Check Out Shakale Davis’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakale Davis

Hi Shakale, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Chicago, surrounded by music. Both my parents are singers and songwriters. I also have 4 other siblings who can all sing, though I was the only one who really took it seriously for the most part. We were brought up in church so music was kind of inevitable. It was always in me. I started writing songs at a really young age too, maybe 5? It was pretty much all gospel stuff, and I would always try to put little groups together to sing my songs. I eventually went from Gospel choirs and background vocals to singing in school choirs. From school choirs to a cappella groups and jazz vocal groups, trying to learn my sound. I eventually landed on R&B. I think my writing started to mature a bit more as I was experiencing more life, of course. Still as much as I would write I had a strong passion for group singing, so I always found myself singing background vocals or arranging them for my peers or anyone I could. Which turned into writing for a lot of my peers and anyone I could as well. Once I started putting out my own music though, in 2018, I started performing on my own a lot more and really cultivating what I wanted my artistry to look like and sound like. I think I’ve come a long way and I still have a long way to go, but I’m proud of where I am now. I used to have to find pockets of time to be creative, between being a student and/or working full time. Now I get to make music every single day, writing, arranging vocals, and singing as well.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road haha, but nothing worth having comes easy. It took a long time for me to fall in love with my own voice and trust the things that I wanted to say in my music. There’s been times where I would get so depressed with things in my life that I wanted to give up on music and do a complete 180. Which also came from comparing myself to people, empty promises, and my own insecurities. But I had to learn that comparison is the thief of joy. No one can beat me at being me, so there’s no need to compete. God trusted me with this gift so I’m determined to use it as much as I can, for as long as I can. Also shoutout to my parents and my family who believed in me so much, they wouldn’t let me stop no matter what.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I hate the expression, “I do music” but really for me it’s all encompassing haha. I am a vocalist, songwriter, vocal arranger, producer, and more. One day there won’t be a single facet of music that I don’t have my hand in. As of now, my specialties are the vocals. Not just my own though, but in general. I love harmonies, I love vocal embellishments and expression. And I love singing with people. I think people mostly know me for my background vocal arrangements. I love to be inventive and imaginative with vocal arrangements and harmonies. And though some probably say I have a signature sound, I like to think of myself as versatile and adaptable when working with other artists. I think that’s what sets me apart from others. I also love writing songs, I think that’s another specialty of mine, I’ve noticed people respect and appreciate my writing style and flow a lot more these days as well.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’m an LA transplant so I’m still falling in love with the city and learning more about it. But I have to say my favorite part is that there is never a dull moment. There is always something to do, somewhere to go, somebody to meet, so music to hear or make. It’s really inspiring to be in an environment where no matter what you do, the grind don’t stop! Now, towards the bottom of my list of things I like, can someone please bring these rent prices down?! You gotta make a billion dollars a year just to live in a four wall space! Sheesh

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshakale/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheShakale
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theshakale

Image Credits
Blake Bonaparte, FDF Studios, Mical Clark, SoulSessionsChicago, Mical Clark