Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun B.
Shaun, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up in Louisiana, I was raised with strong, deep-rooted Southern values and a no-nonsense approach to life by my mother. My parents divorced when I was nine years old, and my mother raised my brother and me as a single parent. My mother was gainfully employed; however, we still weren’t given everything on a silver platter. I quickly understood the importance of preparation, hard work, and respect. There wasn’t a day in our lives that our mother didn’t tell us that she loved us, and no matter how old we got, we were always going to be her babies.
My first musical memory was at the age of five, when my Grandmother and I entertained the family by singing together. We attended church on Sundays, and with a tune always in my head and heart, I joined the church choir. Almost immediately, the choir director recognized my vocal abilities, and at the age of twelve, I was selected as a lead vocalist for our mass choir. When the choir director gave me songs to learn, I would immediately go home and study them. Our kitchen was my studio, and my mother was my vocal coach. We performed with various traveling gospel groups, at a multitude of concerts and festivals across Southern states.
After many successful years singing and touring with major and local artists, and making industry connections, I started a promotion company called Black Diamond Productions along with Xion Model Management Company. We represented and promoted both local and major recording artists on concert tours, radio shows, television interviews, and more. That experience all lead to Zenobia Records.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I read a quote once that said, “Struggle is a Prelude to Success.” This is an impossible business, and the struggles are endless. Too many to list here. Although, I would have to say the biggest obstacle is being taken seriously as a woman of color in a multibillion-dollar industry that is still a man’s world and commanding respect. But if you’re asking about struggles with business, or with artists… Then yes. You’re always going to deal with personalities, egos, and temperaments.
Zenobia Records is my empire, anchored by the music that my label will give to the world from our legendary artist that will live forever. We want to be the next Motown. I work with a diverse range of talented artists around the globe from all generations. We develop and grow talent. The intent is to last, not just make a flash in the pan. The problem we’re facing is that young artists come from the “right now generation.” Instant gratification, instant fame. They don’t understand that the entertainment world is not loyal to anyone. My record label is more than just a group of projects. It is something that drives me every day and needs to be fulfilled while on this Earth. My intent is that my Legacy of Music will live on.
Zenobia Records – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Zenobia Records is an independent record label that believes in creating a collaborative and innovative environment where our artist can reach their maximum potential. Our Vision is defined by one word, “Teamwork.” Our mission is to operate as one team with one vision to achieve one common goal. Our producers, engineers, and support staff all work cohesively as one collective unit, producing the best product we can to express creativity, originality, and emotions for all our artists in all genres.
My focus on artist development makes Zenobia Records the home of choice for future legendary artists, Taja Danielle, along with Dave and The Family Hustle and many more. With decades of music history, our passion for artistry continues today as a new generation of incredible artists continue to grow the Zenobia Records legacy. We remain focused on our role as a support network for artists, and we take pride in being their primary source for production, distribution, and performances. Zenobia Records and its workforce brings to life an environment where great music, great minds, and excellent energy meet and where the only thing that matters is “The Music.”
In creating this record label, I wanted to find a name that would ultimately be a reflection and Vision of the strength I see within myself, and I found those character traits in a third-century Warrior Queen of the Syrian Palmyrene Empire by the name of Septimia Zenobia.
But what sets us apart is that we are also more than just a business. So much more. My foundation, faith, and professional experience, as well as fundamental principles, are what make me the woman I am today. I maintain a unique and an ongoing commitment to give back to the people and communities where I live and work through events involving the Special Olympics, Children’s Hospital, as well as a host of Colleges and Universities. Zenobia Records is more than just a recording label. It’s a movement representing unity, compassion, forgiveness, encouragement, and humanity using music as our gift, but also as our calling card to be able to provide for others.
What are you most proud of as a company?
What I’m most proud of is our recently released compilation album called “Kaleidoscope,” defined as “Beauty” observed in many forms that change in patterns or scenes, which magnificently describes what Zenobia Records represents. I was able to partner with Digital Arts & Animation Designer Antonio R. Lyons (owner of Afterrealms Creations), who created the beautiful cover and back artwork of the album around his Vision of Queen Zenobia.
The artists and musicians appearing on the album are all different personalities at play and are very special to this project. It truly is a Kaleidoscope of musical testimonies, deep intimacy, courage, risk-taking innovation and true imagination all within the album! I am grateful for them offering to share my Vision and contributing not only their time but also parts of their lives to this project and still willing to travel on the same infinite journey into 2020 and beyond.
Our client Taja Danielle’s ~ 2020 upcoming releases, will represent Pop Music mixed with Jazz and Alternative R&B. Taja always says, “Music is my love! I hope to inspire and uplift people with my songs. It’s just amazing for me to have this creative talent and to be able to share it with the world. It makes life so much more meaningful, knowing that I can use what I was gifted with, to perhaps put a smile on someone’s face.”
Our client, Dave and The Family Hustle ~ 2020 upcoming releases represent Hip Hop mixed with Pop and Soul. Dave believes, “Music is food for your soul and can reach the deepest, darkest, and most special places in your heart.” Dave says, “The music I make is channeled from energies around me and I never know what the result is going to be. I hope each of you join me on my musical journey and enjoys the products of my soul.”
If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?
Nothing, because my past is what made me who I am today! Every step taken was with purpose and I have no regrets. I always knew music was my life, even when I was in college. Even when I was in the military. Even when my time was divided between trying to build a backup plan for life and make my mom proud, I followed a path that would lead me to music.
I put all my emotions into each interaction with people because I care and want to listen and embrace their story. I believe people gravitate to me because of my positive vibes and energy. They feel loved when they are in my presence. I’m proud of that. I know that it can make me an easy target for people to try and manipulate me, but I can’t be concern about them. I must be myself and be true to who I am. I can’t always please everyone and I do my best to avoid the negative. If I stay focused and anchored in God and keep my faith, I’m good to Go! I am Shaun B., and I believe in Zenobia Records. And I wouldn’t have done anything differently.
What is your definition of success?
Success, for me, is defined as loving the work I do so that it will never become a job! Once you figure out the key to achieving success in your life, then you will know the meaning of success. Take time to figure out what is important for you personally and focus on your desired visions and achieve your goals, and that is where you will find success and peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: zenobiarecordsgroup.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
(Shaun B.) Photos
*Oscar Dotson Photography
(Instagram: otyme)
Image Credit: (Taja Danielle)
J Booker Photography
Image Credit:
Kaleidoscope Album Cover and Back Artwork
Artwork Credit: Antonio R. Lyons (www.afterrealmcreations.com)
Image Location Credit: (Shaun B.) Photos
Summit Recording Studio
Pasadena, CA.
“Matthew Moore” (Owner)
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