Shannon Okay’s latest single, “OTT,” connects her Indian musical roots with the style of Western pop. Released the identical week because the devastating LA fires, Shannon is donating proceeds from this single to assist the victims of those tragic occasions. She hopes to make use of her profession to mix musical types and private views, sparking conversations and creating narratives round cultural collisions. Shannon Okay desires her platform to have a deeper which means, particularly for younger South Asian girls.
Pop artist Shannon Okay grew up surrounded by the colourful musical tradition of South Asia. Her first and strongest inspiration was famend playback singer Kumar Sanu, a really private and shut exemplar she calls her guru. More importantly, he was her father, the person who raised her from her adoption at simply 22 days outdated.
Witnessing Sanu’s recording work and performances gave Shannon Okay an in depth have a look at the realities of a musical life-style, so when she determined to observe in her father’s footsteps, she knew what she was stepping into. Sunar’s assist has been invaluable. It contains collaboration, equivalent to on the current single “9 to five,” which options father and daughter teaming up for vocals. Shannon Okay’s rising profession has include loads of challenges, primarily as she takes to a world stage.
When Shannon Okay determined to get her begin within the US music scene, she confronted boundaries that went past the norm. Racial discrimination got here from surprising locations. While she made her approach singing in cafes and eating places, she discovered herself rejected from auditions and talked all the way down to in conferences, typically rejected earlier than she might even sing a single word. Regular rejection changed into self-doubt, and her psychological well being crumbled into despair.
Resilience takes time. Shannon Okay credit household assist for getting her by that point and educating her how perception in her value and artwork can overcome naysayers. Continuing to work, to sing, and to develop as an artist, Shannon Okay finally made her debut single, “A Long Time,” in collaboration with Poo Bear.
Since then, Shannon Okay has been gaining momentum. She has turn out to be a standout identify, being featured on Billboard, Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, and different well-known magazines, charting on iTunes, and even acting at Times Square. It’s a platform that isn’t confined to music. Shannon Okay has additionally made a mark as an actor, taking up roles in initiatives like The Big Feed and the Amazon Prime movie Chal Zindagi.
She additionally advocates for social causes, specializing in psychological well being and animal rights. Shannon Okay hopes to encourage younger abilities by her success and advocacy and supply an instance of a path from underrepresented beginnings to mainstream success. She is aware of that development is a lifelong pursuit.
As Shannon Okay continues to advance her profession and discover her artistry, she desires to make sure that her roots are by no means misplaced. She intends to hold her roots together with her and present them proudly in order that her followers perceive which you can succeed with out sacrificing any a part of who you might be with laborious work, resilience, and genuine integrity.