Gold Crwn Magazine AUG 2016 | Page 12

SHAYNA LEIGH Shayna originally found music through the dramatic arts. Commercial work as a child actor led to musical theater, where she first discovered singing. She released an EP ?Hey Shayna Leigh? in September 2014, which soared to #2 on Amazon?s Singer/Songwriter chart, #3 on their Hottest New Release chart. On July 28, 2015, Shayna released her debut album ?Drive? on S-Curve Records/UMG. I got to sit down with Shayna and learn more about her background , the meaning of the album and more. School Tip: Add her album "Drive" to your playlist to rock to this school year. It will add some happiness to your school day (psssh you will need it.) W hat got you into musical t heater? I started with the acting part actually. I spent much of my early years trying to find an appropriate hobby but I was pretty terrible at most everything until I finally convinced my mom to let me take acting classes (I was a fearful child? acting seemed like an unlikely fit!) But to everyone?s surprise, I loved it! Acting naturally led to singing and voice lessons? Once music was in the picture, I was hooked! The rest is history, I guess. .Did you ever t hink t he years of hard work would get you t his far? I think I really hoped so! The music industry is always incredibly challenging, so I think a healthy amount of confidence/ optimism about your work and the future is almost a requirement of the field. That being said, I have known how difficult it is to succeed every step of the way and how many people have dreams just like mine, so I?m not unaware of how lucky I?ve been (I am also not unaware of how much work is required to be this lucky!) I think the key is to find the balance between being grateful for where you are and hungry for what?s next!