Singer and songwriter, Shiadanni, was born and raised in Guadalajara, and while her music is filled with Mexican pop-rock, her current destination, Montreal, has her exemplifying R&B and hip-hop. Her latest singles “Kitty Mama,” and “Turn On My Brain,” are exceptional examples of her latest and very successful achievements. She previously sang her music in Spanish, and these singles are in English, however, Shiadanni never shies away from her roots, as these songs contain Latin undertones.
The video clips for “Kitty Mama,” and “Turn On My Brain” have been viewed nearly half-a-million times on YouTube, and Shiadanni developed the creativity behind the themes in each video. Both videos are like watching a movie, the first one, “Kitty Mama” leads up to what may or may not have happened in the sequel with “Turn On My Brain,” as a continuation of the story. You’re probably intrigued, but you’ll have to watch both videos to find out more.
Shiadanni spoke with us about what led her to Montreal, her vision behind “Kitty Mama,” and “Turn On My Brain,” what music was like for her growing up, what’s next, and her fun music favorites.
You’re currently based in Montreal. What drew you to live and pursue music there?
Shiadanni: I initially was lured to Montreal because of the language, I wanted to learn French since I was little, I had visited 2 or 3 times for short period of times, and I always wanted to come back. I was just in love with the city, the night life, the soup of different cultures;
it’s a very artistic place, I would always feel inspired here, even if half the year is always an infinite dark winter, I would always feel alive here.
Your latest singles “Kitty Mama” and “Turn On My Brain” are sung in English with Latin undertones, unlike your previous releases sung in Spanish. Why did you decide to sing these two singles in English?
Shiadanni: Actually, I initially started writing in English, I switched to Spanish for a while because people in the music industry in Mexico wouldn’t get why I was doing English albums there, but I’ve always wrote in both languages after all, it depends on the song or what I wanna say really. Personally, I love writing in English and then adding those paint splashes in Spanish, it’s my favorite thing.
The videos for “Kitty Mama” and “Turn On My Brain” came from your creative mastermind. What was the idea behind these videos, and what was the filming process like between you and the director?
Shiadanni: They started just as ideas, sometimes some details change, it’s like a snowball that gets rolling, the thing that never changed is the essence. I like to work with people who understand what I wanna do, then everyone can make the ideas grow, contribute with new things and what’s most important, make everything a reality.
What was your introduction to music growing up, and when did you know you wanted to pursue music as a livelihood?
Shiadanni: I grew up listening to Britney spears, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé, honestly I’m a real 90’s music fan, I would still play a lot of the same hits if I’m having a party. I love old good POP, as well as amazing rock bands like Nirvana or Radiohead, System of a Down, good old Punk like blink-182, of course all the soul divas like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, I just love everything that’s good music. My cousin gave me a Walkman when I was like 8 and since then I knew I wanted to be a singer, and I just never stopped working towards it.
What’s coming up with you and your music for the rest of the year?
Shiadanni: Right now, I’m working on finishing my album which hopefully is gonna come out this year, as well as A LOT of visuals, for me the videos are always connected to the music, they’re very important for me so I wanna make the video clips that the songs deserve. It’s definitely a lot of work and I’m really excited for every single track.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?
Shiadanni: First concert was Britney Spears in Mexico City, It started to rain and she canceled the show after the second song. I was 8 and my parents drove me all the way there from our city to see her, we were all wet not knowing what to do…it was kind of heartbreaking, now it’s hilarious! Later, it was Avril Lavigne for sure. My favorites so far were Radiohead, Rihanna, and Hans Zimmer at the bell center in Montreal, all 3 were unbelievable.
What was your first album on CD and/or vinyl?
Shiadanni: First CD was T.A.TU I was addicted to them. Also Shakira – Donde están los ladrones?, Alejandro Sanz – No es lo mismo
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Shiadanni: Maybe Christina Aguilera- Stripped, a more actual album that I would always go back to is Kendrick Lamar- good kid, m.A.A.d city. Lemonade – Beyoncé, ANTI – Rihanna, and I’m gonna say Jeff Buckley- Grace to add some romance to all that power.
How have you been keeping up with your creativity during the pandemic?
Shiadanni: I love being at home. For me, it wasn’t a big impact as far as my work because I record at home, what is hard is to remember you also have to eat! I love cooking but I forget I have to eat because I’m so focused recording and time can pass very fast.
What have you currently been listening to, watching and/or reading?
Shiadanni: I started watching Dark as everyone else, I always loved the idea of time and space in films! and I’m really enjoying it. Last series I really loved was Game of Thrones. People were asking me if I was inspired by it when I did the video for “Turn On My Brain” but I didn’t know it then! So, I wanted to see what they meant.
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