Shahn Donovan Talks Career, Challenges, & New Music

From Maryland, upcoming artist Shahn Donovan has gaining traction quickly through his heartfelt music. With a few new releases plan for next year, we got the chance to talk with the rising star. Check out the interview below:

Tell us about your background, what have you gotten to where you are today?

My mom is Peruvian British and Japanese and my dad is black and Native American. I’ve been working over the last couple of years with voice teachers and vocal exercises as well as performing at as many open mics as possible to get my name out there and build an audience/fanbase.

Where are you from? 

I’m from Laurel/Burtonsville MD.

When did you start music?

I started music professionally in 2020 with my four singles but I’ve been singing my whole life.

How did you get into music?

I was always drawn to really gorgeous tones and

What is the most challenging thing you have overcome in your life?

I’d say one of the most challenging things, as there are many lol, would be contracting HIV, and working through the pain that comes with the stigma and continually reminding myself that my worth is still the same regardless of any illness I may have.

Are you currently signed or independent?

I am an Independent artist.

Who inspires you the most musically?

Jessie J, Marina diamandis (marina and the diamonds) Ella Fitzgerald, Billie holiday and Sam Smith.

What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?

I want people to see and hear my vulnerability and to see that it’s possible to overcome even some of the most traumatic things and that life really can get better.

Any new music coming out soon?

Hmmm, definitely early 2021.

What is your greatest achievement as a musician?

This year has been a bit crazy, I came out with four singles and performed my first live stream concert with sessions live.

Do you produce your own music? If not who do you work with?

I’ve worked with Dan Skye and Surf Crews.

Tell us about any new music you have coming out? When is coming out? What is it about?

I’m planning on releasing a song about being HIV positive and I want to write it from the perspective when I believed no one would ever love or accept me, and creating a second song showing that being honest and open helps with healing and that I honestly found so much more happiness in my life once I claimed that there’s nothing wrong with being HIV positive. That song will be out sometime early 2021.

What does a day inside your shoes look like?

Lol oh man. So, I’m either doing school work, something movement related, practicing guitar, voice, or piano, editing photos and shooting, modeling or some acting occasionally. But my favorite thing is spending time with my partner and my dog Rylee. I’m always busy lol.