India Shawn honed her skills as a writer for Polow Da Don’s Zone 4 Entertainment. During her time with Zone 4, Shawn and her team, Full Circle, penned hits such as Chris Brown’s “Love the Girls”, “Calypso,” “Trumpet Lights,” and “Tell Somebody.”And she also helped pen Monica’s “Without You”and “The Way You Love Me.”
Shawn is now stepping into the limelight with her new album ORIGIN.
Shawn recently spoke with rolling out about her debut project.
When did you write your first song? At what point did you realize you could make it a career?
I had always written poetry. I kept journals and notepads and jotted down corny little poems. That’s all a song is to me, a poem. Shortly after I moved to Atlanta from California, I was swinging around a tree in a Best Buy parking lot singing a song “Fallen” by Mya. That was the start of it all. A man approached me ( who would later become my first manager) and asked if I wanted to go to a studio, and in that moment, I knew the possibility of having a career in music was real.
Do you have a ritual or process when you write?
I probably should practice some sort of writing ritual. I’d probably write a lot more often LoL. I’ve found that the best songs are the ones that just kinda come to you. It’s like an idea literally being dropped in you head. I prefer to write with musicians. I feel a lot more creative in that atmosphere.
Which songs did you write for Chris Brown, Monica and Keri Hilson? What was the experience like?
I’m 1/3 of a writing team called Full Circle, which includes my sisters Jazmyn Michel and Kesia Hollins. We’ve written “Love the Girls”, “Calypso”, “Trumpet Lights, and “Tell Somebody” for Chris Brown. We wrote “Without You” for Monica and “The Way You Love Me” & “Let Me Down” for Keri Hilson. It was great writing for those artists. I was really honored to work with Chris Brown, specifically. He’s a living legend; so creative, so talented! On the flipside, you’re kind of limited in a sense when it comes to writing for major artists who have already established their own sound and message. It confines you, but over all it was really a dream come true.
Who would like to work with?
I would love to work with Kanye West, Salaam Remi, & David Foster. Those are just a few on my dream list.
Let’s discuss your new album ORIGIN. What’s the overall meaning of the album title?
This is my very first album! It’s the beginning for me. I believe every moment is a new beginning. It also represents my truth through my experiences. I felt ORIGIN would best fit those ideas.
What can fans expect from this album?
Fans can expect thought-provoking, heartfelt lyrics over well-crafted, lush production. It’s really a breath of fresh air.
How long did it take to create this project?
This album was a year in the making! It really changed a lot from its initial starting point. Art has the ability to do that, to kind of take on a form of its own.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I’d like to be remembered as a genuine person who inspired, loved, and created in a way that really allowed her heart to be seen.
https://indiashawn.bandcamp.com/
