Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Shab

Persian pop artist Shab has been through a lot in her life, which includes surviving the Iran-Iraq War and several near-death experiences. But through it all, she’s maintained her faith and found solace in music. She’s made it her life’s mission to spread positivity and love through her craft, which is exactly why she has us under her spell. Pop Culturalist caught up with Shab to chat about her career, motherhood, and her latest single, “Spell on Me.”

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Shab: I grew up in a big family. I’m the youngest of thirteen. We grew up during the Iran-Iraq War. We had a war zone outside of our house. To protect our energy, we kept each other in a bubble. We would listen to music. We would have little dance sessions in the house. That’s how we kept each other positive.

I learned so much from all of them. My older brothers would sing, and I always admired them. I think at times, I had a shy streak in me. I always knew I wanted to sing, but I was a bit shy, even though I was adored and worshipped because I was the baby. I think that’s when it all really started. That stayed with me through adulthood. Whenever I wanted to escape, I would turn to music.

You know, I was talking to my team and we were going to pull the single and not release it. But I told them, “You know what? More than anything, people need a good distraction. We need to dance. We need to be happy.” There’s a lot of bad stuff happening, and all we can do is pray. We need to keep our energy positive and sacred. We have to protect it. Music gives soul to the Universe and wings, so we have to keep going.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Shab: There’s a singer named Googoosh, who is a Persian singer. I always liked her music. She’s a lot older now. She’s in her sixties or mid-sixties. But coming to America, I started listening to a lot of R&B and hip-hop. I started listening to J.Lo when I was seventeen. Listening to her first album, I was like, “Oh my God. This is amazing.” I adored her. I loved her energy. I loved how down to earth she was and how she helped people. I’m all about helping one another. I always think when you help someone, you’re helping yourself. All that goes to your spiritual bank.

PC: What’s one thing that you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Shab: I wish that I would have believed in the power of me and how powerful I am. The words “I am” are so powerful. Also, having mantras, staying positive, and patient. These are things that I have now that I didn’t before. Of course, my connection with God is so much stronger now. I talk to him. I listen to him.

PC: You have a new single out now. Tell us about “Spell on Me” and the inspiration behind the song.
Shab: “Spell on Me” is about a girl who has power over any guy she wants. She can make him do whatever. She does this with love, obviously. But there’s one particular guy that’s from another world—not from our world—and her spell isn’t working on him. But then he gets her attention. Love makes us so powerful and powerless at the same time.

PC: This is the first single that you’ve released in the US. What was the process like deciding what would be your international debut?
Shab: That’s a good question. We had eight solid songs that are beautiful. They each tell a story. When we picked “Spell on Me,” I was talking to my manager, and we decided why not have something that’s close to my ethnicity? Something with a Mediterranean beat with a New World/Old World vibe. Why don’t we mix that together? That is Shab.

The rest of the songs, they don’t sound like that. They’re more EDM with a little bit of R&B dance. They’re mostly dance, but none of them sound like “Spell on Me.” “Spell on Me” is the only song that actually has that vibe to it. We decided why not? Why don’t we do something a little different, outside the box? I always like challenges. I don’t like to follow. I create my own road, and I go that way.

PC: You’re a mother of two. How has motherhood changed your approach to music?
Shab: That’s a good question. My children have given me patience. They’ve kept me grounded. The way that I see it is I brought two beautiful beings in this world, and there are so many beautiful children in the world. They’re our future. The way that I approach music is I want to put out something that moves my soul and someone else’s soul.

When you hear the album—once it comes out—there’s a song specially called “Where Do I Go?” It’s a hidden message to Jesus. I have a really special connection with him. I’ve had several near-death experiences. I was almost dying in the hospital, and they had his cross on the door. He kept me going because I almost died.

I was like, “I’m ready to go, God. You can take me. I’m yours.” But then I said, “No wait.” I looked at Jesus and he was like, “You’re not ready to go. It’s not your time.” All my strength came back, and I felt this energy holding my hand. It’s amazing. I was like, “No, I’m not giving up on my life. I’m not going to die today.” My children inspire me every day. They keep me grounded. They bring so much joy to my life. I’m very blessed.

PC: What can fans expect from your upcoming album?
Shab: I worked with my producer, Damon Sharpe, on the album. He’s worked with Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande. Whenever I hear songs or rhythms that I might like, I always have my phone nearby. I put them in the notes. I keep a bunch of notes that I turn into a song.

Every day, I get inspired by everyday events and things. At the end of the day, we’re all going through something. Everybody has a story. We just have to be a little kinder to one another. You might see someone that’s grumpy. They may not open the door for you, but you know what? Be the better person and smile at them and open the door for them. I’ve done that so many times and people look at me dumbfounded. [laugh] Then they smile back. Everybody is stressed out. Everybody has a problem. We all go through things and stages in our lives. We have to be stronger than our problems and be led by our dreams.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Shab: I love Depeche Mode.

PC: First album you bought?
Shab: Jennifer Lopez

PC: First concert you attended?
Shab: My family was very strict with me growing up, so I wasn’t allowed to do a lot of fun things or go to a lot of places. My best friend and sister took me to my first J.Lo concert on Mother’s Day. This is an artist that I’ve loved all these years, and I’ve never seen her live. My other friend, she took me to a Beyoncé concert. I got to see two of my favorites at the same time.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Shab: Sade. I love how sensual she is and how she speaks from the soul.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Shab: I would love to do Coachella. I also would love to do the Super Bowl. That’s my five-year goal.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Shab: I like to eat healthy, so I have a lot of fresh ginger, lemons, honey, and lots of fruits—things that nourish your body and soul. Things that are good for you. I don’t do junk food. Every now and then I might have a burger, but I have to crave it. I don’t just eat it because.

To keep up with Shab, follow her on Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Spell on Me” today.

Photo Credit: Matt Doheny