La Shana Latrice In Conversation with FAULT Magazine
La Shana Latrice
La Shana Latrice is a rarity in contemporary music. At a time where artists go to great lengths to distance themselves from genres, she embraces hers willingly. An unashamed devotee of ’90s and early ’00s R&B, La Shana brings elements of Soul and Gospel to a body of work that revels in its hip-grinding, sultry club sounds. With two EPs released already since launching her career in 2019 – and another forthcoming in 2024 – she certainly isn’t standing still. Add a collaboration with Idris Elba into the mix and it’s clear that La Shana Latrice means business. We caught up with her to mark the release of her latest single, ‘I Found It’.
FAULT: Tell us a bit about your background – how did you get into music?
La Shana Latrice: I’ve loved singing from a young age. I grew up in a Jamaican household with no siblings, so life was always creative for me. I found ways to entertain myself through dance, art, poetry, music, and simply having a huge imagination.
You relocated from Birmingham in the UK to Richmond, VA – why? What were some of the challenges and opportunities associated with that move?
I needed to be with family out here in the States and found myself deciding to make the move. In addition, I found that, back in the UK, I was very distracted by familiarity. I needed to focus and redirect where I was heading in life. The biggest challenge was the cultural difference and getting used to the different terminology of things.
Name some of your key inspirations, musical and/or otherwise?
I would say my grandma. She never gave up on me and always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.
Your sound has been described as R&B, Soul and even Gospel. Which of those labels are you most comfortable with – if any?
Honestly, either or all. I think the ’90s and 2000s were the best R&B. I would make that type of music all day if I could.
You’ve released two full length records in Everything is Changing and Faith. What’s the next step of your musical journey in terms of building on – or moving away from – those releases?
Yes, so much music is coming. My third EP will be released in 2024.
Which do you prefer: recording or performing live?
I love both. I haven’t performed as much as I would like.
You’ve already had Idris Elba feature on the remix to ‘Let It Flow’, but who else would you most like to collaborate with and why?
I would love to collab with Mariah Carey: I love her voice and I’m a huge fan. I grew up listening to her, and she inspires me big time, musically.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Deffo business in media, photography, and selling merch – which I still intend on doing regardless.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Anything you’re particularly looking forward to?
Sorry, I cannot disclose, but please don’t sleep on me. Big things to come.
What is your FAULT?
That I doubt and can overthink at times.
