International Pop Star SHAB On Growing Up in Iran and Healing the World Through Music

On today’s episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of speaking with international pop star, SHAB. A product of three continents, she first gained attention in the Western Hemisphere during late 2020 as a "breakout star of the global pandemic," with three of her consecutive singles reaching #2 on the U.K. Commercial Pop Charts. This included her debut single, “Spell On Me,” which SHAB co-wrote with the award-winning production duo, Damon Sharpe and Eric Sanicola. 

SHAB recently finished a tour with Anastacia and her latest single, “Sexual” just reached #2 on the U.K. Commercial Pop Chart.

We did this interview while SHAB was still on tour with Anastacia and had a really thought-provoking and inspiring conversation that covers SHAB growing up in Iran and how it shaped her relationship with creativity. We also talk about the healing power of creativity and how SHAB feels called to advocate for those who don’t have a voice.

For more on SHAB, visit: shabofficial.com and you can check out her stunning video for “Sexual” here.

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00—Introduction

1:43—Being born in Iran

2:00—The video for “Sexual” and honoring our feminine energy

3:19—Advocating for those who don’t have a voice

4:25—Being accepted as a refugee and immigrant

5:00—It’s never too late to start anything

6:06—First discovering love for music

10:30—How growing up in Iran shaped her relationship with creativity

12:15—The love story that never ends

14:30—SHAB’s musical inspirations

17:00—SHAB’s definition of creativity 

20:30—If you find the child within in, you’ll never grow old

21:13—Working with producer Damon Sharpe

23:15—The beginnings of “Spell on Me”

26:30—Growing up really fast

28:56—SHAB’s songwriting process 

33:00—SHAB on opening for Anastacia 

35:12—The key to manifestation 

36:00—Why SHAB stopped singing for many years

39:36—Working with Eli Socan on music videos

41:00—Shab’s vision for future concerts

43:00—SHAB’s life in Dallas

47:14—What’s next?

BONUS:

49:41—Advice for artists going through a trying time

Transcript

Jennifer Logue: 0:11

Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of creative space, a Podcast where we explore, learn and grow and creativity together. I'm your host Jennifer Logue and today we have the pleasure of speaking with international pop star SHAB, a product of three continents. She first gained attention in the western hemisphere during late 2020 as a breakout star of the global pandemic, with three consecutive number two hits on the British commercial pop charts. She is currently on tour with Anastasia and just released her latest single sexual. Welcome to Creative Space job. Ah, it's an absolute honor to have you here.

SHAB: 0:52

Jennifer. So nice. So nice to be here. Thank you so much for having me.

Jennifer Logue: 0:58

It is an absolute honor. And where the world Oh, and where the world are you calling from today?

SHAB: 1:05

I am actually in. So we are in Antwerp. So we traveled to Bruges. So we are in Bruges right now. And we're going to head to UK on a ferry. And we're going to start our UK leg of the tour. And we're so so excited. I can hardly wait.

Jennifer Logue: 1:24

Oh, my gosh, this is so exciting. And you your story is absolutely incredible. And there's so much. There's so much to talk about. And we may have to do a part two. I mean, there's just so much to talk about. And you're so you were born in Iran. That was born around families Germany at eight, and then you moved to the United States as a refugee at 14. There's so much.

SHAB: 1:52

Yes, I was one of the lucky ones that was able to escape and get out and start a new life. I mean, what I'm doing right now, it's just, it's it's such like a dream come true. And honestly, if I did the video sexual, I would have probably been killed in Iran. I would I mean, it's the truth. Because you can you can do stuff like that there.

Jennifer Logue: 2:12

You know, when I was watching the video, because you just released that a few days ago.

SHAB: 2:16

Yes, we did. It's almost the riskiest thing that I've done, but I wanted to kind of empower women and their feminine feminine energy, because sometimes, you know, we all have their feminine and masculine energy as humans and I feel like the because because it's like, it's not the sex appeal, or we're trying to sell sex, but it's gonna like, hey, you know what, I recognize my feminine energy within me, and I honor it, and I honor others, and I want to be able to tell you that you're worthy, and you're beautiful. And that, and it's not about this the physical, but it's just being comfortable in your own skin, you know, to meet us for like, it was really important. So I thought about a video, I was like, you know, I want to do something that's going to be still classy, but sexy, and just to kind of like, tell a woman her worth and her beauty. So that's why we did that video.

Jennifer Logue: 3:03

It is a stunning video. And you're, you're an amazing singer. And the way with your music, it's, you know, a lot of it does tap into that theme of sexuality and everything, but it comes from a very empowered place.

SHAB: 3:20

Correct. Always empowered, always.

Jennifer Logue: 3:23

And do you think that's that a big part of that is how you your background, and coming from a place where you can really, because I think sometimes in the West, we take for granted our freedom.

SHAB: 3:38

You know, it's not that you guys do, it's just what all you know, and it's not your fault. But when you're open your eyes to other cultures and know what they have been through through history and time. And it makes one recognize that and it makes you feel kind of, you know, feel sorry for those women that don't have their voices and rights. And let's just look, I'm not just going to advocate for the women in Iran. And I'm going to advocate for women all around the world, or even men or children that are not going to have their voice heard, like what I want to do is I want to be that poster child for like, look, I made it, I did it. I know and I can believe that other people can get out of it. And I might be loved Germany accepted me as a refugee and my beloved America accepted me as a refugee or an American immigrant. So I'm for the rest of my life, I go to those countries and I'm just so grateful. Because at the end of the day, we all want to want to be as good citizen of the world we want to contribute. We want to you know, we want to be a good example. We want to do something good for society, you know, we are not just going to come as refugees and just we want to add value, you know, and and, you know, I was talking about like changing lives and value and for me was through music and I was just blessed enough to that I was able to kind of Kindle that In music and just bring those back because I've always loved music and I just was like, never too late to start really anything. Right. So to me that was that was it because music was always an escape for me into the unknown is, is transcending as transformation, just transformational, you know, and it has helped me through so many different traumas and life changes, going from a childhood to Germany, not speaking the language to Turkey and living there for a year and I'm going to Germany and then, you know, being in Germany for three years and then being in you know, an America, America, I've been the most it's been 27 years. So I do consider America, my country. And I consider it wrong, my my motherland, at the end of my mother's country, but my country is America, because that's the most I have been shaped of my life to 27 years of my life. I have been there and you know, so I've been very, very blessed and lucky to, to have been grown up there. And to have shaped

Jennifer Logue: 6:02

so missed all of this, when did you first discover your love for music?

SHAB: 6:07

Well, honestly, like, when I was like, probably, like, super young, we were like, five, six. And I remember, we would play music in our house, even though it was forbidden in Iran. Because after the revolution, they changed everything, you know, suddenly, you have, you know, you can show your hair and you can do this and I was like, okay, so but through music, we would just play music, we would like clean the house, because inside the house, we could do whatever we would love to Western movies. And, you know, if you're cooking or playing music or for, for cleaning, we're playing music. You know, like having parties, we're playing music, it's always revolved around music. So we would escape, you know, even if there was a Iran Iraq War back in the day, you know, we would just like, hide inside the house and just be happy and be in our happy place and escape into that world. And that's what I remember. And I was like, you know, I want to create my own one day and that's what I started doing working with David Sharpe was, you know, produce for Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez and some very, very talented ladies, and I'm just so blessed and lucky to be amongst one of them, and to be able to do what I love and to be able to escape that place where I can be in a place that's free and they welcome women and equality and love and I'm just so blessed every day and I think God that I am in this position that I hopefully I can touch so many lives and help so many people and spread the word.

Jennifer Logue: 7:37

Yes you're already touching mine so you're touching so many people's lives

SHAB: 7:41

in your in your mind. Thank you so much. I appreciate you so much.

Jennifer Logue: 7:46

So your family did you have a creative family? I think your brother also sings

SHAB: 7:51

alright my brother's name is Shahab is means shooting star in Farsi Shahab has like maybe a loving, like, I don't know, probably 10 or 11 albums out, and he's always saying, but I was always shy. And it was during like, you know, Paris Hilton, and, you know, I'm trying to think all these different things like Britney Spears, when they were just pop stars, and they're going out paparazzi is we're after them. And he's like, No, I don't want this for you. So I always liked singing, but he sort of, you know, he told me not to do it because my family kind of discouraged me and I did stay in college. I have a bachelor's in international studies and marketing. I do love marketing, I went to law school, I dropped out I wanted to do international law for export import. Because I love stuff like that as well or helping people try to help their businesses you know, so we can bring like goods into the different countries and like have beautiful pieces of stuff that you wouldn't regularly see in your own country, you know, interests like then I dropped out and I pursued skincare and I am an asset by trade I have. I studied for a year and I am an esthetician by trade so I studied skin. I love everything about the scan, I've worked in spas for 10 For on and off like seven to eight years and we owned we owned our own spa. And I give him probably over like two 3000 facials in my life, which I love. I love like making people feel good. And I was always a healer at heart. I'm also a Reiki Master and also

Jennifer Logue: 9:28

I got my Reiki cert just like two months ago

SHAB: 9:34

it's the energy Yes, it's so wonderful. A you know what? I always think like, you never know when you're going to use it and I use it on my daughter when she has her stomach card. She's four years old, my little girl Shiloh. And so I put I heat up my hands and I just put it on top of her belly. And then I kiss it and then she starts pulling back and I put meditation for her. It works. You know when you do it with love, I believe in the energy of the universe. You just kind of it's not yours energy, you're getting it from sort of like above initial touch with him. And then you give it to the person that's in need the most.

Jennifer Logue: 10:09

I'm not sure if you found this connection, but between Reiki and music, I felt like there's a similar energy happening there.

SHAB: 10:16

Right? I 100% agree with you. There's just, there's something very special there. I, I agree with you.

Jennifer Logue: 10:26

So we talked about you growing up in Iran, how do you think that has shaped your relationship with creativity?

SHAB: 10:37

You know, just going to, like my mom, she just watching my mother, like, going through a lot. You know, she lost my dad when she was 39. And I was six months old. And my mother would take something from nothing and make it into something beautiful. Our house was always like, spotless, she would cook like the best food. You know, to be honest with you, like I would choose my life again, I would, I wouldn't change anything. Nothing, I would just do it exactly the same way. But my creativity definitely has grown. I mean, again, Western movies, and my brothers and sisters like dancing, you know, with Western music, and there's just so many different aspects of it. I'm just so blessed to be having so many brothers and sisters, that I was the baby of the family. I'm the 13th. And so I was always baby, you know, so like, I was like, kind of, in a sense, worshipped. I know, it's crazy. And I might say that, but they just adored the heck out of me. And I was like, spoiled, like, I grew up kind of spoiled in a with love. Not always having a lot of money, though. Okay, different kinds of spoiled, which, when I was a certain age, I had to like come to terms with myself. And there's stuff that I wasn't sure that I liked about me in my 20s. And I had to change that. And I was like, Okay, I don't like this. I want to change. I want to be different, you know, and I want to be more humble. I want to be more loving. I want to be more accepting, not that I wasn't or it was judgmental. He's just I want it to be better. Yeah. And he seldom is a number. Yeah, I was call it the love story that never ends. I love that. Oh, it's you know, it's like the love story and my routine myself. And I said, I'm just trying to figure out so I can spread more love in the world. Through through the reflection that I give out to others. You see what I mean? Yeah, so work through my, my darkness and rekindle it and make my darkness into light. You know, and so, yeah, there's, there's a lot of that, you know, but everything really inspires me, like, You're inspiring me right now. You know, it's so true. Everybody that I come in contact with that just add something of value to my life. And I learn and grow from each moment and every day. And I'm just so grateful to this moment, right on time and space to be speaking you and to have breath in our body. And here and, and that's really the best time of our life, we can be alive, you know, and there's some stuff happening in our world, and I get it, but you know, one day at a time, and that's how we can do it one day at a time, we can change the planet, and you never know, things will just change magically. And I believe in the power of love.

Jennifer Logue: 13:26

The power of love can heal anything. You know, that is the ultimate power. And I have this thing that I tell myself when things get overwhelming. Just focus on the next three steps. What are the next three things? Yeah, to do and just focus on those. You get done those you take the next three? Yes.

SHAB: 13:47

The breath is, look, you're still alive, your mind likes to trick you and take you to the past that stuff that happened? You're like, what I was not good. And you're like, No, wait, I'm good. Now, you know. So the mind tricks us all the time. And so what we have to do is bring ourselves back to the present. So the present is all we have. And it's like that's where we growing. And in the breath. The breath is so important, even like right about I'm about to go on stage, though. People like do get nervous. I'm like, No, I don't really get nervous. I get excited. That's because my heart starts beating fast. But then I start breathing. Really deep breaths. And then I'm fine now just like I got this and I go out and I just want to spread the love. You know, just give my crowd energy and love. So yes.

Jennifer Logue: 14:31

There's so much love in your music. Thank you. That's it ask where do you find who are your musical inspirations?

SHAB: 14:40

My kids? Honestly, like whenever I write, I'm always jotting down on my phone if I hear maybe like a quote I heard or something from the Bible of verse. It take it out and turn it into lyric. You know, it's amazing how inspiration comes like in every place everywhere every day. And so I jotted down and I might my kids might say something or my neighbor might come over for a glass of wine. I don't know, we were talking and I'm like, Oh, I like that word, I'm going to jot it down. So I already have like a big list for my third album of the things that I want to create. But most of my songs honestly came, it was more about love. And it was sexy love and feeling sexy as a woman and writing about my relationship. Like really with my, with my, I'm not married, officially, but with my baby dad, who is my partner. We're engaged.

Jennifer Logue: 15:34

We have a five year old relations.

SHAB: 15:35

Thank you. We have a five year old son named Raphael and a daughter named Shiloh. She's four. So we're together. And so a lot of the stuff like I really wrote was like, about our love or something, you know, so it's like, I always have people like that inspire me. And and if I want to sing, I'm always singing from my soul and my heart. And that's the thing if, if a song doesn't agree to me, or I don't like it, I won't sing it. Like I I'm like, No, it's just, it's just not people like, Well, you're a singer, you can sing any song you want. I'm like, but it doesn't talk to me. I can't, you know, so. So for me, it has to hit like, really deepened with my soul. I'm like, okay, that I can sing this one I can do. And if I'm going to do it over and over again, through concerts, and through time, I better like the songs and I'm really spreading the word of love. And so I better like my own work before, like, I'm out there and singing all this stuff. So it has to mean something to me, that I'm trying to spread that word into, for other people. You see what I mean? Exactly.

Jennifer Logue: 16:36

I feel like we're all vessels as artists, we're vessels for a message and it has to be it has to ring true to us.

SHAB: 16:43

Correct? It has to be authentic. You know, you can't just be because, well, it's a hit, and I'm gonna do it. Like, if he doesn't agree with me, I won't do it. Like, I'm not I have to stay true to myself first.

Jennifer Logue: 16:54

So short, and that always produces the best results.

SHAB: 16:57

Yeah, no, you're absolutely right.

Jennifer Logue: 17:00

So what is your definition of creativity? There's no right or wrong answer.

SHAB: 17:07

That's, that's a really good question. Actually, Jennifer, you know, I think creativity is something that you really enjoy, or even if you want to try something new, like I love cooking, and I was cooking a lot at one point, and then I was like, two babies. And I was like, oh my god, I'm trying to do my career. But like, I only cook when I'm like, really happy, because I'm like, trying to put some good energy into that food and, but Creativity to me is, whatever that makes you happy in that moment, you know, whether it's writing a music, or like working out or going for a run and seeing nature, you know, visiting a new place, and traveling and speaking to someone new that are making friends with someone that is going to become lifetime friends with you. It's like watching a movie that touches you. And then you might want to create something or even like, remodeling your house, you know, it's in everything. I think it's creativity is just so beautiful. And I love creating because we're our creators.

Jennifer Logue: 18:07

Yes, yes. If you don't create, I just were not happy I when I stopped creating, I'm not a happy person. Like, yes,

SHAB: 18:17

I'm the same exact way. Because what happens is when you're creating because we were meant to be creators, doesn't matter what you're doing. Even if you're cooking, finding a new recipe, do that. Yeah. And like, just keep creating something like new like, even if it's like, finding a new album, like you're listening to or, or like, you know, going to a new restaurant with your friend. And the moment you're not creating, what happens is you fall into default. And then you start that you mind drifts back into the past or, or the present, and then the anxiety creeps in. Because we meant to keep creating. And that's why I love writing music so much because I write and I'm in a studio, and then I hear the finishing touches. And I'm like, and I get goosebumps. And I'm like, oh my god, this is so good. Like, this is gonna be great. I can't wait to share this with the world and I can share my love with them. You know? So yeah, we were meant to be creators. I love creativity is just the most beautiful thing in the human beside love. Obviously. There's a pillar, they all have pillars like a tree of life. And

Jennifer Logue: 19:23

I love that answer. Oh my gosh, I love that answer. And this, this is kind of building off of that a little bit. But why do you think creativity is important? I feel like sometimes

SHAB: 19:36

soul right?

Jennifer Logue: 19:37

What was that?

SHAB: 19:39

feeds your soul? Like it feeds that like it makes you feel alive. Like what were you were thinking I want to I want to know that too.

Jennifer Logue: 19:47

Yeah, I think sometimes in the world, it may be seen as frivolous, you know, by some or maybe more logical. But as you were saying, I just think it fills a fundamental need for our health and well being

SHAB: 20:04

correct. Even the ones that are just so frivolous, they're still creating, you know, even jotting down stuff in the computer, because we have realist to look, there's all kinds of people in the world. They're still creating.

Jennifer Logue: 20:18

Yes, that's very true. You know,

SHAB: 20:20

they might not want to be like, Well, I'm not creative person, I am so black and white and straight like this is this is how I do things, you know, but at the end of the day, there's part of them that's there as their child like, you know, there's that you find that child within you, you will never grow old. Yeah. Because if you're difficult, then it already becomes difficult if you if you make a task like hard, well, I can never do this. This is too hard. Or I'm not good enough for it. You're already telling yourself that you're not. Don't do that.

Jennifer Logue: 20:51

You know, and it's so true. The children

SHAB: 20:54

in the moment and be childlike. Yeah, the

Jennifer Logue: 20:57

child within us, I feel like has all the answers. Yes, you know, under percent. Ah, beautiful answers. So let's get back to music. When did you first write what did you write your first song? chab.

SHAB: 21:13

That's a really actually you asked me all the good questions. So Damon sharp and I, I was when I just had my son, my son was probably like four months old, and I was doing some Persian music. And I had just released my first song. I did my video when he was six months and for music, but then I said, you know, I would really love to my, my baby that like Rob that never understood what I was singing to him. And he's like, Well, this sounds so beautiful shot, but I don't know what you're saying. I was like, oh, man, I should probably start doing something in English too. Because I would love for know what I'm singing to him. So then I started looking at a computer one day, you know, some that nudge in you just says, just go walk into the computer type in producer or something. And I did that I started getting something in my mind speaking to me, and I typed in and Damon sharp came up. I had no idea that he's written for Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez, and I just was like, okay, cool. This guy looks good. He looks like he's a family guy, too. And I was like, I was all for that. Great. So then next thing, you know, my house, you know, Rob always checks everything. And then like later, he tells me, do you know that he's written for John, I was like, I had no idea why that's amazing. I'm like, That's awesome. I was like, He's sending me a new song. And the first two songs. The first song was called down to the wire, which is and then that was the first song he hit. He gave me an under second song was in thinking about you. So after those two songs, when I first recorded down to the wire, and I came back home, my husband didn't travel with me, but I was pregnant with my, my daughter, I was already seven months pregnant, because he go and do do it and see what happens. And I came back and he loved that. He was like, I didn't know you can sing. I was like, Yeah, I can't I mean, like, you know, I had a shy talent. But I was just like, Okay, this is the time for to come on. And there's no more shy anymore. So then, then I got a thinking about you. Then we did a contract for three songs. And then the then I told them as a demon. I had an idea about a song. I want to do something with a Middle Eastern pub, something with mice. Let's do something fun. So I LOVE IT shop. Yes, Samuel. Are you journaling? Everything you have? So I did. And we called it spell on me.

Jennifer Logue: 23:26

Oh my gosh, I love that song. And the video is so cool, too.

SHAB: 23:30

Thank you. And that was my first major big video. I did. I mean, you notice that I'm walking. I'm really driving into the desert. There's 80 people there with tents and

Jennifer Logue: 23:39

incredible

SHAB: 23:40

looks at me. He's just one of you just going into a shop and I'm like, um, I don't know. And I'm all I'm praying to God is to make sure this goes right. I'm like, dear Lord, please make make sure I don't suck.

Jennifer Logue: 23:53

Oh, my gosh, you're phenomenal. You didn't a week

SHAB: 23:56

of rehearsals, I work with Lady Gaga as choreographer, which is His name is Richie Jackson. He's a beautiful, beautiful human. Anyhow, so he was there. And we did the video and it turned out to be so beautiful. And I was just so proud of it and but I prayed so much and, and of course after that, I was like, I got this I think I have the hang of how to write music. I can I can do this. So from then on. We've been writing all our songs. Beautiful, single song I have written is with Damon and and Eric's and Nicola it was just the three of us. The two boys and my third album. I do have a lady named on NAS Tokyo. She works with closely with Dwayne Johnson's wife and he's written for for Lauren, and she's gonna start helping me and the fact of that is fun fact her husband is in the video of serenity with me.

Jennifer Logue: 24:51

Oh, that's very cool. Yeah,

SHAB: 24:54

Harry is awesome Harry Goodwin and the funny thing is, and when I've met him on the SAT, he's like, Hey, Either way, who writes your music? My wife is a really amazing writer, you need to meet her if you haven't yet. He was like, kind of like, you know, introduced. I was like, That is the cutest thing ever. And my husband, you know, Rob was on the set. And I said, Hey, why don't you go talk to Rob. He's sort of like my, my manager. I was like, I could work I would love to do something like that. Obviously, I'm already she's sharing you with me on the beach today. You know, I would love to do something with

Jennifer Logue: 25:26

live connections, friends, you ever super good

SHAB: 25:29

friends and we she's going to help me with my third album and to have a woman on my third album. I I'm just so honored and so happy to be able to work with someone like NAS and I cannot wait to I want to do more ballots. Just slow maybe things down and just still, like I want to it's just more heartfelt, slower song and I cannot wait. I have we have so many. So many things that we want to do. And I want to call it one suitcase, because that's what I came for us. I literally was like married public with one little tiny suitcase and an umbrella. That's all like, Yeah,

Jennifer Logue: 26:05

and you were 14.

SHAB: 26:07

I was 14. Yeah. I started high school. Ninth grade. I went to Esau didn't speak any English. I yeah, I was made fun of I was bullied. But you know, I had really tough skin. I was like, the voms is nothing What do you guys

Jennifer Logue: 26:24

know? And you do you come here by yourself? Which city did you I went

SHAB: 26:29

to, from from Castle. I left and went to Frankfurt. And from Frankfurt. I went straight to Baltimore, where my mom was there. And I hadn't seen my mom in almost three and a half, four years. Wow. This was my guardian in Germany. So So I was a baby's mama I was my mom's like, I would like I wouldn't go to sleep until she went to sleep. Like I was like her shadow was with her. So it took I got a really fast, you know, the four years between like eight and a half nine to like 14. I grew up really, really fast. I had no choice.

Jennifer Logue: 27:10

Yeah. Survival. I mean, yeah.

SHAB: 27:15

But I'm a very independent person, even as when I was younger. Like I went to my tennis lesson. And, you know, I went to school by myself, like they had the straws and bond like the, you know, the trains and stuff. So but when I went to America, like everything is needs a car, you don't have the transmission, Europe. So I was a little saddened because, you know, not everyone was working, we didn't have a lot of money necessarily. So we were trying to make ends meet and we were renting a house, all of us. So it was it was tough times. It was tough times for a little while. But then things got really, really good.

Jennifer Logue: 27:50

You know, and you went to college. And yeah, I

SHAB: 27:53

paid for my way. My mom helped scholarship grants. So that was really nice. And, and I worked I worked in, and I was really proud of of that. And I loved working. I love working. I love contributing to society. I love adding value. I love doing something for the world that I'm saying, I'm doing my part, you know, so. So I know at the end of the day, I know I did what I what I could do. So

Jennifer Logue: 28:18

no matter what you're doing, no matter what project you're doing, you always bring that energy.

SHAB: 28:23

I hope so.

Jennifer Logue: 28:27

And passion. That's beautiful.

SHAB: 28:29

Thank you. I tell that to my whenever we get into an argument or something or he just gets mad at me. I'm like, what? I'm a very passionate person, honey. Yeah.

Jennifer Logue: 28:44

So back to music, because there's so many great videos, so many great songs. I'd love to know more about your collaboration with Damon and Eric. Okay, there's what do you love most about your collaboration together?

SHAB: 29:00

They just what I do is I write a story. And I tell them what I'm trying to sync and who I'm trying to sync to. Like, for example, let's say criss cross, criss crossed about a is about a new love, but it's also about an old love. That's true. It's like being in a relationship for many years and you rekindling that love through fire, passion. And then it's also new love, which is like new, and you're just like unsure and they're both playing games. And but it's not like unhealthy games is more like they're both protecting their hearts. But they're still open to like, the unknown, so helpless and new. Like maybe don't hold back now you know? So it's kind of like so it's like rekindling that new love or having a new love in your life. So whenever I tell them the story before we ride, they usually get it that they're really on with My stories go even what I do my song what I do, what I do came out of like a traumatic story, traumatic experience for me. And what happened to me when my, when my baby died, and I, so and then, you know, look the forgive and forget, I mean move on in life, but I feel like those are the times that actually made me stronger as a person be able to really forgive him and myself on not knowing better and him making a mistake or whatever that was, you know, and just moving from that, that I felt like I was becoming more enlightened human. Yes, felt empowering. Felt empowering. Not like being a victim mentality, which I had for a while, but that riding through that music that empowered me, and that's when what I do was born. Like, every song it has, it's like place where meaning and even like music to my heart, is for the people like are like my sunshine in my life and their music to my ear music to my heart, you know. So like, in my kids voices when I first heard them, say, Mom, you know, mommy, or even speak, you know, it's just those little precious things that like, we might take for granted. But then we go back to it, and we're just like, Oh, my God, those moments are never going to come back. So guess what I'm not, I'm going to live for the present moment, I'm going to enjoy every second, I'm going to slow down time. Because I'm not trying to get to where it is like, Oh, you already made it. And look, you and everyone in the world knows really, I'm fine where I am right now. And you're so blessed. And like speaking with you right now in this time and space and, and just doing what I'm doing. And I'm on tour with Anastasia and I've prayed for last year. So I will say God is real and prayers will get answered, you know, and I believe in the power of prayers, I believe in the universal love and I believe in the Creator, that's listening. And he loves love us so much. We just have to speak to them, you know,

Jennifer Logue: 32:00

and, you know, our creators, our ultimate collaborator, and every single thing we create, every recording studio, we're in every

SHAB: 32:11

grip put me in touch with you, you know, and they maybe rang the bell at home, you need to have an interview shop. So we never know like how we meet people in life. And, and when someone comes in, when whenever I have an interview. And that's like super special because that's like a soul that God sent for me to speak to them. And to tell them something that I need to get from them. They need to get from me, they need to get from each other, you know,

Jennifer Logue: 32:32

be sharp, you are the most grounded person I've ever met. Oh my gosh, yes, it is so inspiring. Love you to persuade. I just had coffee with a friend this week. And we were talking about like life's lessons and what, you know, what's next for each of us? And she's like, I think something I think what the universe is calling you to do is to be content. Contentment is your challenge. Because I'm always like, jump in. Yeah, the next thing you

SHAB: 33:08

know, and look, you know, that's what your drive is you drive like for me, it's like hitting my numbers when I workout. If I'm going like fast, I want to go super, like super fast. Like and I want to go back. I did. I want to beat my number from before. So it's like we're in competition, healthy competition with ourselves, but at the same time, feeling grounded and content. And and, and feeling grounded content and proud of ourselves. Yes, you know, and taking a moment to breathe that. You know, breathe in, and just say thank you for coming so far. And when I look back last year, this is my like, I mean, think about it, when I'm thinking about this is my fourth show that I've ever done in my life. Oh, yeah. So you're opening for

Jennifer Logue: 33:55

Anastasia,

SHAB: 33:56

I know. And it's going so amazing. And she's so awesome. And her fans been so, so receptive and loving to me. And it's just been, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. And I just think God because God does not want us to fail. I the way I look at it, like some blessings and opportunities don't come right away because I have something better for you because I'm preparing for something bigger. He doesn't. Spirit does not want us to fail. So they want to like for example, don't want us to be super ready, where we like even riper than we think when we get that gift. We're like, we're gonna hold on to it and we're gonna, like, respect it, you know, and we're gonna, like, make sure we get the most of it. Trust in God's timing. Exactly. Yeah, that's why when something doesn't happen or work my way, you know what I just be like, Oh, that's okay. And I just, and I just, I do something else and I'm like, It's okay. And I don't get upset. I don't get sad. You know, and the inner child is like, oh, it's gonna be fine. You got something and It's okay. And I love all aspects of life. And I'm just breathing it all in, you know, and I'm just staying super grateful and thankful. Those are the keys to unlocking more. But also, manifesting is working hard, not just thinking about it, get up there and do it. Like if you just think about playing the guitar played every day. Or if you want to sing like work on your workbook vocal rest, you know, vocal vocal, do your vocal lessons and do the things you need to do. If you want to lose weight, then you know what, slowly, don't just jump into it and like go heavy, where it's going to be hard. Do one thing at a time, give up one thing and, you know, just give your body a break. Give yourself love. Give yourself respect, you know, and things just fall into place one day at a time.

Jennifer Logue: 35:47

They do is incredible. Especially when did you start your musical journey? Has it been the last?

SHAB: 35:55

Actually, I was in my mid 20s. And I had a producer that I work with, and we started dating for a little while, and then work out because I left him. So he took all my songs that I had, that I had written with him. And he gave it to someone else. And she sang and I heard it in the radio. And I was heartbroken by it. So I stopped singing for many years after that incident. But you know what? After speaking to rob, and then he was just like, What do you want to sing now? Where did this where did this talent Allah sub came from? And then I told him the story. And he was like, well, just please don't make this a hobby. He's like, look, I'm gonna go all in. But I need you to go on. Oh, and I got you. I got you back. 100%. And the you need those wings, I will help you have those wings, and you can spread them and you can fly. So but it took a little convincing at first before we got to that point. And once he knew this was it, and he saw my hard work put in. He said, Okay, let's go. So it was it was a step level. It was lots of days at the lake house where we would go for the afternoon and they would just go sunbathing. We didn't I was still pregnant, you know, I would talk to him about music, or our baby was still small. And I would be like, I really want to do this. He's like, Well, this better not be a hobby, this bit of relaxing, this better be a career for you. Because if you want to do this, this is like you're all in or nothing like I want you to give 100% If I'm giving 100% I want you to do 110 10% But when he saw my work ethics, he saw me day in and day in and day out and like my vocal coaching, and it's just your your vocal call vocals are just like working out, just like any other tool. And it's my my producer Damon, he's such an amazing human being family man. He's a he's a, he's like a He's like a brother to me, you know, to like Rob and I, we just adore love him so much. And he said, shop, you know what I see in two years that happened for you. Most artists do in 10 years, because I think I wanted to pull badly that I just worked extra hard. And I always do. Sometimes I have to work extra hard on things because I'm not naturally adept to it. But you know what, I work harder than anyone else. And I finally get it. And it's there. But I work really hard. So and most times, like some people naturally comes to them. Some people work hard. And for me, I had to work hard to get there. And so even with my guitar lessons, like I have to work extra hard to get those chords. And I

Jennifer Logue: 38:29

played guitar, too. That's new tonight. That's awesome. It's,

SHAB: 38:32

it's super new. I'm still like getting the gist of it. It's not something I would love to maybe in the next couple of years, whatever, two years when I have my own world tour to do like a number like a song for my fans on stage, you know, with the guitar. And that's, that's my goal to do to everything I'm doing is for my fans, like I left my babies at home. They were my sister, thank God and I FaceTimed them every day. They're five and four. But you know what, my fans are sort of like my babies too. And I love them as much. So you know what we're building an army. We're building army of hope and love. Oh, beautiful. And that's what I want to do. And so you know what, I will put this extra time and I will I will tour and I will spread this love. And I was spread the love of God and spread the love of universe and universal love. Love is one so

Jennifer Logue: 39:22

oh my gosh. So I have another collaboration to ask about the notice and a lot of your music videos, which I love. Absolutely love all of your music videos. I see the same director to

SHAB: 39:33

Eli. Yes. Eli le so it's like Eli Le he goes by both. Oh, cool. Le socon he's from Beirut. He's from Beirut. He's like the most amazing person I have met in my life when I first went on the setup so nervous. And then he's actually you ready to go conservative and like you I mean, like, I don't speak like and I was like, Okay, I was like, I like this guy. Like, let's go do it. He made me feel so comfortable. And he knows my angles. He knows what works for me. He just, he just, I always say, I'm like, Ellie, you make me look good. He's like, No, it's you. And I'm like, No, you make me look good. So we always go back and forth. And he's just the most beautiful human being. And he really, truly cares for me and love. Like, we I will say, we have grandfathered and adopted some part, some people from my team. I'm like, whenever I'm like somebody, I'm like, You're staying with me forever. We have grandfathered you into this, like, whatever this is, wherever we going, you know. But he's very talented. And he does all my most of my stuff. I mean, that doesn't mean that we're not going to work with someone else. But he's, he's sort of like my creative director. So he's going to be helping me with other videos on the future, if I choose, like, let's say not to direct with him, but he's, he's, he's part of the team for life. He's, he's amazing human being, and he's going to probably help me with my role tours, because I want something very futuristic. So like, let's say there's a hand coming out of the crowd. And then there's a heart instead of the, the in the heart opens, it says you're worthy or loved, you are important. You know, like, you want to do something that's like, not just a concert, but it's like, it's, um, it's, it's it's motivational. It's inspirational, transformational. And it's not just about dancing and shaking the booty, you know, like, that's all great, you know, it's fine. But I want them to walk away. Like, I want everyone to experience exactly, I want them to close their eyes, I want you to close your eyes, and maybe I'll give contribute something to each state that we are touring. We go away like instruments or dance lessons or vocal lessons. Because obviously people that are coming to my to the concert, they're loving music, they love music. And I give back. And I've been thinking about that already. And I'm like, I'm already on how to give back. And I haven't even look, I've made it in a sense, but not like where, you know, when it happens. I know what I'm gonna do, which is great, because these ideas come to my head and I jot it down. I'm like, Okay, this is how I'm gonna get back. You.

Jennifer Logue: 42:15

You've seen Vision. Thank you. Yeah, no, I love I love your vision for where you want things to go. And, you know, from my perspective, just from chatting with you for the last few minutes, like, probably to you what you what most people like zoom ins and what takes most people 10 takes you to like, it's I don't think it's too distant in the future.

SHAB: 42:41

Thank you know, I will say, the universe, timing is the best and I'm just the vessel through to connect one life at a time and to tell your story. And to be able to, to do something beautiful for our world in my way. And, you know, I have a really good life in Dallas, I don't, I don't need to work. You know, I'm a, I'm a kept woman in the sense, you know what I'm saying like, but I've always worked all my life. And I honor that, and I love that. And if I'm not doing anything, I would be super involved with a bunch of charities, I would never be sitting still, that's just not who I am. And the fact that I see I have to, to grow two babies now and when I want to see the future for them and other children, and I want to create something also for like, for like for school, like maybe like a program that these kids can like, grow faster through it and then help them evolve, you know, and if I don't see something that I like in our world, that's okay. I don't complain about it. I might be sad or upset for a second but I'm like, You know what, I'm going to do something about it. I'm gonna start doing yes, if I want to see the world through my lens, then then then this is what my way of doing it I'm gonna get up and be the advocate for it. And I'm going to work hard and I'm going to get out there. I'm going to travel the world. I'm going to change the world in my way. I'm not trying to save it, I just want to I want to heal it and I want to change it through my perspective through my lens. So with love, and and peace and you know, equality and and just you know those are the most important thing and freedom for people. This is all this is God's land we all supposed to enjoy. It is not. You know,

Jennifer Logue: 44:31

that is a beautiful, beautiful idea and I believe I'm fully on board with you in that with all you've been through. It is so inspiring to see how you're just filled filled with love and filled with this drive to heal and that drives your music and everything you create, it seems. I just have to say I'm super inspired by You shot

SHAB: 45:02

fired by you, believe me, you know, I am seeing a strong female, like yourself and what you're doing as well. And you're out there and spreading positivity and, and that's, that's just such a beautiful thing and we're all here, I want all of us to win, there's room for all of us to win, you know, and we need we need more voices to, to speak up love and prosperity and abundance and, and, and, and life and you know, and healing healing our planet and healing ourselves and our traumas, because our traumas are in the past that don't belong to us, we just have to overcome them, and find out what they are and what's causing it and what's the root of it. And just give it love, give love to your child, like the person that's inside that's, that seen those traumas. And for me, I had to do a lot of self healing. Because I wasn't sure why I was things were like triggering me. And I did very deep healing inside of my heart. And there's times I would just seclude myself, I wouldn't go out I would just stay in if the kids are in school, I'm just meditating, I would just like trying to think what my next move is. And I would ask God, I would cry. And just be like, God, it's not fair. Like why so many people suffering in our world. I just feel sad sometimes for a planet and I start crying. And, and, and then and then then I feel powerless. But then once I cry, and I feel like there's something just like, comes like the spirit, like within me starts rising and I just feel like, like tingling, you know, between my body and I get butterflies. And I feel like God is like coming back and and saying, My child like, you can be the change you want to see it's within you. And and you're gonna do it together one day at a time. And that's when the hope comes back for me. And you know, I have done many days of that. And then now I'm sure like, I might get sad. But then I'm like, No, you're gonna be great. It's gonna be fun, we're together, we're gonna be stronger. You know, we can we can overcome anything but not with hate. I will never do anything with hate. I will like try my best. And I always do everything with love. Even Mother Teresa, I never forget I love the same. She said one day they invited her and they said, Oh, is there anti war rally? She said, I'm not coming. They're like, Oh, you're the one that's always preaching about this. She says, Sure. If you have a pro peace rally. Preach what you want, you know. So it's, I always believe in that.

Jennifer Logue: 47:31

Well, I want to ask you officially, what's next for you? I know, we have the new album in the works. The third album,

SHAB: 47:39

and the second one is coming out hopefully in spring. So the second one has done. Ok. On that one as well.

Jennifer Logue: 47:45

Do you have a name for that one yet? Has it been released? It's not

SHAB: 47:49

released yet. It's gonna be euphoric. Cool. Cool. Net love was the first one second one is going to be euphoric. Third one is one suitcase.

Jennifer Logue: 48:00

Oh my gosh, you're already on your third album and the second one's not your your Superwoman shop. Oh my gosh.

SHAB: 48:08

Don't get fooled. I have a great team, but also jot down tons of notes in my in my in my phone.

Jennifer Logue: 48:16

That's beautiful. So where's next on tour?

SHAB: 48:19

We are gonna go to that's a good question. I'm going to tell you right now. So our next day is going to be okay, I'm looking buzzing stuck.

Jennifer Logue: 48:37

I have no idea where that is. Yeah, I'm learning you after

SHAB: 48:43

that is Brighton. Brighton? Yeah. So and then. Oh, are you there? Okay, sorry. Sure. So, um, so then we're going to finish it at the last day we'll be at Glasgow.

Jennifer Logue: 48:59

Beautiful. Oh, what a great city to finish it in

SHAB: 49:02

last days. And then we have of course, London and I love London so much. I just love the energy. I love the people and oh my gosh, I always get such good vibes when I'm in when I'm in UK and there's just been nothing but open, open arms of love for me like everywhere I've been and the people have been super receptive and loving. You know, to me, and of course, my beloved America, and I cannot wait to tour in us and spread spread my love there as well as your love to America, my beloved America. Yes, absolutely. Yes.

Jennifer Logue: 49:37

I have one more question for you. What advice would you have for an artist going through a trying time right now? Or anyone going through a trying time? Like how do you get to the other side?

SHAB: 49:54

Don't ever give up? Believe in yourself. Take one day at a time, one breath at a time. Find people that uplift you, that inspire you. And don't, don't give up. Don't ever that's the that's the, that's the best advice. Keep going every day. The moment is you give up, someone else is going to come and go into the finish line. You just have to keep going until you get to your goal. And be easy on yourself. Give yourself Self Love. Respect yourself, you know, like I always say like, believe in yourself before being your own hype man, hype woman, you know, give yourself like and if something doesn't go the right way, it's okay maybe it's just not meant to be there's something better but just don't stop. Keep going. Give yourself lots of love and self love forgive your past forgive and write you know what use those as material stuff that has to use it as kindling to healing yourself through music through you know working out whatever it might be, that's like feeding your soul but sign that that feeds your soul that's in a healthy way obviously. And and once you get there, then you'll just your body will know and will align itself with that with that purpose. And pray about it. Pray yes day ask God Spirit, universal love, whatever, whatever it is that you believe in Jesus Christ. I mean, I love Jesus Christ. Like I you know, just do that like, and the universe will provide for you. But just be patient. Be kind, be patient. Have lots of gratitude in your heart. Those are the only best advice I can give to someone.

Jennifer Logue: 51:46

For more on chab visit sharp official.com And thank you so much for tuning in and growing in creativity with us. I love to know what you thought of today's episode. What you found most interesting what you found most helpful. You can reach out to me on social media at Jennifer Logue or leave a review for creative space on Apple podcasts so more people can discover it. I appreciate you so much for being here and beginning stages of this. My name is Jennifer Logue and thanks for listening to this episode of creative space. Until next time,