Shaznay Lewis FAULT Magazine Cover Interview
In a heartfelt return to solo artistry after a two-decade hiatus, the renowned Shaznay Lewis has released her new album, “Pages.” In an exclusive interview, she opens up about the inspirations and creative processes behind her latest work as well as all her FAULTs.
Pages marks your first solo album in twenty years. What inspired you to return to solo work after such a long hiatus? After a writing session with Moyses Dos Santos and Charlie Stacey, I was inspired to start this project. We devised a rough idea to which I sang a melody and took the idea away. I was immediately excited by the melody alone and sat on it for a while. Eventually, I wrote “Missiles” and took it to Ben Cullum to produce.
Can you share the story behind the song ‘Kiss of Life’ and what it means to you personally? I wrote “Kiss of Life” with Ant Whiting and Emily Phillips. It was the first song we wrote together, and we knew we had written something special. The song is about my children, how I feel as their mother, my desire to love and protect them, and how they have shaped me in many ways.
You’ve mentioned that ‘Pages’ was created with a sense of freedom and clear headspace. How did this creative process differ from your previous works? Creating this album felt different from my previous experiences because it was the first time in my 30-year career I could focus purely on the song. When writing for bands and other projects, other requirements usually have to be considered first. When creating art, the story should always come first. It has taught me much about how to work within my writing process moving forward.
How do you approach songwriting, especially when dealing with personal themes like loneliness and heartbreak? My approach to writing is usually relaxed. I do like to chat for a while. I find that talking will often grab hold of an idea. I’m not afraid to write about topics like loneliness or heartache, as we all experience these emotions. Sharing things we all feel is very connective, and music is supposed to connect us. I also like to listen to beats or chord ideas and hum along until I feel something.
The music industry today is very different from when you debuted. How do you feel you would have fared as a new artist in the current climate? I’m unsure how I would have fared as a totally new artist in the current climate. I’m happy to be from the era I’m from. My kids don’t even know what the charts are, and people aren’t too bothered with that as music is consumed differently now. Sadly, how we buy, listen, and hold onto music doesn’t seem as unique as it used to be. I’d also have liked to have been an artist in the 80s.
What were your musical influences during the creation of this album? While making this album, I made a playlist of songs that I found interesting. If a song had interesting sounds, chords, beats, feels, and moods, I listened to them for inspiration.
You mentioned that ‘Kiss of Life’ is written about your children. How has motherhood influenced your music and lyrical content? Motherhood has inspired me so much when it comes to writing. So many feelings consume me regularly that I find there is always something to write about. I’m probably more mindful about what I say—not censored, just mindful. ? I know my children will be left with my words when I’m long gone.
What’s been the most challenging hurdle of your musical journey? The most challenging hurdle of my musical journey has been moving towards, understanding, and being the artist that I truly am.
What is your FAULT? What is my fault?… probably timekeeping. Although I am getting better. I really do appreciate and enjoy the feeling I get when I’m on time. I also enjoy how happy others are when I’m on time. There’s nothing worse than pissing people off. ?