We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paige Shannon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paige below.
Paige, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by consuming as much art as I can and forcing myself to write at least a little bit everyday. Great art tends to inspire me to want to write. It could be anything, really – visual art, music, poetry/literature, or film (although for me it’s usually music and poetry/literature). Finding something I truly love that makes me feel less alone in the world ignites my passion and makes me want to create.
It’s always the most fun when a song is born from a burst of energy or inspiration, but I’ve found that those serendipitous moments don’t come unless you are already doing the work. Because of this, even if I’m not feeling particularly inspired, I make sure to write a little everyday without judging myself for what I write – even if I don’t love the end result, I feel satisfied knowing that I’m actively trying to hone my skills.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve been a singer/songwriter since I was 13 years old. It’s always hard for me to describe my music, but I would say it falls somewhere within the Alt/Folk/Americana space with some Pop/Country influence. Some of my biggest inspirations include Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell, Phoebe Bridgers, Jason Isbell, and Patty Griffin. My last EP, “Imaginary Friends,” came out in September of 2022, and I am currently working on writing and recording new music that I’m very excited about. I also will be playing more shows in the LA area soon – so stay tuned for dates!
My friend Kendra Celise and I also recently started a duo called Morgantown (named after the Joni Mitchell song “Morning Morgantown” of course!!) We are working on our debut EP and are super excited to see where this journey takes us. We have already been such major influences on each other’s writing, and working together just comes so naturally.
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?
I think that the three skills/qualities/etc. that have been most impactful for me are:
1. Not being too precious about my writing – when I started writing songs, I’d show them to my dad for feedback since he used to be a professional songwriter. I used to have to leave the room each time as he read over my lyrics because every critique felt like a personal attack or rejection. As I grew up, though, I developed thicker skin – and I’ve realized that if there is a better line out there, it doesn’t matter who came up with it! Take all the feedback you can get from people whose opinion you respect! Having the ability to throw out ideas without fear of judgment has led me to write some of my best songs. That’s the beauty of collaboration and openness.
2. Pursuing my passions – I’ve known I wanted to sing and write songs since I first discovered Taylor Swift’s music and found out that’s what she did. Its been a long and difficult journey. When I was little I dreamt of being the next big pop star, but as I’ve grown older and wiser, my goals have grown and changed with me. I now have a 9-5 job after graduating college, but it’s one that I love that works with my schedule, and my bosses and co-workers fully support my music-making and even come to my shows! I’m so happy I’ve continued to pursue my passions, even if my situations and goals have had to change.
3. Being a fan – I truly believe that the best artists are fans of other artists. It’s important to never lose your ability to be a fan and geek out about things that you genuinely love. One of my favorite things about going to shows is feeling the connective energy and passion about the music that brings people together. I’m endlessly inspired by new music, new books, and new films. I’ll never hide the fact that I am a total fangirl.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I think that the most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was being fully supportive of my music. I know a lot of people aren’t so lucky, because careers in the arts are rarely ever easy to come by, but my parents have been supportive of me since day 1. They bought me my first instruments and recording equipment, encouraged me to explore my love of more niche instruments such as the banjo and dulcimer, and have rarely ever missed a show of mine since I was 13 years old. If they hadn’t been so supportive, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paigeshannon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigeeshannon/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/paigeshannonmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/impaigeshannon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paigeshannonmusic
