Rising as one of Baltimore, Maryland’s most quintessential musical artists, singer/rapper/songwriter Shanyia, proves to be the most versatile lyrical sweetheart we know. With rhythms and movements that shake any crowd, blended with her soft tones and hard-hitting beats, Shanyia creates the perfect vibe. At just 19-years-old, she effortlessly exudes a luxury lifestyle in the midst of a soaring music career.
Today, she releases her highly-anticipated debut single / video titled “Slide.” She teamed up with Hip-Hop producer extraordinaire, Swiftbangaz (Fredo Bang, Migos, Lil Yachty, Rick Ross, Miguel) to create an up-tempo hit that will have anyone, and everyone “sliding” and shaking the dancefloor.
As for the visual, it was directed by famed music video and commercial director, Caleb Seales, whose credits include: J. Cole, Kanye West, 2 Chainz, BET, and TVone. The music video provides for a stimulating, highly fast-paced ride with Shanyia, who we find swerving through the midnight hour — and we can’t help but slide into action alongside her in this heavy-hitting, uniquely cut visual.
Along with the new video, we also got the chance to speak with Shanyia for an exclusive Q+A. She spoke on the inspiration behind her debut track, working with Caleb Seales, signing her record deal and much more.
Be sure to check it out in full below, and then press play on “Slide” after the jump.
Q: You’re from Baltimore, Maryland — do you feel your City gets the recognition it deserves?
Shanyia: “I feel like Baltimore is starting to get more recognition from the industry. There’s a few artists from the area that’s buzzing and bringing that awareness to us. I know that we are definitely a trendy city, so I’m not mad if they’re sleeping on us or not! They’ll have to wake up, and I believe it’ll be sooner than later!”
Q: You just released your [debut] single “Slide” produced by Swiftbangaz. Tell us more about it. What was the inspiration?
Shanyia: “Wow, first off It was an amazing experience, the whole process was so much fun. Me going to LA and meeting Swiftbangaz for the first time, and how we hit it off right away. I believe “Slide” was recorded on my second or third day in the studio, and it was a special session that day. Swiftbangaz put on the beat and I immediately felt it! We were messing around with different melodies, and finally we came up with the one we all liked and the rest is history. We even came up with a dance right there on the spot for it. I had an awesome time recording the song and really enjoyed recording in LA, the vibes were great. My team was amazing and we honestly just vibed out the whole song and session.”
Q: How did it feel to work with famed music video and commercial Director, Caleb Seales for the visual?
Shanyia: “It was such a surreal feeling. I was prepared for a long day first and for most. When Caleb and his entire crew showed up, it was like we were really shooting a movie. I had all these people around and they were here for me. Caleb made me feel comfortable and relaxed, along with his team. If I was nervous, it went away quickly and we got to work. He guided me through every shot and screen! He really took his time with me and that’s what made the whole experience great for me. It really was unbelievable and we had so much fun doing “Slide”. The whole crew was amazing, just getting to vibe out with everyone, but seeing how the whole process and vision for the video came together was the best part for me.”
Q: Who are some of Shanyia’s inspirations?
Shanyia: “I definitely grew up on Nicki Minaj, I love her! I definitely can proudly say I’m a barb, she’s a legend to me. Another top artist I listen to is NBA Youngboy, I really like his music. I’m more so inspired by the people around me the most, because they just make my days that much easier and better.”
Q: You’re signed with Top of Tha World Entertainment/Warner/Asylum Records. How did it feel when you inked your deal?
Shanyia: “It felt like a dream come true. It’s truly a blessing to get to be able to do what I love, and to now have Top of Tha World Entertainment/Warner/Asylum Records believe in me like they do, and give me this opportunity to showcase my talent and passion of music to the entire world is really something special and it feels amazing.”
Q: What’s next for the young superstar Shanyia?
Shanyia: “I can definitely say a lot of new music and visuals on the way. Next is for me to continue evolving as an overall artist. I feel like the best is yet to come from me, and I just want to continue working hard in the studio, building up my brand, and giving the world the best that I have to offer.”
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