Shantelia Selina is a UK, British Singer/Dancer from London. Professionally trained as a dancer using her music to create in inspire. Coming from a strong musical family background from her Anglo Indian Heritage. She was born in the UK and is Half Indian, Nigerian and German.
Who inspired you to make music?
I come from a very musical background. In India, my uncles, grandads and brothers all sing and play instruments. So, when I was young we would always have what they called a jam session and just make and vibe out to music. My brother would help me produce songs when we were younger too.
A film that really inspired me when I was younger was Selena which was played by Jennifer Lopez. I fell in love with singing even more as she had so much heart and an amazing story.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It’s so difficult to promote your music to the right crowd but I think things like TikTok are a great way to promote your music yourself. It also makes things 10x better when you get to where you need to be through pushing through barriers/obstacles.
Have you got a ritual of sorts when making music?
I keep my music making methods quite close to me but usually, I need a quiet space. I can only write music in complete silence – that’s when I can hear the lyrics, melodies and instruments I want to use. Then I just voice note them and put it all together for my producer.
How would you describe your music?
It’s a blend of rnb / trap and hiphop, some of the new music has afrobeat vibes too. I’ve tried to keep it close to my personal style with some commercial vibes to it. I want people to hear my lyrics and feel what I feel when I create music.
What’s next for you?
I’d love to perform live at a festival or be signed to a label. Those are on the top of my goal lists right now.
What are your top two favorite songs of all time? Why those songs?
I have an old soul. I love the classics. I love Exhale by Whitney Houston, it always makes me feel calm and helps me end the day in peace. I don’t know what it is about that song but its heaven sent.
Stuck On You by Lionel Richie – Reminds me of my family when we used to have our music sessions in the UK and India
What was the last series you watched on TV?
‘Never Have I Ever’ on Netflix – it’s full of culture and banter. I love it! Especially being half Indian it feels relatable to some degree.
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
The Internet
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
I love crystals so I have a few.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Have you done everything you can to be who you know you are?
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
I said my Hurricane Sugar baby you say you’re loving on the sweet chocolate baby loving! ( Had to add a reference lyric from all night!!)
Sweet Honey Salted Caramel hehe x
She is Feisty but real.
Shantelia shares her sensual new single ‘All Night’, out everywhere now.
Naming Tems, Stefflondon and Aaliyah as her main influences, Shantelia thrives off being able to experiment with the emotions and feelings she’s able to convey with her music. Co-produced by Shantelia and ENZ, ‘All Night’ incorporates slick beats with Shantelia’s sultry vocal delivery, offering a message of empowerment and embracing your confident and sensual side.
Speaking of the track, Shantelia says, “I wrote this song to encourage people to just enjoy the present moment, be open to love and to own your sensual side as a woman – embrace your confidence! Have fun with your experiences and try not to overthink everything if it feels right at that moment. For men, I want them to catch a vibe and feel good about themselves.
My producer ENZ created a beat from a few melodies I was singing in my head and then I decided not to write any words, I just went into the recording booth and decided to just sing anything that came to mind. It all kicked off from there and then I chopped and changed and wrote lyrics to melodies and sounds I liked from the freestyle on the track.”