A Journey of Music and Life:
An Interview with Singer-Songwriter and Producer,
Aliah Sheffield
1. How did you come to discover your passion for music?
A. I discovered my passion for music by listening to some of my favorite artist and wanting to make music that sounded like theirs. I started writing songs in middle school and high school after being in the marching band and learning a few instruments.
2. What has the experience been like transitioning from performing to writing and producing?
A. It’s been a very interesting experience. I love performing but writing and producing has been freeing in a way that’s hard to explain. I’ve been able to express myself through writing more than I was able to with just performing.
3. How did the pandemic help you focus on pursuing your dreams?
A. I took quarantine really seriously so I didn’t go outside for a really long time. Not going outside made me really sit down and learn more about how to use music production software. It also made me start forcing myself to write something every day.
4. What was the process behind writing your debut EP?
A. Writing my Ep was really me just writing about life experiences. The process was just me living and finding away to explain what was happening in my life through music.
5. What was it like having your song "Earth Is Ghetto" go viral?
A. That was insane. I did not expect any of that. Didn’t even have great internet service when it happened. But it was so great seeing everyone take to it in different ways.
6. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
A. The most rewarding part so far has been connecting to people. I have so many people tell me how much they relate to the music I post online. It makes me really glad that I created something that makes people feel less alone.
7. Who are some of your musical influences?
A. My musical influences are Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Donny Hathaway, Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, Tracy Chapman, Marvin Gaye and lots of other people that I can’t think of right now but those people really made music that spoke about things going on in the culture. I really appreciate musicians who make music that talks about what’s going on in society.
8. What was the experience of signing with Def Jam Recordings like for you?
A. It’s been a dream come true. It’s giving me an extra hand with executing my musical ideas . They’ve been really supportive. I still can’t believe it’s happening, but I think it will be a great partnership.
9. What message do you want to share with your listeners?
A. I want my listeners to know that they aren’t alone. Other people are going through some of the same things they are . I want them to know it’s okay to let yourself feel lost. I also want them to keep going. No matter how hard it gets. No matter what’s happening keep pushing through.
10. What do you have planned for the future?
A. In the future I just have Music planned lots of music. I’m not sure where life is going to take me but I know more music will be heavily involved.
Aliah Sheffield
"Boo Boo The Fool"
Releasing Friday 4/21/2013
Stay Connected with Aliah Sheffield
Instagram: @aliahsheffield
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Twitter: @AliahSheffield
Facebook: @Aliahsheffieldmusic
Youtube: @aliahsheffield