We had the good fortune of connecting with Bianca Shaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Bianca, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The biggest factor to my success so far has boiled down to one word: Respect. Aside from the respect I show to anyone I encounter, I respect myself first and foremost with every business decision I make by trusting my gut and following my intuition. I’ve explored many aspects of myself, my creativity and my art, now I am at a place where I know what that’s worth.
People will try and sway you towards a vision that isn’t your own. The vision we have for ourselves is God-given. If we allow them to get misconstrued by others’ fears being projected onto us, we lose sight of our purpose. I’ve shown myself respect as an entrepreneur by staying firm on my decisions which for me means knowing when to say “no.”
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Wow, this is a loaded question lol. For starters, I like to call myself the complete package as an artist. I write, sing, rap, play percussion, and have an amazing ear for quality sound. What sets me apart is my versatile sound. I can literally do anything; mix genres, collaborate with any artist and still hold my own. I think it’s because I’ve only seen the biggest and best artists as my competition. I got where I am today by consistently working, trusting God and trusting the process.
Since I can remember I have been singing and involved in music. My mother was a choir director at church so we were always in rehearsals. Everything I have ever wanted to do, has been divine intervention. For example, I was 12 when I started to play drums, I said “I’m gonna play real drums instead of pots and pans.” The previous drummer at my church left his set behind and told me I can have the drums as long as I practiced. I liked the way he played so I took that to heart. The first time I played for the church, I sounded terrible. I learned then that it was harder than it looked. I could see the disgruntled looks on their faces and I never wanted to experience that feeling again. So, instead of quitting, I practiced every chance I got. I would ask to practice when they were cleaning, choir rehearsals, Saturday service, anything. The rest is history. I have tunnel vision and overcome challenges by remembering the why. I ask questions, I connect with my inner thoughts, I remember my humble beginnings and visualize where I want to go in the future. My journey allows me to appreciate where I am now.
As a black woman in this industry, it means that there are times I’ve had to fight for every opportunity I’ve earned. I’ve learned to have courage to speak up at the table, chase progress over perfection, and to not let up once I gain momentum.
Since embarking on my journey as an artist, I’ve released 3 projects, a slew of singles and videos, and have worked with some pretty amazing artists. I’m proud to say that I’ve also toured across the country and touched some of the most coveted stages, including the United Center and Lollapalooza in my hometown. With so much I still have to accomplish, I take pride in what I have done so far.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a big kid lol I love to have fun and I love to eat. I’m amazing at finding things to do but also spontaneous in picking a place. My true best friends know not to EVER leave any planning up to me. Lmao this question is void for my personality so if readers have any suggestions for best places to eat in LA, hit me on Instagram! One thing you’re gonna do when you’re with Shawcy though is laugh and have a good time lol. All in all, I’m very open to experiences and food, nothing is off the table.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Big Shoutout to The Jungle AE Studios, Asymbli, Major Studio Chi, Lizm, and StudioCats. Can’t forget the students I work with at Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District. Shout out to Haven Studios and the Guitars over Guns organization. The people and students I have worked with help me to become the best version of myself.
The organizations I mentioned are special because they have been a light to not only myself, but others in darkness. They are genuine, focused, supportive, and most importantly they are visionaries. In their own way, they impact the future leaders of our world in a positive way. Our legacies will continue knowing we have created a domino effect, to help shape the minds that will become our future leaders.
Website: http://www.biancashaw.com/epk.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancashawmusic/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-shaw-146a2a109/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/biancashawmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiancaShawMusic/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC27tFP-2Uvgt8BOvddV-SHg