Shannon Doe Ewing

Shannon Doe is a singer/songwriter and performer.

What do you do?

I am a singer/songwriter and lyric soprano. My musical spectrum is between two genres: writing and singing pop/neosoul music, and also performing classical music specifically opera as a recital soloist. The two styles are separate for me, rather than specializing as a cross over artist, I like exploring polar musical opposites through different projects.

Why do you do it?

I always wanted to be a performer. My musical training began during childhood in classical music and has recently blossomed in a whole other direction.

I really love singing live because it is the ultimate creation in the moment; where as singing in the studio is all about making musical choices, experimentation, and then piecing together the music with a specific vision. The music often births itself in a whole other way than you might expect. I find this incredibly exciting.

What accomplishment in your career to date are you most proud of?

I would have to say that it was when I decided to learn how to belt. It may sound odd, but when you identify yourself as an ‘opera singer,’ singing other music is not usually encouraged. It was overwhelming for me to admit this desire. It was like coming out of the musical closet and I was so terrified, relieved and excited to finally admit who I am as an artist and performer.

Who has made the biggest impact on you in life so far, and why?

My Grandfather Frederick is this person. He passed away a long time ago, yet his words and advice always come to mind as if he was right here with me. Something in particular he said stays with me when I’m faced with challenges:

“Life is a series of experiences and choices, if something doesn’t work out the way you had hoped, then all you do is make a choice, and make another until you are where you want to be…” he survived a lot when he was young, the family had emigrated from Ireland and was very poor. His mother died when he was 4, then his father at 16, yet he was a positive, generous and determined man, always-giving love and kindness, and lots of laughter. His nickname was ‘Fearless Freddy’, how perfectly suitable!

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Spontaneous, Intuitive, Loving.

What is something that not a lot of people know about you, but you wish more people could know?

This makes me laugh! Although most people know that I am from Canada, not everyone knows about my nature loving granola roots. Many of my friends know me as a city girl, loving nightlife, fashion, art, being a foodie, wearing stilettos: but I LOVE camping and hiking.

Some of my favorite experiences have been hitchhiking across Gabriola Island in BC, with my pack, water and a sleeping bag. Hang my food, build a fire, enjoy the night sky with friends and music, and sleep under the stars on the ocean…like I said earlier, I like polar opposites in life and music. There isn’t one way to live that is for sure! I need my nature fix or I feel erratic and irritable.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be?

Josephine Baker. To be her for a week during the 1920’s or 30’s in Paris…what a performing artist, what a woman! She performed in Operas, the Folles Bergere, vaudeville, and film. She had such a wealth of talent and life experiences, so much courage and beauty.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Kate Winslet. She is a chameleon. She embodies so many sides of a person, and is never afraid to push the envelope. Sensual, raw, and present, I love that about her.

Where would you go if you had a time machine?

I would choose Venice Italy, for the Carnevale di Venezia, and of course during the Renaissance. I am really fascinated by this era. Even though I know being a woman at this time had so many challenges and prejudices, I also think creativity and sensuality was at a peak, and what a soiree it must have been…

Anything else you would you like to tell our readers?

I released my debut pop single “YOU’ on itunes this spring and am releasing a series of singles throughout the summer. The second single, which is en route this month, is called ‘No Use.’ Writing and recording this project has been a huge creative and professional shift, a more sensual chill side of my vocalism.

The collaboration for the project has also been very exciting involving both my American and Canadian colleagues. I am working with Music Producer Jake Schaefer (LA), and visual artist Gareth Gaudin (Victoria, BC) who created the original portraits for my singles.

We will begin recording sessions for my album ‘Little Love Spells’ this September in Los Angeles. In the mean time I am having too many late nights up writing, and loving creating beautiful music. - 429Magazine