Shaneen Bonner is a two-time Grammy considered, award-winning, Billboard charting artist, author, and record label executive who, over the last ten years, has built a successful career in the music industry. Her music, filled with positive lyrics and life-changing messages, comes from the church and has developed through multicultural experiences. Shaneen, an active member of Christian Songwriters and Musicians International, and the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, uses her activism to help the homeless community, empower teenage mothers, and women affected by domestic violence. Shaneen has written her first book, titled,’Bleeding Within A Journey To Finding Healing’ which helps people deal with inner issues that have been caused by trauma. We had the pleasure to catch up and discuss her current projects.
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. Congratulations on your career to date. For readers unfamiliar with your background, how did you get into the arts?
I’m a two-time Grammy-considered, award-winning, Billboard charting music artist, author, and record label executive with a successful career in the music industry for over 10 years, first as a music artist and later as a record label executive. I took on the role of a music artist and record label executive to create financial freedom for myself and to help artists who are not sure how to take their music to the next level. Growing up, I was always musically inclined and listened to all genres of music. Music from artists like Michael Jackson. Michael Bolton, and many others. At the age of 8, I listened to Minnie Riperton sing the song “Back Down Memory Lane.” During junior high and high school, I auditioned for several talent shows as well as singing in church choirs. This all inspired me to create and write my first album “God Loves You.” My love for music came from the church and was developed by multicultural experiences.
Okay, you’ve been in the music industry for over 10 years, first as a music artist and more recently as a record label executive. In your view, how much has the industry changed over the years, particularly in advancing the careers of artists?
I think the industry has changed tremendously over the years in advancing the career of artists. If you want to be noticed, you have to come prepared to show what you got musically. A great way for artists to show their musical talents is through social media and streaming platforms. This can help the career of an artist take off.
Are there any particular experiences that have shaped your appreciation of the industry or methods by which you approach your work?
I am particularly appreciative to have become an artist first. It taught me to be humble and hungry at the same time. It taught me to respect the art of music and the industry. The method by which I approach my work is through positive thinking, focusing on my goals, respecting others’ art, and doing a lot of research.
Can you tell us more about your company Decree Records.
Decree Records services are for Gospel and Inspirational artists who want to take their music to the next. Decree Records is an independent gospel and inspirational music record label based in Los Angeles, California. I founded the record label in 2021. It is a black-owned record label. It is a vehicle designed to build the career of gospel and inspirational music artists. The label experienced tremendous success with the 2021 release of “Great God” which hit the billboard indicator charts in the top 100. It also streamed more than 48,000 units and gave Decree Records its first Grammy consideration. Our second release “Praise” received a Spotify plaque and streamed over 363,000 units and received its second Grammy consideration. The record label is designed to develop new artists by teaching them the ends and outs of the music industry. In addition, Decree Records offers artist development, music consulting, and music submission services.
You’ve won a number of prestigious awards. To date, what is the achievement you’re most proud of, and why?
The achievement that I’m most proud of is being considered twice for a Grammy Award. This is the highest form of recognition in the music industry.
In addition to your music career, you’re also an author. Please tell us more about your book “Bleeding Within A Journey To Finding Healing’ and what readers can expect.
My book “Bleeding Within A Journey To Finding Healing” helps people deal with inner issues that have been caused by trauma, incidents, and or accidents. Also, it helps a person to identify the issues caused by pain, disappointment, hurt that has occurred in their life. “Bleeding Within A Journey To Finding Healing” is available at www.shaneencbonner.com.
What other projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently building Decree Records’ roster of music artists. I plan on returning to the studio myself to work on my new project.
PHOTO CREDITS: Aundra Williams (Main),Willie Latimore, and Decree Records.
About Author
