Interview with R&B Artist Sheila on the New EP 'Black Butterfly'

MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.

Sheila: Thank you! The honor is all mine. I appreciate the opportunity to share this time with you.

MuzicNotez: What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?

Sheila: I have been singing since I was a kid, participating in talent shows, pageants, and community church events. Music has always been therapeutic for me. I was very shy and timid as a kid, and when I sang, it became an outlet for me to express myself.

TikTok: @sheila_the_artist
Instagram: @sheila_the_artist

MuzicNotez: Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?

Sheila: It is hard to claim a favorite, but my first influences that I can remember were Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Whitney Houston. I love old movies like ‘Sparkle,’ ‘Lady Sings the Blues,’ ‘Mahogany,’ and ‘The Bodyguard.’ These artists were more than just singers to me. Their music had an impact on me because their songs told a story. This is something I aim to do with my music.

MuzicNotez: What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?

Sheila: I pray that my music lifts someone’s spirit as they travel life’s journey. I hope they find community in the lyrics and sentiments behind the music. I also hope my music will bring feelings of comfort, peace, and happiness.

MuzicNotez: What’s the greatest concert you’ve ever been to or performed?

Sheila: I performed as an opening act for the O’Jays. I met Eddie Levert, and he complimented my show and encouraged me to keep pressing forward in my career.

MuzicNotez: Your latest release is the EP ‘Black Butterly’. What inspired this release? What’s it about?

Sheila: For me, the album was about rebirth and becoming my most authentic self. Recording the album was a way to start fresh and begin the next chapter in my life. ‘Black Butterfly’ is about renewal and transformation. The butterfly symbolizes resurrection and transformation, as the creature moves from crawling to flying after a struggle in the cocoon. This process is understood only by the caterpillar/butterfly and God. If the caterpillar can survive the transition, it emerges as something truly beautiful.

MuzicNotez: You took a short break back in 2019, which then fueled this EP. How did that break effect you as an artist?

Sheila: I actually started writing music again in 2019. I never really stopped singing, but I turned my attention to church after the loss of my mother. I needed to heal and found solace in singing at church without dealing with the pressures of pursuing music professionally.

MuzicNotez: On your break you did some singing in the church, how do you feel that effected you as an artist?

Sheila: It refreshed my memory of why I sing. It reminded me that my talent is a gift from God, meant to be shared with others as an offering to the world and as a service to God.

MuzicNotez: What else are you working on? What can we expect to see and hear from you in the future?

Sheila: I am back in the studio working on a new project. I expect to release my next single by September 2023. It will focus more on love and relationships. I am very excited about it!

MuzicNotez: Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Any message for your fans?

Sheila: Thank you for allowing me to share on your platform. I also extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported my project through prayer, encouragement, as well as streaming and downloading my music. I believe the best is yet to come!