Serious Songwriter: Shenna Somsmieh
Shenna Somsmieh
Location:
Brooklyn, NY, USA
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Shenna and I am an Indie-Pop artist and write from Woodbridge, VA currently living in NY! I've been blessed to have over 12 sync licensing placements for my original music in tv and film including Disney's 'Stargirl', Netflix series "Selling Sunset, 'Lethal Weapon', and more! Aside from being a songwriter, I have toured throughout Japan, London, Canada, and the US and my favorite thing to do is interact with an audience! Recently, my EP "Blue Memories" was covered by The Washington Post during Mental Health Awareness Week!
Name of your most recent release:
Why are you a songwriter?
I write songs based on life events, people watching and what I am currently going through in life. Some of my best songs are written when free styling voice memo style! I find it as an escape route to tell my story as many times I sugar coat my words but in songs I can put it all on the table!
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I think so far my proudest accomplishment is having my songs play in retail and food chains! It is always funny to hear my friends freak out and say "I am in TJ Maxx right now and I swear your song is playing!" I have yet to experience this moment myself but it is a very awesome feeling to know new listeners get to hear my music everyday along with family and friends.
Share the most interesting writing experience you ever had:
I remember one time it was raining so hard outside and I was going to a studio in Virginia with my main producer Austin Bello. We wrote one of my favorite songs to sing live called "Take You're Time" I remember the sky being so many different vivid colors and the atmosphere feeling majestic even though it was raining. I believe the colorful lyrics on this song were truly made due to this atmosphere and it just felt different in the best way possible.
What makes you unique as a songwriter?
I think my style of writing is unique because I paint vivid pictures while writing. I like to really set the scene almost like a book to place people in my world and zone while writing. I also listen to so many different genres of music especially classics. I literally listen to Linkin Park, Queen, and Earth Wind and Fire in one setting and love the feel of live instruments and pay attention to the swing of words while writing. I'm a firm believer that everything doesn't have to rhyme but it should feel natural.
If you could write with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
I would totally write with will.i.am because he is just so quirky and awesome! I love that he produces, writes, and is an amazing artist. I think we would create some timeless hits! I just discovered he produced "American Boy" which is one song that just feels so good no matter what setting.
How can the Serious Songwriter community help you?
I believe meeting other writers and creatives would be awesome! I want to do more collaborations with like minded people!
What can you help the Serious Songwriter community with?
I believe I could help due to having some connections in sync licensing and could submit the songs we create together to them for everyone to win!
Fun fact about you:
I can do voice overs and change my singing voice very easily!