We had the good fortune of connecting with SHi XI and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SHi, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The only risky thing about risk is not taking them. I feel like the biggest risks I’ve ever taken have always lead me to higher places both in my career and life in general. I’m always challenging myself to do things I haven’t done and push past my comfort zone… That’s where ALL the rewards in life are!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart as an artist is my no boundaries approach to music. It sounds like nothing else because its fabricated. not me trying to be this or that or trying to fit into some algorithm of whatever people are into “now” and the songs are real. Real messages… real emotion that you can hear and feel…. the music is real and comes straight from my soul from the production to the songwriting. I have a blend of nostalgia with my folkier melodies and cadences but always come fresh on the production blending genres from folk, blues, house, hip hop, jazz, funk and really anything that speaks to me as I’m creating. I got to where I am today by simply not giving up and keeping faith in myself and god that I don’t have all these gifts for nothing. I wouldn’t say that its easy or hard. It was just what I felt in my soul that I HAD to do or I wouldn’t be happy. Music is like breathing for me without it I’d die lol simple… a bit morbid… but true. Ive always embraced both challenges and change and often when life feels boring I’ll create them just to keep me going. Ive learned not to listen to anybody unless it resonates on a spiritual level. Most of the people giving advice have no clue what they are doing in their own so CHECK YOUR RESOURCES before you decide to internalize what anybody is talking about. I want the world to know that Im making music for it. Yes, the entire world. If you can’t understand the words because we speak different languages you’ll still be able to feel the passion and love that I have for it and life in general. I want to remind people that its ok to FEEL it seems like everyone is heading into the numbing area of coping I say fuck that!!! Feel it… digest it… let it out and keep it pushing.

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?
Anytime friend/family come into town the first stop is the beach. Venice if it’s the homies or Malibu if its a lil chica or my Momma. Always head out into nature lots of hiking like Escondido falls or Runyon is always a cool one since its a dope hike in the middle of the city with really cool views and of course the Hollywood Sign lol. STK for dinner, EAT in north hollywood for breakfast, NOBU or Moonshadows Malibu for some bomb seafood. Good drinks everywhere we stop really there is no shortage of that I like Broken Shaker DTLA or Spire 73 on the roof of the Intercontinental has some crazy views cool food and definitely some good drinks and eye candy. If its on some business or networking Joeys DTLA bar is also a good spot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I mean where do I start lol. Some of my biggest support has come through people actually not believing or saying that what I want to accomplish in my life is too lofty. The pursuit of a career in arts and entertainment in general I would say is a pretty lonely road in my personal experience filled with build ups, let downs and everything in-between. However mentors like Bob Robinson (Producer from Tim & Bob) as well as artist/songwriter Kes Kross have been instrumental in shaping both my approach to music and work ethic. My mom and step dad though they were never in full support basically because they just don’t get it or find it feasible to have this life and make a living have never left my side and have always created a space for me to fall apart when I needed to which in this industry is more often then people think lol. Another game changer for me was a book by Napoleon Hill “Outwitting The Devil.” Everyone should read it. Ill just say that its a real eye opener as to how little of the decisions about who you are as a person and what you can accomplish is life is your own personal thoughts. Other than that definitely everyone needs a good core group of people around them to hold them accountable and let you know when you’re fucking up and on the flip side to give your flowers when you deserve them for the CRAZY amount of work that’s put in behind the scenes for literally no recognition or money for that matter.

Instagram: @shi_xi_official

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHiXIOfficial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SHiXI

Other: I also own and run a commercial recording studio and creative loft DTLA @thedojolosangeles @thedojola

Image Credits
Mike Valence James Dilg

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