Born in Virginia, Shannon Benton better known by her stage name Shann is a singer and songwriter who has a growing reputation as one of the future RnB artists of her generation. Shann has released songs such as ‘Same page’ and ‘Without trying’ which were both released in 2022.

Shann describes the music scene in Virginia as a growing one and a beautiful community which she is excited to see blossom in the future and even more proud to be a part of it. While refining her skills as an artist Shann gained the confidence to freestyle while watching others freestyle during her time in Atlanta.

Speaking to Shann, I was able to pick up on her gratitude for being able to make music. Although things haven’t always gone her way whether that be personally or with music Shann has learnt that from every experience you are meant to grow and learn. The experiences aren’t always what shapes you but how to react to them.

Her love for music was passed down from her mother who always use to encourage her during the early stages of her career. Shann recalls her mother being one of the main influences on why she started making music and even now she is forever grateful that she has her mother in her corner being one of the biggest supporters of her music.

For more on Shann, read our interview below:

This interview has been lightly edited for the purpose of clarity and context

Daniel Young: Is your family supportive of your music?

Shannon Benton: Yes, they are very supportive right now but that wasn’t always the case. When I first introduced the thought of me doing music, I got asked the question how many people make it far in music. I think that once you start showing people that you are serious then they start taking it seriously as well I got that from my dad and stepdad, but my mother has always been supportive of me doing music and I got my musical talent from her. She can sing well. My brothers shot the music video for without trying. Now it’s more love and support than anything else.

Daniel Young: How did you feel during that period of having to essentially win over family members?

Shannon Benton: I didn’t feel sad or anything. I always knew that I could do anything that I put my mind to. I didn’t really care who approved of it or not. Music was always my passion and I firmly believed that everyone was going to watch me do it. It wasn’t hard or anything but feeling their love and support for what I do is truly amazing.

Daniel Young: Then why did you start making music?

Shannon Benton: To be honest with you I always knew that I was going to do this as a kid. Be an artist was always in my heart since I was the age of five. After a while thing just started to present itself and I had to step into that purpose. In life the things that are meant for us what miss regardless of what that is.  I have been following my purpose and by the grace of God things have been going well.

Daniel Young: Did you experience fear while going through this?

Shannon Benton: Always! For myself I have this tendency to overthink right. Being a woman in the industry is one thing and secondly, I know that it takes a certain amount of work and dedication to really do this music thing. I started to just due those emotions out and remember that there was one day where I just told myself that I need to stop worrying about the things that I cannot control. I can control my music and what I can get done so if I focus on those things and do my best then I just leave the results to what the results are going to be.

Daniel Young: Shannon, who inspires you in life?

Shannon Benton: In life? I have to say my mom.  As far as music goes, I would say Janet Jackson and Brandy. As far as the current music industry is concerned, I would say Kehlani and Jhené Aiko.

Daniel Young: My next question is how would you describe yourself?

Shannon Benton: Myself? (laughs) I don’t really know how I would describe myself. I don’t really think about that… People tend to say that I am a breath of fresh air. If I’m being honest, I just like being myself and that includes making others feel comfortable and welcome. I know that I am goofy and that I like to make other people laugh.

Daniel Young: Were you always this way?

Shannon Benton: Yes! I am honestly just a “big” kid! I haven’t changed to be honest. The only change that took place was me obviously getting older and getting more mature. I don’t think that maturity translates to how youthful your spirit can be. I’ve always been the type to spread love and light to those around me.

Daniel Young: In terms of your music career, where do you see yourself in the next two years?

Shannon Benton: In the next two years? I know that I’m going to be on tours, and I know that the projects that I’m working on now is going to be blessed with success. I see myself having an even bigger fanbase that relate to me and that I relate to them. I see myself being happy and inspiring others to do what makes them happy as well.

Daniel Young:  What would you define as happiness?

Shannon Benton: Happiness? What can I define as happiness? That’s a good question. I would say that happiness is one of those feelings where you don’t really know how to describe it. But when you know that you’re at your purest form or purest self and you don’t have to worry about performing for anybody else, being somebody you’re not or doing something that you don’t necessarily want to do. You are just content with you who you are and your own being and that is pure happiness right there. It doesn’t take a lot to be truly happy.

Daniel Young: How has your journey in the music industry been so far?

Shannon Benton: It has been good. I am very blessed to be where I am and to have experienced the things the things that I have experienced both good and bad (being with people or certain situations). I think that I am learning a lot especially being more self-aware of myself as an artist. I’m at that stage where I’m just absorbing everything like a sponge. I don’t know everything, and I will never know everything so I just want to get as much information that I can to pass down to others who ask me for advice.

Daniel Young: In terms of your progression are you on course to be where you want to be?  

Shannon Benton: Yes, I am. I know that because I make the best decisions that I can. Whether those decisions are the right ones or the wrong ones that are a step closer to me either learning more or gaining experience in whatever I am doing.  Even with the stuff that I’m doing now as an artist I feel like I am painting my world and curating my sound. I am getting closer and closer to who I see myself as.  I can’t be anymore grateful for that.

Daniel Young: is there any advice that you would give your younger self?

Shannon Benton: Number one- all that glitters is not gold that can refer to people or anything. Don’t be too naïve and take everything with a grain of salt. I would also tell myself don’t be afraid to speak up for who you are and what you believe in especially as a woman! Lastly, I would tell myself don’t stop having fun once someone tries to suck the fun out of things that’s when the enjoyment disappears.

Daniel Young: I know that you said that you wanted to release a project, how is that coming along?

Shannon Benton: It’s coming a long great. I have a project set to drop in January. It will be a 3 pack for the wintertime. I also have been working on everything else for next year which includes singles and planning for visuals. I am very excited to release this project.

Daniel Young: What is your writing process like?

Shannon Benton: Its different for every single song honestly. Sometimes I would just write a song to the beat while other times I would just freestyle. I like to approach things differently there isn’t really a set way. What I have noticed is that certain songs would take longer than others and when I have more things to get off my chest then those songs would go much quicker.

Daniel Young: What is the worst song that you have made?

Shannon Benton:  I really don’t know. The thing is I like all my songs because at the time that I created them it was the best song that I made at the time. I always need to have love and respect just because the art was made especially those songs that I made back in high school or when I was a bit younger. I must admit that I do have songs that I made that will never touch the face of the internet.

Daniel Young: My next question is what is your most favourite song that you made this far?

Shannon Benton: My most favourite song? I would have to say same page just because I wrote that song in about 20 minutes. It was very fluid, what was striking was the production of the song was very empty, there wasn’t any heavy drums or nothing like that it was very bare. It was just me speaking what is on my chest and for a moment I thought that people were not going to receive the song correctly because it was bare. Now a days everybody likes to judge music comparing songs and saying that this song doesn’t sound like that one… I was afraid of criticism at the time and now it’s the most streamed song that I have. What that song showed me is that I don’t have to be anyone but myself and just make the art that I want to make.

Daniel Young: Any last words to your fans?

Shannon Benton: To my fans? Thank you for always reaching out to me. It does make me so happy and shed tears from time to time because I know that you guys don’t have to go that extra mile for me. I would like them to know that I am so grateful for them to be here so early on this journey with me. I am excited to get to know them more and I cant wait to meet all of them one day!