February 2022 Featured Artist
Songstress Overcomes Early Fears to Find Her Path in the Music Industry
An Interview with Tennessee-Based Singer-Songwriter
Queen Sheena
Photo Credit: Brooke Logan
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Tennessee-based singer-songwriter Sheena Fanning (stage name: Queen Sheena) was born in Chester, Pennsylvania. Her family moved to Columbus, Georgia when Sheena was very young and later to Phenix City, Alabama. When Sheena was ten years old, she began writing poetry and singing in her church youth choir. Over the years, she developed a deep passion for writing poetry, singing, and expressing herself through the arts. Throughout middle school and during her freshman year of high school, she played the baritone and soon recognized an appreciation for classical music. In high school, she joined the drama club to express her creativity as an actress. By the time she graduated from high school, Sheena had found confidence in her unique voice and writing ability and wanted to share these talents with the world.
After writing her first song, she knew she wanted to reach a broader audience and has since performed at venues in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. Queen Sheena released her first single in 2018 titled “1964” which tells the story of the civil rights movement. In July of that year, she released her highly anticipated, self-titled debut EP, which showcases her soulful voice and incredible songwriting abilities. Since then, she has released two more singles – “A Long Way from Home” and her most recent hit song, “Amen.” Queen Sheena has won several awards, including the International Songwriter award for her single “Tree House” in the R&B category. This enthusiastic and highly motivated songstress states, “I’m just getting started!” |
"I wrote ‘Amen’ in September 2019 before the pandemic hit. To me, the song is very prolific. It’s about the moment you finally believe in yourself, and saying ‘amen’ after that moment is your way of affirming it to be true." ~ Queen Sheena
Myrna Beth Haskell, executive editor, spoke with Sheena about her musical journey, her songwriting process, and what she hopes the future holds.
What artists have inspired your work?
As a little girl, I was obsessed with Whitney Houston. Her vocal ability is amazing. I also love Lauryn Hill as a writer. Her lyrics just speak to me. She is a unique writer and multitalented artist. Brandy also inspires me – her vocal ability and the fact that she had this new sound in the 90s that still stands to this day.
However, as a woman, my mom inspires me. She is my biggest support system. I would be nothing without her. She has always been behind me 100 percent, no matter what.
Have you had any voice training?
I grew up singing gospel music in church. My dad was my first vocal coach when I was young. [Sheena’s dad worked in the music industry as a producer and engineer.] My first vocal coach as an adult was Ms. Catherine Childree. She really helped to build my confidence and helped me believe in my voice. She taught me many different techniques. I’ve also worked with Sarah Thomas. She has worked with me on breathing techniques for live performances. Some people don’t realize how important your breathing is. You definitely need to warm your voice up before a set, and drinking water is also important.
Do you play any instruments?
I played the baritone years ago in junior high and high school. I was taking piano lessons right before the pandemic started. I was only two months in when I had to stop.
When did you start singing professionally?
I started singing professionally six years ago. I consider this the start of my professional career because this was the time when I started pursuing my career with everything I have. I spent so many years hiding in my room. And God said you gotta get out there, girl!
Let’s discuss your songwriting process.
I started writing poetry at ten. I can pen a song quickly, but I usually sing songs straight out now. I have full songs in my head that have never been written down. God literally gives me the music. I can literally see what I’m singing. I’ve written songs in the shower…in my car. I wrote ‘A Long Way from Home’ and many others by just singing it straight out. I put it out exactly like it comes to me. I don’t format the songs.
I call my fans ‘my crowns.’ Thank God that they let me be free and let me just create because my music is a little bit of everything.
What artists have inspired your work?
As a little girl, I was obsessed with Whitney Houston. Her vocal ability is amazing. I also love Lauryn Hill as a writer. Her lyrics just speak to me. She is a unique writer and multitalented artist. Brandy also inspires me – her vocal ability and the fact that she had this new sound in the 90s that still stands to this day.
However, as a woman, my mom inspires me. She is my biggest support system. I would be nothing without her. She has always been behind me 100 percent, no matter what.
Have you had any voice training?
I grew up singing gospel music in church. My dad was my first vocal coach when I was young. [Sheena’s dad worked in the music industry as a producer and engineer.] My first vocal coach as an adult was Ms. Catherine Childree. She really helped to build my confidence and helped me believe in my voice. She taught me many different techniques. I’ve also worked with Sarah Thomas. She has worked with me on breathing techniques for live performances. Some people don’t realize how important your breathing is. You definitely need to warm your voice up before a set, and drinking water is also important.
Do you play any instruments?
I played the baritone years ago in junior high and high school. I was taking piano lessons right before the pandemic started. I was only two months in when I had to stop.
When did you start singing professionally?
I started singing professionally six years ago. I consider this the start of my professional career because this was the time when I started pursuing my career with everything I have. I spent so many years hiding in my room. And God said you gotta get out there, girl!
Let’s discuss your songwriting process.
I started writing poetry at ten. I can pen a song quickly, but I usually sing songs straight out now. I have full songs in my head that have never been written down. God literally gives me the music. I can literally see what I’m singing. I’ve written songs in the shower…in my car. I wrote ‘A Long Way from Home’ and many others by just singing it straight out. I put it out exactly like it comes to me. I don’t format the songs.
I call my fans ‘my crowns.’ Thank God that they let me be free and let me just create because my music is a little bit of everything.
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So, do you write in multiple genres?
I’m usually put into the R&B/Soul category. I feel like I don’t really have a genre, though. ‘Tree House’ is little more pop, and ‘A Long Way from Home’ is a little more soulful. ‘Virginia’ came to me when my good friend called me up crying. Her husband [who was in the military] was overseas, and she hadn’t heard from him in days. It just came from our phone conversation. The lyrics ‘Wrap yourself in red, white and blue’ just came out of me. I wanted to sing something that he might say to comfort her. She’s seen me perform it live. Do you have a favorite band or artist? I like a little bit of everything, but my favorite group is Coldplay. My favorite artist of all time is James Brown. James Brown’s songs weren’t formatted. I feel my music is like his in that way. |
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Are you comfortable on stage? I get everything before I go out on stage. My stomach is turning. I’m sweating. That comes from me wanting to do such a good job knowing that I have this weight to carry. I’m a vessel. I feel that I’m here to heal people, so I need to give my very best. I get nervous like crazy, but once I start singing, it goes away. I literally go in a zone on stage. It’s almost surreal. I let the audience see my soul. What’s your favorite song to perform? ‘Step Right Out’ is the next single and my favorite right now. |
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What's your most memorable performance? All of my songs become intimate performances – they’re conversations with God. But I have to say that my performance in 2018 at the Sound Factory in Columbus, GA was my most memorable. This is because I had so many supporters there. My family and my co-workers – almost the whole staff - all came out to see me perform. The energy of the crowd fed that performance. I consider myself an introvert. My friends will say I’m not introverted because I’m comfortable around them. But I was that shy little girl who would never say a word growing up. However, I always knew I was going to create music. I had to do it – to surrender to it. I let fear stop me from pursuing a music career at first. I had to let all that fear go and do what I was supposed to do. Are there any artists you envision singing your songs? Adele is one. I would love to help other artists make a comeback, too. She laughs. I literally wrote a country song for the Dixie Chicks. They’d be perfect for my song ‘The Night Slip Away.’ It tells the story of childhood to teenage years to adulthood. Hopefully, I can get it in front of them one day. And Jill Scott would be great for some of my love songs. |
"I literally go in a zone on stage." ~ Queen Sheena
Photo Credit: Lester Booth |
Any future plans you'd like to share?
March 6th is the video premiere of my next single ‘Step Right Out.’ I pray to be everywhere and working with a lot of people – producing, writing and singing. I feel like my voice is the cherry on top of the cake for me. My biggest passion is writing songs. I’m hoping to write for films and TV. I want my music to be everywhere whether I’m singing or not.
I really want to stay independent because I want control of my narrative. I know who I am and who I’m supposed to be. I don't need someone to try to make me be something I don’t want to be. I want to be in control of the direction I’m going in.
What does it mean to you to be successful?
I’ve had people tell me that my music has saved their life when they were in a dark place. When people ask me if I'm successful, I say, ‘I’ve already won. I’m already successful.’ You know, I’ve already won in my life. Now, I’m just doing what I’m supposed to be doing even more.
Where do you find sanctuary?
Definitely when I sing. I could be going through something, but the moment I start to sing it all goes away. So, singing and creating music is a sanctuary for me. My family is also a sanctuary. Both take away my anxiety and bring me peace.
March 6th is the video premiere of my next single ‘Step Right Out.’ I pray to be everywhere and working with a lot of people – producing, writing and singing. I feel like my voice is the cherry on top of the cake for me. My biggest passion is writing songs. I’m hoping to write for films and TV. I want my music to be everywhere whether I’m singing or not.
I really want to stay independent because I want control of my narrative. I know who I am and who I’m supposed to be. I don't need someone to try to make me be something I don’t want to be. I want to be in control of the direction I’m going in.
What does it mean to you to be successful?
I’ve had people tell me that my music has saved their life when they were in a dark place. When people ask me if I'm successful, I say, ‘I’ve already won. I’m already successful.’ You know, I’ve already won in my life. Now, I’m just doing what I’m supposed to be doing even more.
Where do you find sanctuary?
Definitely when I sing. I could be going through something, but the moment I start to sing it all goes away. So, singing and creating music is a sanctuary for me. My family is also a sanctuary. Both take away my anxiety and bring me peace.
