Las Angeles Music

Embracing Creativity and Battling Self-Doubt with Shea Givens on Icon Presents

In the latest episode of Icon Presents, host Antwon Haynes chats with singer-songwriter Shea Givens about her journey from Missouri to California, her creative process, and how she’s learned to navigate anxiety and self-doubt along the way. Shea opens up about the real struggles and triumphs that have shaped her as an artist, offering a relatable and inspiring perspective for anyone in the creative field.

Turning Anxiety into Art

Shea starts the conversation by discussing how anxiety has been a significant influence on her songwriting. She shares her unique method of capturing ideas—often starting with vocal memos and improvising lyrics that gradually take shape. Growing up, Shea’s love for music was nurtured by singing with her mom and learning piano at school, a passion that followed her when she moved to California ten years ago to pursue her music dreams.

This move was a big step, bringing her closer to family and opening up new opportunities in her music career. It’s clear that California has played a crucial role in her growth as an artist.

Finding Inspiration and Embracing Imperfections

As they continue to talk, Shea reveals the inspirations behind her music, including legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Shania Twain, and Allen Stone. She’s working on an upcoming album that features live band performances, something she’s particularly excited about because it allows for the kind of creative freedom she values. Shea and Antwon both agree that there’s something special about the imperfections and raw emotions in live music—it’s those human elements that make it so powerful.

Shea also reflects on the energy of live performances, which she finds incredibly rewarding. For her, there’s nothing quite like the connection and authenticity that come from being on stage.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Growing as an Artist

Shea opens up about the challenges she faces with self-doubt and perfectionism, admitting that she can be her own harshest critic, especially when it comes to her performances and appearance. Antwon and Shea discuss the difficulties of putting yourself out there, particularly in creative fields where self-criticism can easily take over.

Despite these challenges, Shea finds strength in her deep connection to music—it’s an essential part of who she is. She talks about the joy she finds in performing live, even admitting that it can be a bit of a selfish pursuit because it’s where she feels most free and expressive.

Looking Ahead: New Music and Live Shows

As the episode wraps up, Shea shares her excitement about her upcoming music and live performances. She talks about growing up watching her mom perform and her dad’s involvement in a band, which helped her feel comfortable on stage from a young age. Now, with her own band and original music, she’s focused on continuing to grow and refine her sound.

Shea encourages other creators to keep pushing through their struggles and to find joy in their work, even when self-doubt creeps in. She’s looking forward to what’s next and invites listeners to follow her journey on social media.

Catch the Full Episode

This episode of Icon Presents gives you a candid look at Shea Givens’ journey, from managing anxiety to embracing the imperfections that make her music so relatable. Whether you’re a fan of Shea’s work or someone looking for creative inspiration, you’ll find plenty to connect with in this conversation.

Tune in to the full episode on Icon Presents to hear more about Shea’s new projects, her thoughts on overcoming self-doubt, and why staying true to yourself is so important in the creative process. Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram at @shakeevansmusic and check out her website for updates and new music.

At Icon Presents, we’re all about sharing the stories behind the music, art, and creativity that shape our culture. Keep an eye out for more interviews and insights from the incredible voices in the creative world.