Sheila Talks About Meeting Eddie Levert, The Black Community, And New EP ‘Black Butterfly’

An R&B artist you need to know!

Talented singer Sheila is quickly becoming one of our favorite artists. She recently released a new EP titled ‘Black Butterfly’. And we honestly can’t pick a favorite track from it!

We had the amazing honor of talking with Sheila about the music scene in The Carolinas, her favorite song from the EP, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music? 

S: “Watching some of my favorite artists on television and in movies as a child, there was such excitement and a feeling of joy after seeing them perform that I knew I wanted to be able to have the same positive impact on people.”

Tell us more about your amazing EP ‘Black Butterfly’. 

S: “My EP ‘Black Butterfly’ emerged from my own personal journey of inspiration and transformation. Through overcoming life’s challenges, I’ve grown into a more fulfilled and evolved individual. Each song conveys messages of empowerment, uplifting listeners by reminding them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The lead single, “Black Butterfly” (feat. Christopher Niles Madden), celebrates the resilience of the Black community while promoting individuality and self-love. Other tracks include “Brand New Day,” which emphasizes embracing the unique opportunities each day brings. The song “You Don’t Know Me” inspires listeners to discover inner strength despite setbacks. Additionally, “Moving On” encourages moving past the need for approval from others to having self-acceptance. Lastly, “Blessed” expresses gratitude for the blessings in life.”

If you had to choose, what is your favorite song off of the EP and why?

 S: “‘Black Butterfly,’ my title track because it encapsulates the essence of the self-talk I needed to adopt in
order to embrace my best self. It serves as a song of encouragement.”
 
What is your songwriting process usually like? 

S: “I journal and write down my thoughts all the time. For this project, I received a lot of music tracks from my music producer, Christopher Niles Madden. When I ‘feel’ a track, I lean into the emotions the music evokes in me. Then, I begin to hum and tap out a rhythm that complements the track. After that, I usually sing whatever words and concepts come naturally to me. Lastly, I start to write down the lyrics and refine them to correspond with the music.”

How important do you think Black representation is in the music industry?

S: “I think it is very important because Blackness is a cultural experience that is expressed in everything the Black community does, from our clothing and hairstyles to the way we relate and communicate
in general. There is an unspoken language in our community that may be challenging to understand for those who do not have the experience of being Black. In our community, HOW we relate to each other is almost more important than WHAT is being related to others.”

How would you personally describe the music scene in the Carolinas? 

S: “Many large concerts come to the area in our stadiums and arenas. However, I am unaware of the numerous opportunities or platforms available for independent artists to grow and develop professionally in the Carolinas, as opposed to other areas.”

What has been your favorite moment in your career so far? 

S: “My favorite moment in my career was when Eddie Levert, the lead singer of the legendary O’Jays, met me backstage after my performance as the opening act. He complimented me and as an artist and encouraged me to pursue a solo music career.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey? 

S: “My music is available on all streaming platforms, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and Tidal. My journey highlights are also captured on my social media platforms @sheila_the_artist on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. I am also on Jango Radio.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sheila_the_artist?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086750534477&mibextid=LQQJ4d
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sheilatheartist
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sheila_the_artist?_t=8eyIrR60uvy&_r=1
Twitter: @sheilaartist1

Make sure to stream ‘Black Butterfly’, available now on all music platforms!

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.