Kat Harlton
Regina-based, pop artist Shayla Souliere has been singing, literally, since she started talking. Although Souliere threw herself wholeheartedly into performing early on, music took second place to competitive gymnastics for a time. After realizing her heart was truly set on songwriting and recording, however, there was no stopping her.
We had the opportunity to chat with Shayla about her latest single “Touch & Go“, career highlights and what she’s learned along the way.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your latest single “Touch & Go”?
Shayla: I originally went into the writing session wanting to write a break up type song. After bouncing a few ideas around with my co-writer Giordan Postorino, we landed on the topic of “Touch & Go” and instantly fell in love with that idea. Little did I know, it described what was currently going on in my life, so well! I feel we all have experience a loveless type relationship at some point in our lives… that is what this song is all about, and accepting it as it is what it is ☺
Kat: What do you hope fans take from the track?
Shayla: I hope that my fans can learn that it’s okay to embrace the moment and go with the flow. Even if it isn’t going the way you want it to! I’ve learnt in the past that trying to control a situation doesn’t always work out in your favour. So I am trying to live more in the moment, and I encourage my listeners to do the same!
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
Shayla: Specifically for Touch & Go, the fact that everything was done remotely. I think it’s pretty dang cool that we can write and record a full record from scratch over zoom (while being in two different cities). But nothing beats being in the studio with your collaborators! In general, I am for sure more of a lyric and melody kind of girl, vs. creating the track etc! I love being able to create a story behind my lyrics.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Shayla: I’ve had a few moments that will stick with me forever. The fact that I am getting to create music as a job is so unreal to me! My last single “Know Better” was top 50 across Canada of the producers picks in the CBC Searchlight contest, and I have had a couple singles get some pretty great attention on the app Musical.ly (which is now called TikTok). I am so grateful for all these moments, and looking forward to creating more. It wouldn’t be possible without my amazing supporters.
If I have learnt one thing, stay true to who you are. You will have people that pop up in your life, that will try and change the path you’re on or try and change who you are as an artist. It’s not worth it. People want to see the real authentic version of YOU.
Kat: What’s next?
Shayla: Ooooooo! I have been writing so much during quarantine. My plans are to continue writing and jump into production mode! I am really trying to release as much music as I can in the next year!
For more on Shayla visit: http://www.shaylasouliere.com