Lamitschka:Â Music has many new fans
throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time.
How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who
has never seen or heard you?
grew up listening to storytelling country music, the kind that taught
you good values and life lessons. I try to emulate the values that I
was raised on. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. My
great grandmother used to say that and I feel it best describes me as
a person. My music is the direct reflection of that, positive
messages with soaring melodies and a relatable story line.
Lamitschka:Â How was the last year for
you? What were your highlights?
This past year has
been a roller coaster. I’ve learned a lot about myself personally
and musically and I have grown from all my experiences. Some of the
biggest highlights were moving to Nashville and now releasing this
album. Both of these events have challenged me in different ways.
I’ve learned who I am as a musician, person and a businesswoman.
They have been the hardest moments in my life, but also the greatest.
Lamitschka:Â What is your latest CD and
how’s it doing?
“Perfectly
Imperfect” is due out April 16th.
I am so honored to have a chance to show myself as an artist on this
incredible 11-song release. I wrote half of the songs and hand picked
the others from a batch of dozens. I have very high hopes for the
success of this album.
Lamitschka:Â How did you choose the title
for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?
“Perfectly Imperfect” is one of the title tracks on the album,
but it holds a much deeper meaning. I am extremely imperfect, but I
am perfectly imperfect and I love that about myself. I think it best
represents this whole experience and life itself. Nothing should be
perfect and everyone should be happy being exactly how they are,
perfectly imperfect.
Lamitschka:Â Do you write the songs
yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?
I wrote or co-wrote half the songs on the album. Publishing companies
pitched the rest and I listened to tons of songs before finding and
selecting the ones that best represented me.
Lamitschka:Â Please tell us about the
songs on your album (influences, etc).
The songs on my album
all have one thing in common, a positive message. From talking about
being happy with who you are, to falling in love, to not settling,
every song teaches the listener something. Most importantly I hope
people learn to accept themselves and love the person God created
them to be.
Lamitschka:Â Your current single is being
played by radio. What do you feel is special about this song that
makes people want to hear it?
Blossom in the Dust
is a very special song because of the message it holds. The story is
about a young girl who grew up in a broken home and had to be placed
with another family. However, the moral of the story is despite it
all she becomes a blossom in the dust. No matter what troubles come
our way, we can overcome them and have the ability to rise above and
blossom.
Lamitschka:Â What will your next single
be?
Zero to Sixty will be
the second single off the album. We hope to release it this summer
sometime in July. It is the perfect up-tempo summer release. Makes
you want to roll down the windows and enjoy the sun with that someone
special.
Lamitschka:Â What kind of songs do you
like to record the most?
I love recording
anything with a strong emotion. I always try to put all my heart into
every song whether it is a ballad or a fun pop tune about driving in
the car. It’s my job to make the listener connect and feel every
word. When I can do that, I love my job.
Lamitschka:Â You did a duet with Jeff
Skorik. How did that happen to come
about?
I did a duet with Jeff Skorik. I co-wrote the song with one of my
best friends Nicky Rood and it was an extremely emotional process
because it was about a relationship that I was/am still going
through. After we completed the song, I listened back and knew that
it had to be on my album. Jeff came in and knocked it out the park.
This song tugs at the heartstrings lyrically and captivates
melodically. I knew it would help bring the album full circle.
Lamitschka:Â What is your favorite song
among all the songs you have recorded and what’s the story behind it?
I don’t know that I
can choose just one. They are all so different. Blossom in the Dust
was the first song I fell in love with when I heard the demo. I
couldn’t help but smile when it came on. Zero to Sixty is one of
those songs that make me dance around the kitchen (terribly I might
add) and sing along at the top of my lungs.
Lamitschka:Â How much creative control do
you have over your music?
I chose all the songs
on the record and had input on all the musicians, engineers, etc. I
think it is important to retain control and stay true to who you are.
Lamitschka:Â Do you have any interesting
stories about how fans have been affected by your music?
I have a few. My
music and overall image has translated well with fans. I am extremely
down to earth and an everyday girl. My songs tell stories and the
fans can relate. The cutest story is a 3-year-old girl standing in
front of the stage at my show with her mouth open, not moving a
muscle. The powers of music never cease to amaze me.
Lamitschka:Â Who inspires you musically
and how deep do your musical roots run?
Billy Gilman had a
huge influence on my life musically. At 11 years old he had a hit
single on country radio promoting the power of one voice to change
the world. He is a positive role model in my life from a values
standpoint and musically he has one oft he most powerful and
passionate voices I’ve ever heard.
Lamitschka:Â What do you think about
today’s music industry?
Shannon Selig: I
think music is constantly growing and adapting. Obviously the
business side of things is rapidly changing but I have high hopes for
the music industry. People will be forced to adapt and get creative,
which can only mean good things.
Lamitschka:Â When you get time off, how do
you like to relax?
Shannon Selig:Â
I don’t take time off. I get a few days here or there and I usually
use it to play guitar or write. When I am lucky enough to get up to
Nova Scotia, Canada where my dad’s family is. I love going tot he
lake, walking barefoot through the fields and just being alone in the
outdoors.
Lamitschka:Â Many European fans travel to
the United States to attend the several of the music festivals for
the opportunity to see so many of their favorite artists, bands and
celebrities. Will you be participating and how will the fans be able
to find you?
Shannon Selig:Â I
hope to be participating, that all depends on the fans. They can find
all of the information by visiting www.facebook.com/shannonselig
Lamitschka:Â What message would you like
to send your European fans?
Shannon Selig: I’d
like to tell them to always be themselves and embrace being Perfectly
Imperfect. I hope they enjoy my album and I hope to see them on a
European tour soon.
( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de
)