But as I started touring, I realized I had to make some choices because of time commitments, so ultimately I spent a lot of time around the world and doing concerts and meeting people, building a base. Finally, I began to be known and started recording in various languages and released records of my own with videos. Throughout these years, I began to be known as an "international singer" and people approached me for films and other projects to do this international hybrid sound. No-one understood that I was actually an American-native and from Arkansas no less! I like hearing/reading that people swear that my "grandfather is Turkish" or "my mom is such and such". Both my parents are also from Arkansas, as were their parents. I do have Cherokee ancestry though so that's where a little of the exotic look, perhaps, comes from!
JB: I'm curious about what it's like living on the road. How much time do you actually spend touring? Do you tour on your own or primarily with your husband, Andy? Speaking of Andy, can you tell us a little about him?
Shani: I spent so much of the last almost decade and a half touring. On the one hand, seeing the world, experiencing different countries and cultures really broadens your world and perception of how we see ourselves. When you step away and look back at your life, the people around you, it's just what you know, but it's not all there is. It's important to remember it's a very big world and it's all relevant. That gives me a lot of inspiration, sometimes frustration because I know something may be really happening in a certain region and I expect it will come to my area and it hasn't yet or vice versa and that's always strange. But oftentimes, you experience things that shake you up and give you a different take on things and that can be a good thing.
The actual traveling/working part is tough. Sometimes, you aren't sleeping well - flying early morning hours and arriving for sound check which may go on for hours and you might get a quick nap in but you have to get ready to go back and do a show and the night goes on. And then do it all over again.
Being a female, it's always harder! Because we have hair and make-up issues usually and make-up doesn't go on easy when you're sleepy and somehow we just show our tiredness more than the guys! And I don't enjoy this part of it.
Now, it seems like I go out on shows and bookings on a much more scheduled plan - we haven't done a month-long tour in a long time. It's a lot of spot dates. It's easier and I'm able to work on production (films, tv) and it allows more time to write and organize what you want to do. But then you want to get out and see if the music and work you did impacts people, see it on their faces. But I'm getting more involved in films and production overall and I wouldn't be able to do this if I was gone all the time. So it's working out I guess in this way.
I do a lot of shows with Andy because people are used to us together and it's nice to have two artists - male and female. He "westernizes" Eastern-based music and I guess I add that flavor to my more or less "Western" approach. So it's a good balance overall. We do perform separately. I do events on my own and he does too but it's nice to combine.
He's a very hard worker, he doesn't rest. Like me, he's a writer and producer and very hands-on with his sound and overall process. So we are obviously always dealing with shows and bookings while writing and recording and people might be waiting for the next big song, while we've heard each other's upcoming song release a hundred times because it's a very active life around us. We aren't the type to just party I guess. We are very project-oriented and like participating in things that make a difference for people, either to help with something or to just make people happy. We feel a good purpose in that.
JB: You live a very full life. What have you got cooking that you can share with our readers?
Shani: Well, I'm always writing/recording new music and making music videos. I have another Dance/Club single releasing soon and I have a large concert planned in Los Angeles on May 3rd at the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are held. It's such a nice "dramatic" venue and we get to do fun things there. And I'll be doing summer concerts. Also, I completed Guardian Angel, a feature film that I was on the producing team of and did the theme song for. I play a detective which was very different for me and I enjoyed it. I'm working on a film project which will be a crossover style movie about a famous Indian icon who is still alive and has an amazing story. My team has the rights to her story and we are developing it into a feature film with an A list group. It's very inspirational and again one of those situations where I did not know of her story until I learned through my international friends.
So I'll be keeping busy. But the important thing to add is while you are in "project mode" it is so easy to live for tomorrow because you feel a drive to make something happen and get it realized. But I try to also remember to look back on the accomplishments and be proud of the changes or differences that we've made and celebrate those things. And also to remember to live in the moment as nothing is guaranteed. I know this is all easier said than done but I think finding that balance of reflection, drive or intent and living in the moment is critical to a healthy outlook so it's something I strive to do.
JB: Balance is good. And it doesn't sound like you're going to run out of projects anytime soon. Before we wrap this up, is there anything you'd like to add?
Shani: I guess my final thoughts are just to say that we don't always know where our lives are going to take us. Sometimes we think we've got it all figured out or we know all there is to know. But I'm still learning and growing and evolving and I know it's because I remain open and eager to know the world around me. As we find the world becoming easier to access with technology, there's no limit to connecting and becoming more involved. What happens in other parts of the world does involve us. And sometimes there are even global events such as this recent plane disappearance where everyone is reminded how much the same we all are and seeing that the world unites in times like that because it's not about borders, it's about humanity.
I think celebrating our own respective cultures or countries is great. I love my background and where I live but I also know that it's important to remember that we are citizens of one world and we all do affect each other. That might seem like a massive thought to try to inspire people to "get involved globally" and maybe it should just be on a local level first. Maybe people can think about making a difference locally - connecting with people and animals in need in their own city or state. And then, once there is a sense of the value that is added by the contribution, keep it going! There is never enough time to do all the things I want to do to help but I just try to do what I can - when I can. If everybody just does a little - we can make a better life overall and we are leaving a better world for the future. I think it's a good goal and having goals and knowing you are making some significant contributions is much better than wallowing in self doubt, pity or helplessness. I know from experience!
JB: Thanks so much for talking with me, Shani. It was so fascinating seeing where life has taken you! Good luck to you.
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