Essex-born singer-songwriter SHANNON DARCY wants to infuse the alternative rock and punk scene with fresh, genuine energy. She defines herself as a “‘nerdy wannabe rockstar,” and since she was a very young child, she has been active in music and singing.
The empowering and inclusive feeling that fans get from listening to SHANNON’s debut track “Snakes and Ladders” is a perfect example of her affinity for gritty rock sounds and intriguing lyrical dynamics that reveal real attitude and purpose. This song’s adaptable edge, which combines both contemporary and traditional alternative melodies, has the power to take listeners back to the rock era of the 1990s. Check out her latest track and the exclusive Interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
SHANNON DARCY: I grew up in Rochford, Essex, and have been singing ever since I can remember. When I was really young I recollect singing along to different CDs with my mum in the car; anything from MIKA’s ‘Grace Kelly’, to Adele, to musical theatre, or rock! It was always a real variety, which I think is why I love so many genres of music. I first sang and performed on stage when I was 10, taking part in a talent competition on holiday. Being on a proper big stage for the first time was absolutely terrifying, but I found that once I was up there, I didn’t want to leave. It was the adrenaline and the excitement of actually singing in front of a big crowd that I loved. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to pursue music.
2. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘SHANNON DARCY’?
SHANNON DARCY: From a young age, I have always loved the band Queen, with Freddie Mercury definitely being a huge idol of mine. Freddie’s vocals were insanely powerful and I just love how he could adapt his voice to so many different genres. Another first musical influence of mine was/is Christina Aguilera. Her songs helped me learn how to belt out big notes, as well as practicing how to riff- or at least try too! YUNGBLUD is another musical influence of mine and is probably the strongest influence I have. I really admire everything that he and his music stands for. From the actual tunes of his songs, to the important messages in his lyrics, I love his whole vibe! As for why my name is SHANNON DARCY- well, it’s my name! Although technically my actual name is Shannon D’Arcy, but I thought I’d take out the apostrophe because I can haha.
3. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as R&B?
SHANNON DARCY: Yes that is definitely the same for me, when I was young I desperately wanted to sound just like the artists in the songs I sang because I knew how amazing they sounded, especially musical theatre songs. I didn’t really know who I was as an individual let alone an artist lol! I was about 16 when I started to develop my own identity and feel more comfortable with in my own skin. Up until that point I was learning and experimenting with all sorts of styles, songs and sounds. I feel it’s definitely important to create your own sort of musical style that feels right for you and allows you to express as much creativity and personality as you want. For me, I really like the grittiness and raw emotion that can be shown within a song, and when creating ‘Snakes and Ladders’, I wanted to use that. I’ve always loved the rock genre, whether that be singing rock songs or listening to them. A lot of rock songs have very deep lyrics that allow you to really connect with the song and its emotion. This helped me emerge into my own stance within that genre and within my own song.
4. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
SHANNON DARCY: Music is all about expressing yourself and I think you can do that in any way, shape or form that feels right for the artist. If someone is passionate about a particular political view or social problem etc, then writing a song about it may be their way of getting their point across. ‘Snakes and Ladders’ was a way for me to express my bitterness and frustration with those who cheat and lie, or manipulate others. I was angry with feeling fed up about it, I suppose, and song writing is always an outlet because not only does it help me vent and express myself by creating an actual song and doing something I love, but I know that there are other people who feel the same as me and would be able to relate too. Of course, creating a song purely for entertainment is cool as well. It’s always nice to have songs that are enjoyable to listen to or relatable to listen to.
5. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
SHANNON DARCY:
Of course! I waited so long to be able to record and release my first song, and even creating it was simply an incredible experience for me! The response for ‘Snakes and Ladders’ has been absolutely amazing; I really am grateful for the love and support for my song. I’m honestly so excited now I’m back in the studio working on the next one… Something that perhaps you should keep an eye out for! ;)
6. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
SHANNON DARCY:
So when I’m writing a song, I first decide on what I’m writing about; what am I feeling? Is it going to be a happy song, or an emotional one? Is there going to be a certain message? What is the genre going to be? Once I’ve got the basic idea, I come up with the name of the song, or a bunch of names, and I write words and phrases associated with that name. I then put that all together, creating a tune in my head as I build the song. Since I can’t play any instruments- aside from a few chords on the piano, but I don’t think that really counts ha-ha- I record myself singing the tune to myself. Adding proper beats and sounds happens in the studio! Sometimes lyrics change or lyrics are added during recording, but the creative process is always so much fun because you have complete control over what you are doing and creating! I do like to collaborate with others during this process sometimes because I feel that by sharing thoughts and ideas and gaining another person’s perspective of a song can really improve or give another dimension to how it sounds and the vibe it gives across. Plus its fun and you can learn so much from others.
7. What would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
SHANNON DARCY: I would say that releasing my very first song was probably the highlight of my musical career so far. Just being able to go on Spotify or Apple Music etc and see my name on there as an artist is honestly wicked! I’d also say that meeting my number one idol/musical influence YUNGBLUD was so ridiculously cool and definitely a pinch-me moment! I met him at a book signing and was lucky enough to show him a short clip of me singing one of his songs. Hearing your idol compliment your voice? Crazy!
8. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
SHANNON DARCY: Social media definitely does encourage more trolls and haters, but I try my best not to listen to whatever they have to say because I know that there are people who support me and enjoy what I do. As for criticism, I appreciate constructive criticism and feedback. I know that my music isn’t for everyone, so as long as people don’t voice their opinion hatefully, then I’m all for them expressing what they want to say.
9. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
SHANNON DARCY: Ahhh that’s such a hard question..! I’m gonna have to go for a live audience. I love the thrill of being up on stage and being able to entertain a crowd and have them sing along and dance with me. It’s always amazing when a crowd joins in with the song!
10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
SHANNON DARCY: Again, really good question. When I write a song, I always have that basic foundation of what the song is about, personally, for me, because whether I’m recording it or singing it live, I can connect to the lyrics and really mean what I’m singing. But if someone else listens to my song and they want to interpret it a completely different way, then that’s absolutely fine too. That’s what is so incredible about music; the meaning is subjective to the listener. I wrote a song a few years back with an original meaning, but that ended up turning into two separate meanings that I can still both relate too!
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