D. SHAWN & SOUL

Neo-Soul Combo

Interview by Teresa B. Howell

Teresa B. Howell: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

D. Shawn & Soul: We are a Neo-Soul singer-songwriter/producer combo. We started working together as a group in 2015 when we met at North Carolina Central University and never looked back. We both have individually and collectively collaborated with numerous artists in the industry such as 9th Wonder, Rapsody, Ty Dolla Sign, J. Cole, Musiq Soulchild and more.

TBH: How long have you been in the music industry?

DS: Feels like my entire life lol but I had my first opportunity on TV and radio at 9, and I really branded myself as an artist later on so I’ll say about 10-15 years for sure.

TBH: What made you decide to be serious about music?

SOUL: Knowing I had a gift and wanting to use it to help people. Music makes me feel on top of the world sometimes so I love being able to have that affect on other people by doing what I love.

TBH: What was it like starting off your incredible career.

DS: Honestly it wasn’t easy at all; A lot more no’s then yes’s for sure. But I loved the way it made me feel and others feel as well so it was only right to keep going. Being able to be mentored by people in the industry such as 9th Wonder and so many others helped mold my way of thinking, and that’s when I realized that I can control my own destiny by how hard I work and how dedicated I remain to greatness.

TBH: What made you decide to pursue a career in music?

SOUL: I would say I made that decision at an early age. I was always interested in instruments starting with drums, which led to me playing piano and producing as well. Being able to collaborate with the people I have so early in my career more solidified that I made the right decision.

TBH: Who has the most influence on your music career and why?

DS: Definitely 9th Wonder. He’s the reason why I move the way I have as an artist for the longest. So much knowledge and insight from a brilliant soul. I’m just grateful to be able to study under him as long as I did. Also every vocal coach and mentor I’ve ever had, as well as influences I grew up listening to like Musiq Soulchild, Brandy, and Tank.

TBH: Talk about the biggest failure you’ve had. What did you learn from it?

SOUL: I don’t really characterize anything I’ve been through as failures; more like lessons learned. I strongly believe that it’s all in how you look at the situation you are in before you decide how to deal with it.

TBH: What advice can you give new artists who want to follow in your footsteps?

DS :Don’t stop. Do it alone if you have to. Move to another location, redevelop yourself if it helps. Even take a break if needed. But don’t ever stop!

TBH: In your opinion, what are the benefits of being an indie artist.

SOUL :The fact that I get to have complete control over my sound, who I want to be as an artist, and who I want to collaborate with. It’s a beautiful feeling.

TBH: What does a typical day in the studio look like?

DS: Really random sometimes. Sometimes We’ll have a specific beat and I’ll freestyle the whole song and not really write anything. Other times I’ll have an idea of what I want to write about so it’s more about matching the style musically with what I’m feeling lyrically. As a singer I draw inspiration from anything, so sometimes I’ll get on the phone watch tv or play the video game, sometimes I call some of my musician friends over to create with too.