SHAH XO, a Chicago native; is a Singer-songwriter, producer, composer, and musician.
Infusing her classically trained operatic vocals within her genre-bending symphony makes her diverse mix sound fun and intriguing.
Genre: Eclectic: a hybrid of Soul, Alternative Rock, Hip Hop, and Synth Pop.
Independently releasing her sophomore album in Sept. 2018, “SHAHclectic,” speaks volumes to who she is as an independent artist. Boldly showcasing her talents as a producer, composer, musician, and lyricist; this project was a creation of necessity for SHAH XO, as she poured her heart and soul into this body of work made in her own home studio.
A woman whose lyrics of strength and candor without apology are exactly what drives her beat. SHAH XO. Takes pride in living in full color.
Her petite frame stands tall in owning all of her difference in sound while fighting against what is automatically expected from her.
Independently releasing her freshman album entitled “Freedom, “on “The Bonnie Hunt Show,” showcased her operatic vocal talents and lyrically spoke from the struggles that SHAH XO, witnessed the world having. Musically, the release encompassed Alternative and Rock genres.
SHAH XO loves the large stages. Playing Bonnaroo Music Festivals two years consecutive was just one of the highlights of that album.
Since then SHAH XO, has enjoyed more time on the screen including two appearances on “The Arsenio Hall Show” as well as a recurring role on BET Spoof reality show “Real Husband’s of Hollywood.”
SHAH XO has had songs published in film and television and plans to take her heights even higher.
The digital age of music is upon us, and because of it, the industry is bombarded with an excessive amount of new releases. Every so often a comet interrupts our musical space and we find ourselves drawn to the glow it exudes. SHAH XO is without doubt that bearer of light, so prepare yourself for a new and refreshing musical journey unlike any you’ve experienced.
As a humanitarian, liberator, leader and vegan, SHAH XO thrives on making vocal art message-driven music for all to enjoy.
Shah XO celebrated her self-written and self-produced piece Shahclectic (2018) with a legendary album listening party in Hollywood before going on to release it everywhere (I know it was legendary because I was lucky enough to be there). The performance featured Shah XO’s brilliant voice behind an alternating band complete with guitar, violin, bass, keys, drums, percussion, and back-up vocals. The crowd was treated to a double set of spectacular sound, free merchandise, and complimentary vegan refreshments, making a night I’ll never forget (so I had to write home about it). However, Shahclectic (2018) will most certainly endure the winds of time much longer than my memory or fleeting consciousness, as it is truly an outstanding artistic work.
The album features nine tracks that flow like a story, easing the listener into the boat with “Enterclectic: You’re Better,” and beginning with a sparse rhythm that waters the listener’s budding anticipation. The soundscape becomes denser as the song progresses as if you’re wading deeper into waves of encouragement with Shah beckoning like a siren. She eventually drops the listener into an epic sound ocean filled with a chorus of “You’re better!” which you will feel and believe.
The second track “Thinking About You” features bright piano chords with the bass adding extra movement under the tone, making for a groovy dance-pop tune with gospel-inspired vocals and melody. It can sound like a break-up song initially, sassy with “Let me tell you something,” though it quickly becomes apparent that the track is more of a move-on, move-up song, especially when the triple croon of “Hey! Hey! Hey!” uplifts the emotion at each chorus.
As much as I want to talk about every track because I love the entire album, I must turn my attention onto my personal favorite: the seventh track. “Shine” starts with echoes of African percussion right before the bass literally slides in at the perfect volume (bass is usually not loud enough for me). It has one of the grooviest bass lines I’ve ever heard in such a catchy pop tune, though the song clearly has influences from all directions. The chorus adds the snare into the mix along with a profusion of strummed chords to create epic undertones and an absolute desire to dance. The bridge leads into an opera-infused breakdown in which Shah XO shows off her spellbinding vocal range and skill. The lyrics are uplifting, as is the whole album, with moments that induce vigorous inspiration paired to soft nostalgia. Though it’s not a Christmas album, there’s something undeniably Christmas about Shahclectic (2018) with the way it leaves one feeling full. Shah XO is a must listen during this holiday season so follow her socials, check out her new music, and watch out for those legendary performance parties.
