India Shawn

“I’m India Shawn. I’m a singer and songwriter.”

Was there a moment you knew you were going to pursue your talent as your career?

“As soon as I knew that I had a gift, I knew that I would pursue it. That was at a very young age. I remember being in middle school and telling one of the cafeteria ladies that I was going to thank her when I got a grammy. At that point I had never even been in the studio. I was singing in the choir and things like that so I kind of knew that that would be my path.”

If you could tell yourself a secret at the beginning of your journey, what would it be?

“I would tell myself that the secret is to focus on what you want. That means to give that thing, that person, that subject, your complete attention. I feel like my attention kinda has been scattered over the years but if I could go back in time I would definitely tell myself to stay focused.”

How has fashion connected to your artistry?

“I feel like as I am getting older and more comfortable in my body and with who I am, I am becoming more fashionable. I’ve always been more on that relaxed comfortable side which is why I love Ethan. You know because it’s fashion but it’s also comfortable and wearable. I am discovering my style and what I like.”

What’s your favorite item in your closet and why?

“I have these really cute Indian pants that are reversible so I can wear them on either side. There’s a different pattern on either side and they tie at the waist. I’ve had them for well over 10 years. Every time I wear them I get the most complements. It’s funny because I got them at a mall, a random mall at a random store. I was drawn to them. Every time I wear them i get so many complements so those are my go to’s.”

How do you feel when you wear them?

“I feel comfortable but I feel like because they’re such a cultural signature piece, I feel like it’s showing a side of both my culture which is Trinidadian and Indian and also my style.”

Do you have a special piece that you like to wear while you’re creating?

“I have this gold bangle on that my grandmother gave me when I was a kid and I wear it all the time. It’s like a good luck piece for me. It is definitely comfort and protection.”

How do you feel once you’ve completed a song?

“Oh my gosh. It’s the best feeling in the world. When I leave the studio with a finished idea. Wow I feel powerful and like a Genius” (India emphasizes the word genius humorously and giggles) “No but I love just taking nothing and making something out of nothing. Or just having an idea and watching that become so much bigger than I even imagined.”

What was the last song that you put on?

“I was just listening on repeat actually to this song called “dive” by Victoria Monet. I love that song.”