Regina-based pop artist Shayla Souliere, releases her new single Touch and Go today via all streaming platforms. Produced, mixed, and co-written by Giordan Postorino (NIIVA, LOLO), Touch and Go is a catchy, feel good tune about focusing on momentum and looking forward, not back. Shayla’s music reflects the single-minded approach that she’s taken to her career as a singer, songwriter, and recording artist ever since the day she sold the car she bought herself during high school to bankroll her first recording session in Los Angeles.
Please take a moment and give us some background info about becoming an artist?
I have literally been singing since I could talk. Growing up I was actually a competitive gymnast and was in between music and gymnastics my whole life. One day after singing in my bedroom for way too long… I just decided I was going to pursue music professionally! I mention in my bio that I sold my first car I ever bought to fund the production/studio costs on my first single. I think at that moment, everyone in my life was thinking, ah, it’s just going to be a one time thing and that’s going to be it. Well, lets just say, I haven’t stopped since I started. Music is 1000% my passion and I love what I do. I feel so fortunate to be able to call music my job.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
I love that music connects people and brings us all together! I always say, the world would be a very quiet place if we had no music. Creating a story within the lyrics I write is one of my favourite things to do. The lyrics can be so personal to me but can also help someone else! And of course, I love being a vocalist and I love what I do! I am so lucky to call music a job and I think that’s what keeps me going.
Tell us a bit about your musical direction.
During quarantine I had the opportunity to write a TON! I really found my musical direction in this process. Think Lennon Stella or FLETCHER writing style with a mainstream pop production! I love to share a narrative story within my lyrics but also love to have fun with my music and let loose.
Tell us about the recording process behind Touch and Go
Well, recording Touch & Go was a unique process.. one I can’t say I’ve done before. It was a true pandemic recording. I was in my home studio in Regina, Sk, over Zoom with my producer Giordan Postorino (who was in Toronto) remote accessing my computer. Although this experience was fun and I learnt a new way to record, I can’t wait to get back to normal studio sessions!
Who helped out making this single?
I co-wrote this single with Giordan Postorino who also produced and mixed the single! On top of that, I had the help from my amazing A&R Fraser Hill to make sure this single was up to its best standards!
Are any Shows/Streams upcoming to showcase your talent?
I always try to do some live streams on my Instagram! As of right now, I don’t have anything that I can publicly share. But stay tuned on my socials for updates!
What is the biggest struggle for you as a musician at the moment?
I would say I am struggling with the “unknown” right now.. due to the pandemic. The pandemic hasn’t been easy on the music industry and I think we are all praying for some type of normalcy to come back. It’s hard to plan the next year or two when we are still in the middle of lockdowns. Although, lots of great things have happened with my career during the pandemic (in a different way than originally planned). I am ready to play live shows and get my career fully back on track!
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic?
I have been living on Zoom with my industry friends, writing and recording new music! It has been a different way to write and it needed to take some getting used to, but I am really fortunate that we have the ability to continue being creative during these hard times!
Describe your favourite and least favourite part about being a musician.
I love being able to share my love for music with my fans/followers, love writing/recording, playing shows, and… I love that I get to call this my job! I don’t know if I could pick a bad thing, because the good outweighs anything bad I have ever felt or experienced. You learn from everything and it makes you a stronger person ☺
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Creating more music! I hope to have so much music to share with my followers by the time this pandemic is over ☺
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in particular?
I have a HUGE list.. haha! I would love to work with Ryan Tedder on a writing/production level, Gryffin, Lost Kings, DVBBS, and The Chainsmokers on a dance/dj level, and Justin Bieber, Julia Michaels, Anne-Marie, and Bebe Rexha (I could keep going haha) … on a pop level!
When you kick back who are some of the artists you listen to?
I love most genres of music! So it really depends if I am hanging out on my own or with friends/family. Some of my top artists right now are, LAUV, Julia Michaels, Justin Bieber, Jonas Blue, LANY, Dan & Shay, Sam Hunt, Tate McRae, etc. I also love supporting my artist friends and listening to their music ☺
