We were lucky to catch up with Shaina Wexler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shaina, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Oo…that is an interesting question! You know, I feel that the things I am passionate about have served as a vehicle to lead me to my purpose. Though my purpose can manifest THROUGH my passions, my passions aren’t, in and of themselves, my purpose…if that makes sense haha 😊! I really only began to identify, what I consider to be
my purpose, as I began to see it emerging as a key part of everything I would endeavor into.
For example, I became a singer/songwriter because I desired to express my vulnerable, unveiled, honest self in the way that felt most natural to me- through song. But, when my listeners started to express resonance with the emotions and stories I shared in my songs, I began to realize that my music was creating a safe space for others to feel, identify, and express themselves in a deep way as well. That felt powerful and important.
When I became a vocal coach, my drive was to share my joy for singing with others. While that piece has always remained true, over time, I began to realize that the truly fulfilling aspect of teaching voice was in the honest connections I had forged with my students. To be able to hold space and meet them wherever they were mentally, physically and emotionally on any given day and be present for them- not just as an instructor, but as a human who cared… that was powerful- for them and for me!
Over and over, in the things I pursue, I find that the fundamental desire really becomes creating a safe, understanding space for human connection. Being and becoming someone who cares for and accepts people for who they are and makes them feel truly seen is incredibly important to me. I don’t always succeed in this, and I don’t always get it right. I am still growing, evolving, and learning. But, now that I have found and identified this purpose, I am able to be more intentional about how I show up as I pursue my passions!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an indie singer/songwriter, and also a vocal coach! For my music, I write, compose, arrange, produce and engineer my songs! Over time, I have developed a real appreciation and passion for each facet of the process which now allows me to have my personal “fingerprint” on the entirety of the project. That is very meaningful for me because my music really is an unfettered expression of my deepest self! I write inspiring, emotive, epic, and cinematic songs featuring soaring female vocals. I create tracks in both English and French, and often, a fun mix of both! I principally compose with moving piano, stirring strings, and moody percussion in order to facilitate a deeply emotive musical experience that connects with the listener in a vulnerably human manner.
My music is available on all streaming platforms, and physical CDs of my albums, as well as merch can be purchased on Bandcamp. I use my Instagram page to keep friends, supporters and listeners updated on the latest creations and developments with my music!
Singing is my deepest passion and most authentic personal expression, so I absolutely adore working with vocal students helping them to find, cultivate and nurture their authentic voice! I have been coaching clients around the globe for the past 16 years with a holistic body and mind coaching method that I developed. My method ensures the health and longevity of the voice, as well as improves the overall physical wellness of the body. In my sessions, I also address the mental/psychological/spiritual relationship with the voice- helping clients remove limiting beliefs and practices from their singing. I work with all voice types, genders, and levels from Broadway performers and recording artists to folks in their church choir, ages 9-96! In recent years, I have found it to be incredibly rewarding to work with folks with transitioning voices-helping them discover or rediscover a voice that feels like their most authentic expression of self.
How have you overcome creativity blocks/writer’s block?
Wow- this is the perfect question for the journey I am currently on! I am actually in the midst of producing a new song, titled “ Mauve”, which is a song I have been struggling to create in the wake of the unexpected loss of my good friend, Rob Riney. After losing him, I was struck by the way that grief and loss has the power to stop us cold in our tracks. All creative force and inspiration were just leeched right out of me. Yet, I was also hit with the knowing that creative force ITSELF would have the ability to help heal and guide me through my grief. Robbie was also a singer- he had such a beautiful and powerful voice, and whenever he was struggling in his life, it was singing, using his voice; his creative energy that would carry him through. I have been grappling with being in acceptance that my voice and projects have gone silent during this season, yet also sometimes am really straining to find and reclaim inspiration. In “Mauve”, I attempt to capture and express that dynamic.
I feel like a song is the best way to honor Rob, and simultaneously, it is a struggle trying to find a flow, sing these lyrics without crying, and feel musically inspired right now. I go into the studio, push for a few hours and then have to step away and let it go for a couple of days. It is slow going, but bit by bit, I am finding balance.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
For my music, my ideal listener would be anyone who has the willingness to open themselves to an emotive musical journey. A listener who can tune in beyond the music itself and into the feeling, lyrics and heart of the piece is so valued and appreciated!
For my vocal coaching, my ideal student would be someone who is curious and excited to explore! I just love students who desire to grow a trusting and playful dynamic as well- it is important to me that my students feel heard and supported as human beings, and know that they matter to me beyond simply being my “client”.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shainawexler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shainawexler/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/ShainaWexler
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/07hMNK5Nk9C7WKciYvPSDB?si=xJ-KNFPMSZKSo_7TseleEg
Bandcamp: https://shainawexler.bandcamp.com
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ShainaWexler
To schedule private vocal coaching ($100 per hour session): [email protected]
Shaina Wexler Music Merch: https://shainawexler.bandcamp.com/merch
Image Credits
Teresa Lee Photography
