Shannon, growing up in Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania, what music did your family listen to?
Growing up, we listened to a range of different genres and artists. When I was very young, we had a “Disney’s Hits” cassette tape that we would listen to on our way to the family cabin. The songs I remember the most are, “I Won’t Say I’m in Love” from Hercules and ‘If I Can’t Love Her” from the Broadway version of Beauty and the Beast (which is still one of my favorite songs today). I also remember my dad and I would listen to The Rolling Stones all the time, he’s the reason why they’re one of my favorite bands. We did listen to some country, but as we got older, we got into it more and more.
Are your siblings also musically inclined?
I’d have to say that both of my older sisters can carry a tune, they are in no means tone deaf, however they are both in the medical field. I was the oddball of the family who chose music.
Talent shows when you were younger, would you consider trying out now for a reality singing competition like The Voice? Which judge would you choose to mentor you (John Legend, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson) and why?
Fun fact, when I was 17 I did try out for The Voice but I didn’t make it far at all. I think that a lot of those talent shows, can be a bit bias and I feel like every year they are looking for specific “looks” and “personalities”. If I had to choose a judge, I’d probably choose Blake Shelton, because he sings country, which is what I consider myself and I think our personalities would match up well. We are both outgoing and love to joke around!
How has being a classically trained soprano helped you through the production of your songs?
