Today we’d like to introduce you to Siaira Shawn Harris.
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Siaira. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Born and raised in eclectic San Francisco, Siaira Shawn caught the performance bug early after receiving her first standing ovation on the theatrical stage. She has made her musical mark all over the Bay Area, New York, and now she is elevating her career to new heights in LA. She has released 3 EPs and a handful of singles over the years, including fan favorite, “You,” produced by the legendary Knxwledge and has shared stages with many artists including Ro James, Xavier Omar, and Kehlani. She has new music out on all streaming platforms and a forthcoming project, “Tender” due out this Summer.
She is also a facilitator, advocate and Program Director at the Southern California branch of youth empowerment and civics organization Mikva Challenge.
Has it been a smooth road?
Loving and starting music was smooth, and I’ve been blessed to find very supportive collaborators. But, being an independent artist, especially a queer one was and is very hard. I have felt misunderstood and marginalized, and like the music world wasn’t ready for me.
I definitely feel in some ways this is the best time to be different and be independent, but the market is so oversaturated it is hard to get noticed by fans and get the support and resources needed to really be successful.
I don’t even have management at the moment, just a dedicated executive producer and my fiancé, who serves as my creative director.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work– tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a singer/songwriter. I’ve also done some voiceover work which I want to do a lot more of. I am also a Program Director at the Southern California branch of Mikva Challenge, a youth empowerment civics organization.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
I like the weather, though climate change seems to be getting to it. I like that it is not just about “the industry,” but more and more also about the art. I love that it is diverse and has great food and shopping. I also love the proximity to nature.
It can be very isolating and hard to get from point A to point B. I also think there are some missed opportunities to serve its youth population in meaningful ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: SiairaShawn.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/SiairaShawn
- Twitter: Twitter.com/SiairaShawn
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7wkquqt8snY30TIZKCHIdX?si=NigRUkndS0Sl7wZ_8O98rQ
Image Credit:
Alexis Casson
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
