Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Sheléa

Singer-songwriter Sheléa is a once-in-a-lifetime talent and the voice of her generation. She began her career working alongside legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and quickly gained admiration from musical giants including Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones. She’s featured on motion picture soundtracks such as Hotel Rwanda, Akeelah and the Bee, and Be Cool. In 2014, she released her debut album, Love Fell on Me, featuring the hit single, “I’ll Never Let You Go”, which charted on Billboard for 22+ weeks. Pop Culturalist recently caught up with Sheléa for an in-depth conversation.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Sheléa: My earliest memory of music is being two years old harmonizing with my mom, and so it started very early. I remember being very, very passionate about it. At four years old, I had a little wooden piano that I would play and write songs on—so very, very early.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Sheléa: I would have to say my faith has had the biggest effect on my career. If I were to say a person, I’m going to leave somebody out because it’s not just one person. I think of piano teachers I’ve had over the years and choir teachers and people at my church who really poured into my gift; there isn’t really just one person. But, I can say my faith has always been something that has led me through this journey and has helped me make the decisions that I have so far.

PC: You’re a vocalist, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and producer. Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards? Is one more challenging than the other?
Sheléa: I think all of them are such a huge part of me. As a singer, it’s obviously going to affect the way I produce and even the way I play an instrument. The way I play an instrument is going to affect how I write a song. So, I see them as all being very interconnected. There was a time when I would say that I was definitely a singer, but I think where I am, I am all of them all at once.

PC: If you had to choose one song out of all the ones you’ve released that best encompasses you as an artist, which would it be and why?
Sheléa: So, this is a tricky question because I have released so many different kinds of records. The song that I just released “Pretty World” is definitely more of a classic, American songbook feel. But, my first record, Love Fell on Me, was all songs that were written by me as an artist. It’s hard because I look at songs from Pretty World, the tribute album, and that does feel like a huge part of who I am, but if I look at myself as a songwriter, that comes directly from me. So, I would have to say, “Love the Way You Love Me” from Love Fell on Me. To me, it kind of shows my range, and I think it probably just shows me most vocally and melodically. I feel like if there were a song that could say what Sheléa can do, it would be “Love the Way You Love Me”.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career, when you look back is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Sheléa: I think performing at the White House will always be one of those moments that will be the most meaningful—for a lot of reasons. I was able to bring my dad with me to meet the first-ever African American president, and just to be invited to perform at the White House is probably the highest honor. That was definitely a standout moment in my career.

PC: What’s ahead for you in 2020?
Sheléa: I will be promoting the movie, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, so I’ll be looking forward to that coming out. I’ll also be continuing to tour my own show, which is called Natural Woman: An Evening with Sheléa.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Sheléa: Andrea Bocelli

PC: First album you bought?
Sheléa: Take 6

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Sheléa: Natalie Cole—Unforgettable! I just remember hearing that album and that’s how I knew I wanted to be an artist.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at??
Sheléa: The Super Bowl

PC: A must-have on the road?
Sheléa: Apple cider vinegar

To keep up with Sheléa, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.