Sheva Biography
One of the rarest qualities a singer can have is the power to touch an audience’s deepest emotions. On her new self-titled record Sheva (UE3/Sony Red) and in her stunning live shows listeners experience a visceral reaction to her music.
“I’ve had many people coming up to me after my shows, telling me how the music made them feel -- how it gave them chills or moved them in a certain way. I love hearing that because it is how my favorite artists make me feel when I listen to them.”
Sheva’s new record is produced by critically-acclaimed Vancouver-based producer Dale Penner (Holly McNarland, Nickelback, Matthew Good Band). Sheva’s collection of original songs with their fluid stream of confessional lyrics and lilting melodies allow her rich vocals to flow through poignant musical peaks and valleys.
From the self-actualized revelations of “Song for Myself” to the plaintive “Runaway,” Sheva exquisitely achieves a fine balance between pathos and hope. Her songs often tap deep emotions, sometimes even bringing tears to your eyes.
Recorded in Vancouver and Halifax, the record has a cast of top-notch musicians on board. These include New York’s Jimmy Landry (guitar, bass, programming, co-writer), Vancouver’s Don Powrie (drums), Bill Buckingham (strings), and Los Angeles’ Barry Coffing (strings/keys).
Sheva’s remarkable live performances have earned her rave reviews and a growing legion of new fans. She has done hundreds of shows including tours of Quebec and Ontario which featured stellar appearances in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto at Starbucks coffee shops, Chapters, and Indigo Bookstores, as well as appearing at the Canada Day Festival.
On her debut U.S. tour, Sheva was well-received at Borders Book Stores where new fans lined up for CD’s and autographs. She has also played at the Rockwood Music Hall in New York City, and was recently selected to sing the National Anthem for the Atlanta Thrashers NHL game, performing n front of thousands of appreciative fans.
“It doesn’t bother me,” reflects Sheva about the large crowds. “As much as you feed off performing in front of thousands, there’s even more of a connection in front of a smaller audience when shows are really intimate.”
Sheva has always found it hard to precisely describe her uniquely moving music.
“As I’ve been performing, I feel my music has more of a dramatic sound to it.
It’s more organic-driven pop.”
Like Sarah McLachlan, you can lose yourself in Sheva’s big and emotive voice. She has an honest, fresh delivery, yet she’s technically strong, fortified by years of classical voice training.
Sheva grew up in the small town of Bridgetown in Nova Scotia, not far from Halifax, where she craved a cultured education in the arts
“My parents were influential in exposing us to many different art froms,” recalls Sheva. “They loved taking us to the symphony and musicals.”
After graduating with an English degree, Sheva performed as singer for house bands at various public events. Eventually she met Penner, who got her working with songwriter Jimmy Landry.
“Jimmy flew to Halifax from Boston and we immediately hit it off as songwriters,” Sheva explains. “He showed a few songwriting tricks and helped me develop my ideas and take them to a whole other place. I’ve grown as a songwriter because of this experience.”
Of all her songs, she is particularly fond of “Song for Myself,” a metaphor for her own struggle to become an artist.
“It means a lot to me in terms of where I was coming from when I wrote it,” explains Sheva. “I’ve taken my whole musical journey and put into one song. It’s basically about taking a risk and doing what you want love.”
Sheva’s risk was well worth it – she is an artist whose enormous talent and emotionally powerful performances will continue to reach into people’s hearts and move them profoundly.
Written by Julius Robinson
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Granville Records
Darin Roche
902-404-2917