My Journal”, that song really really makes me smile because her voice is beautiful. The songstress is not camera shy as many of you probably all know from her youtube page where she sings acapella or does cover songs and some talking check her out; http://www.youtube.com/indiashawn if you haven’t already you will be pleased. India to me is (pauses looks for words) she’s a star no doubt but her presences to music is needed and I can’t understand why she’s not signed I will say that about every artist that hits my page because I’m so in tuned with music that I can spot instant talent and when ii first heard India ii wanted to thank Assante for putting me on to India’s music. I caught up with India for an interview about this Atlanta Southern Bird.

BOPA: India Shawn thank you sooooo much for doing the interview with me ii appreciate it so much. Its safe for me to say that ii am a huge fan of yours. I love your music I love your video’s. My question is why aren’t you signed?

India Shawn: Getting signed isn't as easy as the outsiders/consumers think. There's a whooole lot that goes into creating a product. That's what labels are looking for these days, a finished product that's already been developed.. with radio spins, millions of youtube hits and thousands of twitter followers lol. They're not looking to invest anymore. If you don't have any of those things they'll settle for a nursery rhyme -like "radio hit" lol. I've been offered deals and negotiated deals.. None of them were worth signing. The idea of a record deal isn't as appealing as it once was. I'd prefer freedom. Plus it's 2009.. The age of the world wide web.. Labels aren't necessary anymore

BOPA: how did you get started with music?

India Shawn: Like many others, I started singing in church. Music has been in my family for generations. I didn't really start to pursue music until 2004, after I moved to Atlanta. I was singing in the parking lot of a Best Buy and met the person who is now representing me.

BOPA: who influenced you?

India Shawn: Haha.. That question took me back to the days when I had Lauryn Hill, Destiny's Child, and Brandy magazine cut outs taped on my walls. They were all some of my biggest influences as far as vocals are concerned, but I'm just influenced by good music. The list is too long. --- it's too wide, it won't fit. LoL

BOPA: were you born and raised in Atlanta?

India Shawn: Nope. I was actually born and raised in Southern California. Moved to Atlanta in 2003

BOPA: I want you to know that I’m responsible for 600 of the plays of your song “My Journal” on your Myspace lol. I kid you not I know the words backwards and forward.

India Shawn: LoL! Thanks. I love that song.. It's old to me, but nevertheless a classic India record. My boy Timothy Bloom who is also an incredible singer/songwriter wrote and produced it. Google him. :)

BOPA: What do you want to get across in your music?

India Shawn: I want to represent everything that's GOOD. I'm not perfect, but I'm constantly trying to be better, and at the end of the day I wanna be able to say that I taught, inspired, and saved lives.. Or that I just simply made someones day better.

BOPA: what separates you from female singers out now?

India Shawn: All of the components that make me who I am. I feel like there are combinations of factors that make people who they are and make them successful/ or unsuccessful. I'm a real singer, songwriter, i wanna talk about real stuff, and I'm hot! :-P LoL haven't seen that in awhile, have you? :D

BOPA: Not at all and some of the female artist out now I'm pretty upset with but thats a whole nother conversation. But if you had the chance to sign to a label of your choice who would it be? And why?

India Shawn: I'm not record label crazy. Record deals aren't the end all be all. But if I had to choose one I'd say Columbia Records.. Only cuz of the roster which includes: Beyonce, Adele, and my future husband (john mayer).

BOPA: where would you not be willing to relocate for a year or two if it would help your career?

India Shawn: I wouldn't mind moving back to LA or even NY. I'm an open person though.. If it meant progess, I'd move anywhere.

BOPA: What do you want to achieve with your music within 5 years?

India Shawn: In 5 yrs I'd like to have a grammy or 2.. Or 3 or 4. :)

BOPA: at some point you were considering not doing music anymore. Why?

India Shawn: The music business can be very frustrating. It's more about the business and less about the music these days. There's a constant conflict of trying to maintain authenticity and just selling out.. Selling out seems so easy sometimes, but the payoff isn't long lasting.. Not worth it. It hurts to see people who don't work hard.. Or just suck.. In the position I wanna be in. That's what got me to that point.

BOPA: me as a fan of yours ii was not feeling the idea of you not doing music, because I know your talented and I found comfort in your music. Where do you stand now?

India Shawn: I know music is for me. I know I don't really have a choice in the matter anyways. God gave me a voice, and He's gonna make sure I use it. There's no running away from it. I also have other passions and hobbies.. Music isn't the only thing, but it's definitely here to stay.

BOPA: Well I'm relieved lol. okay let’s say ur in the process of doing your first album and you can have 5 artist on your album who would they be?

India Shawn: Kanye West, Lily Allen, John Mayer, Kenna, Lauryn Hill

BOPA: Nice selection. Well India ii personally wanna thank you for doing this interview with me. If you ever need anything someone to shout your name out across the world I'm willing to do so. Is there anything you wanna tell your fans, as far as shows any events that you may be attending, music something lol?

India Shawn: Awwww... Thank you my dear! :D I'm working on a 5 song ep right now that'll be available for the FREESKI at my shows :) ! Hit me on facebook www.myspace.com/indiasb or www.mybravenewblog.blogspot.com to stay updated.

BOPA: Well again India thank you, It means alot to me and your fans. You will keep in touch right?

India Shawn: Anytime, and of course! Muchos gracias mi amor. Take care.