We were lucky to catch up with Scheherazade Stone recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Scheherazade, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
In a world full of challenges and uncertainties, I’ve found a few ways to stay optimistic. A blend of perspective, gratitude, knowing that there is a force bigger than myself at work, as well as a few simple daily habits.
First, I believe in the power of perspective. Instead of seeing problems as roadblocks, I view them as opportunities to learn and grow. This shift in mindset helps me stay resilient and positive, no matter what life throws my way.
Gratitude is another key ingredient in my optimism recipe. Every day, I take a moment to appreciate the little things, like a sunny day, a good cup of coffee, or a kind word from a friend. This practice keeps me focused on the positive aspects of my life.
Surrounding myself with positive people is crucial too. I know that the company I keep can greatly influence my mood and outlook. I make an effort to build relationships with supportive, uplifting individuals who encourage and inspire me.
Engaging in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment is also important. Whether it’s painting, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones, I find meaning and happiness in my daily life.
Mindfulness and self-care are essential to my routine. Taking time to meditate, practice yoga, or simply breathe deeply helps me stay grounded and reduces stress, making it easier to maintain a positive outlook.
I also love learning and see every experience as a chance to grow. This mindset helps me stay adaptable and optimistic, knowing that each challenge is an opportunity to become stronger.
I focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. This proactive approach empowers me to take control and stay positive, even in tough situations.
Physical health is a priority too. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of sleep ensure I have the energy and vitality to stay upbeat.
This is a big one. Limiting exposure to negative news and social media helps me avoid getting bogged down by negativity. Instead, I seek out uplifting and inspiring content.
Lastly, I celebrate small wins. Recognizing and rewarding myself for even the tiniest accomplishments keeps me motivated and positive.
By embracing these habits, I’ve found that staying optimistic in today’s world is all about perspective, gratitude, a few simple daily practices, and knowing I’m a part of “something” much bigger.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a musician/singer songwriter and my journey into music began early, inspired by my classically trained mother. I started formal vocal training at age 11 and later honed my skills at The High School for the Performing Arts and San Francisco State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance.
My musical style is diverse, covering genres like jazz, soul, rock, hip-hop, folk, blues, pop, and world music. I’ve had the privilege of performing at renowned festivals such as the Monterey Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and the SF Jazz Festival, and I’ve toured extensively across Europe, Africa, Japan, and Russia.
Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with amazing artists like Simon Phillips, Tony MacAlpine, Taj Mahal, and members of The Grateful Dead among many others. My voice was featured on the Grammy-nominated album “Signs of Life” with the Hieroglyphics Ensemble, and I’ve been honored with multiple Bammy award nominations for my work in the Bay Area music scene
As a musician/singer songwriter, I’m all about blending soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics in my music. What really gets me excited is how my songs connect with people on a deep level. It’s truly amazing to see how music can touch hearts and bring folks together, whether it’s lifting spirits or just creating a moment of peace and unity, music is about creating an immersive sonic experience that is deeply felt in the body, mind and spirit. It’s literally a vibe…..ration….
Right now, I’ve got some cool projects in the pipeline. I’m gearing up for a series of intimate concerts where I can share my music up close and personal. And I’m also very excited about my upcoming EP which is filled with songs that reflect my personal journey and growth over the past several years.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey as a musician, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
Resilience: The music industry can be challenging, with its highs and lows. Developing resilience has been crucial in navigating setbacks, rejections, and the inevitable obstacles that come with pursuing a creative career. Resilience allows you to bounce back stronger, keep pushing forward, and stay committed to your craft.
Advice: To cultivate resilience, embrace failures as learning opportunities. Stay adaptable and open to feedback. Build a support network of fellow musicians and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement during tough times.
Creativity and Authenticity: Music is a deeply personal expression. Developing my creative voice and staying true to myself have been instrumental in shaping my identity as an artist. Authenticity resonates with audiences and creates a genuine connection through music.
Advice: Spend time exploring different musical styles, techniques, and genres to find what resonates most with you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push boundaries. Trust your instincts and let your unique voice shine through in your music.
Networking and Collaboration: Building relationships within the music community and collaborating with others have expanded my opportunities and enriched my music. Networking opens doors to new gigs, collaborations, and creative insights, while collaboration brings fresh perspectives and synergies.
Advice: Attend music events, open mics, and workshops to connect with fellow musicians and industry professionals. Be proactive in reaching out and nurturing relationships. Approach collaborations with an open mind and a willingness to learn from others’ strengths.
Cultivating resilience, nurturing creativity and authenticity, and fostering a network of relationships have been pivotal in my music journey. For those starting out, my advice is to embrace these qualities and skills. Stay persistent, stay true to yourself, and actively engage with the music community. Every step you take, every song you write or perform, contributes to your growth as an artist. Keep pursuing your passion with dedication and enthusiasm—you’re on a journey uniquely yours, and every experience shapes your path forward.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, I’m totally up for collaborating with fellow musicians, artists, and creators who share a love for music and creativity. Here’s who I’m looking to team up with:
Musicians: Whether you’re a vocalist, instrumentalist or producer with a fresh vibe, let’s jam together! I’m all about exploring new sounds and creating music that moves people.
Songwriters: If you’ve got a knack for lyrics and melodies that tell stories, let’s write some tunes! I’m keen to dive into themes that resonate with our audience and bring emotions to life through music.
Visual Artists: Are you into creating visuals that mesh perfectly with music? Whether it’s album covers, music videos, or live performance art, let’s collaborate to make our music visually pop.
Event Organizers: Got a cool music event or festival coming up? I’m down to chat about how we can bring some soulful vibes to your stage.
Creative Directors: If you’ve got bold ideas for blending music with other art forms or cultural experiences, count me in! Let’s brainstorm and create something unforgettable.
How to Connect: If you’re itching to collaborate or just want to bounce around ideas, hit me up on social media or drop me an email. Let’s make music magic happen together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scheherazadesings.com
- Instagram: scheherazadestone
- Facebook: https:// facebook.com/scheherazade.stone
- Youtube: Scheherazadestone334
- Other: Noteworthy Music Videos to check out:
“Do It Again” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj_QfLVk0EE
“Beyond the Stars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m22ihnGmBGM&t=22s
“Solo Flight” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU26xelgUrM
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
