focus to giving, I’ ve taken the focus off myself and put it solely on my audience, where it belongs. And that removes any need to be nervous, because it isn’ t about me anymore.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A PERFORMER AND ARTIST?
Getting used to the inconsistency. It is obviously not always a stable profession— there isn’ t always a check coming in once a week or even twice a month sometimes. It’ s hard to stay inspired and motivated when you’ ve had the wind knocked out of you. It’ s hard to keep believing in yourself when it seems no one else does. It’ s hard to trust yourself, your instincts, and your vision for your art when so many people have their own ideas of what you should be doing and how you should be doing it.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A BIG SHOW? DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL ROUTINE?
I try to keep big show days really simple, but it never works out that way. There is always so much to do, that I rarely get to focus on my performance alone. But generally I try to get myself up early to get my blood moving— usually with yoga. I have an extensive vocal warm up, I meditate, and I focus on my intentions. I spend time on the set, taking pictures, messing around, and listening to music( to remind myself that it’ s not brain surgery, we’ re here to have fun after all!). I pray with my band and team so that we can be on one energetic accord, and I try to have at least five minutes alone right before I go on to get my mind focused and my heart open. And then we’ re off!
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION TO WRITE SONGS?
Oh that’ s easy! My life and my own failed romances!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE ON BROADWAY OR PURSUE A SOLO MUSIC CAREER?
Gird your loins!( Laughing) Truly— it’ s a bumpy ride to say the least. I’ d say study hard, train hard, practice hard, and work hard. Take every opportunity offered to you, and more importantly, create your own opportunities.
Trust your gut. Share your heart. Be authentic. Who you are is more than enough. Be a good business person, not just a great talent. Log your mistakes to learn from them and do better next time. Respect, love, and value yourself first and foremost, so you don’ t look to outside sources for validation or encouragement.
Lastly, I’ d say, I know we aren’ t curing cancer here, but what we do can be incredibly powerful. It has the power to heal hearts, bring great joy, and sometimes even change lives. With great power comes great responsibility, so respect that responsibility and treat your art with care and honor. Bring your whole heart to every gig, no matter the size. Stay grateful. Stay curious. The learning never stops.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION WHEN IT COMES TO SINGING AND PERFORMING? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ARTIST OR PERFORMER?
My biggest inspiration? That’ s hard. I’ m a sponge— I have so many people running through my artistic DNA. But my major influences have been Aretha( Franklin),( Frank) Sinatra,( Barbra) Streisand, Whitney( Houston), Mariah( Carey), the list goes on. My favorite artist is John Mayer, and my favorite performer would probably have to be Streisand.
HOW DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT dōTERRA?
I think my first introduction was when I was working in Chicago. A friend of mine there was a huge dōTERRA user and Wellness Advocate.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE dōTERRA PRODUCTS, AND HOW DO YOU USE THEM?
I like to use dōTERRA On Guard ® oil and dōTERRA On Guard Throat Drops for keeping myself healthy. I use dōTERRA Motivate ® to keep me moving when I’ m tired, and Melaleuca for any skin irritations. I love Jasmine just because it smells amazing, and I diffuse Lavender and Roman Chamomile to make my house, hotel room, or dressing room feel relaxing and cozy. I also like diffusing Peppermint and Grapefruit oil when I want to create a clean and energizing environment. I use Anchor from the Yoga Collection before class to help ground myself. Also, don’ t even get me started on the Essential Skin Care line!
Shoshana will be releasing her fourth studio album, Spectrum, February 9, 2018. Be sure to follow her for more exciting announcements and updates!
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“ I diffuse Lavender and Roman Chamomile to make my house, hotel room, or dressing room feel relaxing and cozy.”