SHELBYY, also known as Shelby Strickfaden, is an independent American singer, songwriter, and musician. She was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California. As she got older, she moved to Nashville Tennessee to study songwriting at Belmont University. Balancing life and career, splits her time between LA and Nashville working to develop her debut album. She is also working on passion projects outside of her university. This girl is ready to be heard. Let’s tune in to her latest song, “Childish”.
What a unique sound! She has that cross genre sound that gives her a universal clout. To be able to relate to so many different sounds in one is difficult and she has got IT! The production of the track is reminiscent of something you would hear from Alina Baraz. The introduction snaps you in. A smooth sensual jolt with some pop hues. Vocal layers and a lyrical story to add gives this single everything it needs. Easily a top 50 Hit with room to go so far! This artist is here to show us how talented she really is and clearly has done that and more.
Hey! Would you mind giving our readers an introduction to SHELBYY?
Hey! I'm SHELBYY! I'm an independent singer-songwriter and recording artist from Manhattan Beach (Los Angeles, CA). Raised by the ocean and a painter, I was heavily influenced by the salt water, the laid back beach culture lifestyle, and watching my mother paint since I was born. Seeing her create sparked my love for the arts and is what naturally lead my transition from art projects to creative writing to songwriting and musical composition. Today, I am currently enrolled at Belmont University in Nashville, TN to professionally study songwriting and pursue a lifelong career in the music industry.
What influenced you to become a singer/songwriter?
I’ve been singing and playing instruments ever since I could walk and talk. It wasn’t until mid elementary school when I started combining my love for words with my love for music. I taught myself how to song write just by listening to different artists and analyzing their music, listening to how they structured their songs and what sounds/instruments they used. I remember when I got my first iPod, I was maybe 7 or 8 years old at the time. I was so excited when I could record voice memos of my early songs and remember the melodies I wrote for my lyrics on paper. I always loved writing music and the creative process. It was how I could really express myself in a way that just words alone couldn’t quite reach. None of the other kids growing up made or liked music the way I did. But I was okay with that, I liked doing my own thing anyways. I was very independent and curious from a young age. Writing music has always felt and came natural to me, like I already knew how to do it as if it was always a part of me.
Can you give us a look into “Childish” from your perspective?
“Childish” is a song originally inspired by Billie Eilish’s song “Bellyache”. I discovered her through a friend early freshman year of college and fell in love with her sound and style. “Childish” is about the inner child we all have inside of us that never really leaves, even when we’re grown adults. All the verses point to/ describe child-like behaviors or actions, for example bubblegum, temper tantrums, and not listening to what you’re told. In the chorus, I talk about how all these childish behaviors are like the reaction to how the love interest makes the singer feel; childish. I comparing love to feeling like a kid in elementary school, how immaturity is heightened when we have a crush on someone, and what silly things we did as kids when we had crushes…like kissing on the playground at recess.
What musical artists have been an influence on you or your music?
The list is endless. Most importantly, however, is Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas. They are the major influence to my writing. Those two are absolute lyrical geniuses and I love everything about their music. I also love Call Me Karizma. He is an incredible writer as well and talks a lot about mental health issues which I think is so important since music can really help people get through darker times. I’m constantly inspired by Post Malone, Blackbear, Bazzi, Khalid, Frank Ocean, Shawn Mendes, Rosalía, Miguel, Lennon Stella, Olivia O’Brien, MAX, Lauv, Chelsea Cutler, Jessie Reyez, SZA, etc. Lyrically they are all so strong in their own unique ways and I learn so much from their music. I listen to a ton of EDM as well. Artists like San Holo, Louis the Child, Whethan, Illenium, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Ekali, Flume, Diplo, etc are essentials to any in-the-car playlists of mine. As a musician, I personally feel like its necessary to be a critical listener and have various stylistic perspectives on songwriting. It helps my understanding of music and to better train my musical ear. I'll listen to bands from every decade starting from around the 1920s to today, seeing how society and the times influenced musicians and their writing. I believe there is always something I can learn from any artist in every genre that I can take away and apply to my own music. Hopefully my original songs can inspire other artists and writers, similarly to how they've inspired me and helped me grow as an individual and as a musician.
When can we expect a release of your debut album?
My debut album is still in its infancy right now. For months I've been writing with various artists and songwriters, collaborating with them as well as musical mentors of mine to create a unique sound, style, and structure for the album. I’ll most likely release a 4-7 song EP before the album drops, acting as like a little teaser to test the waters and see how listeners respond. There’s still so much work to do, but the process has been incredible so far. I cannot wait to share my new music with the world. It’s different, but in the best of ways. I feel like it’s going to take a lot of people by surprise, and I’m so excited for that. I’ll be releasing a few singles around summertime and in the fall before the EP drops. But as of right now, there is no definite release date for the album.
Where can our readers and fans find you?
Follow me on Instagram
Visit my website for exclusive news and contact info!
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My genius page link for more info about “Childish”, my lyrics, and all new music I release.
Stream my debut single “Childish” on all platforms!
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