Shelldhn, born and raised in Nashville, is an up-and-coming R&B artist who is making waves in the music industry. With his smooth, soulful vocals and his ability to create a cohesive project with distinct songs that bring a range of emotions, Shelldhn is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after artists in the R&B genre.

His latest EP "1-800-4DA-LVRS" has been well received by both fans and critics, showcasing his ability to create music that celebrates love. Each song brings a distinct feeling but still cohesive when played all together. The EP is a collection of songs that highlight and showcase the celebration of love. His goal in making that project was to have music for people to play on a date night or just a night on the town.

Shelldhn's music is inspired by his personal experiences. On his first EP “Therapy”, he covered a couple of topics regarding avoiding your issues and masking your fears and finding a journey to true self-love. His music is a reflection of his journey to finding his voice and healing. He believes that music has the ability to heal and change lives, and that is what he sets out to do with his art.

As an underground artist, Shelldhn has found that the key to building a loyal support system is to do the personal approach. Since the venues he performs at are more intimate, he is able to go up to people after a show and really make meaningful connections and build a community with them. He wants to make sure people know that he is approachable and that he is a super chill person.

Shelldhn's songwriting process is unique. The way he writes songs is usually through melodies and then he progresses from there. Once the beat is produced or even if it’s just a loop of a section he starts to sing melodies. Most times it’s mainly gibberish but then he starts to find the words once he figures out the melody and the rest comes fairly easily.

Looking back on his career so far, Shelldhn would say that planning his debut show last year was his biggest accomplishment. He was gearing up for the release of his debut EP and had an idea of putting together a show before the release of the project. He decided to find a venue and get a bunch of his friends and family to be a part of his band and a part of his backup singers for the show. It was fully funded by himself and it really showed him how he can do great things and have them be a success.

Shelldhn's music plays such an integral role in society. He believes that music can change and affect people's day. He has seen music make people's whole day better. His goal every time he performs is to make people forget their worries for an hour or two and just enjoy themselves.

Shelldhn's upcoming projects include a part 2 to his EP “1-800-4DA-LVRS” with features from artists like Dom Q and Chuck Indigo. It features 4 new tracks and will be put together with Part 1 to form a Deluxe Mixtape. He also has a couple of dope collaborations in the works. For the past year, he has been working on his debut album, planned for a summer 2025 release.

Shelldhn is still very early in his musical journey, but he is excited to see where this road takes him. He hopes that his music brings joy and love to his listeners and that it makes them want to get up and dance. He wants people to know how much music can heal. Music aside, Shelldhn is focused on leading with kindness and respect.

Can you tell us about your first musical memory and how it influenced your career path?

My first musical memory I can remember vividly is when I was around 8 years old. I had a solo at my church. I’ll never forget the song was called “Love is a More Excellent Way” by Babbie Mason. I remember the nerves I felt before I sang, my whole body felt like I was shaking. It all went away once I started singing. Seeing the congregation react and how I felt singing the song, will be a feeling that I cherish. That was the spark that led me to want to make music and become a singer.

Your latest EP "1-800-4DA-LVRS" has been well received by both fans and critics. Can you share with us the story behind each song and the overall concept of the EP?

1-800-4DA-LVRS is a collection of songs that highlight and showcase the celebration of love. My goal in making that project was to have music for people to play on a date night or just a night on the town. Each song brings a distinct feeling but still cohesive when played all together.

Track 1 is called “FOR DA LOVERS”. It’s the title track and really sets the tone for the rest of the EP. It represents a feeling of getting ready to go out with your significant other. It was inspired by Silk Sonic and early Drake. The drums and production provided a nostalgic yet fresh experience. It really captures the essence of the entire project and lays the groundwork for the rest of the music.

Track 2 is called “BAPTIZE”. This track was a great time to record in the studio. I went to a writing and music camp last summer in early August and I was in the studio and this is what we came up with. The best part about this song to me is the fact that it’s not overtly explicit but yet still very sensual. The innuendos are cleverly placed in the song.

Track 3 is called “COMFORT INN”. This track is more of a soulful track compared to the previous two. It also has more Neo-Soul elements incorporated as well. The track production wise is fairly simple, a bass, a guitar and a some drums. It really adds to the lax and chill vibe of the song. It is a song that is simply asking the person you’re with to just relax and come vibe. It also features Qualls who adds such a polished and suave approach to his verse in the song.

Track 4 is called “SWEET NECTARINE”. This Track is a follow up from Track 3, but this is purely Neo-Soul. Inspired heavily from D’Angelo and the Lucy Pearl. It is another song that is talking about love in a more tounge and cheek type of way. This song with its smooth and jazzy approach adds a very nuanced approach to what makes the song so special. It also features the likes of A.B. Eastwood who adds a wonderful verse that helps encompasses the feeling of the music. The carefree nature and approach that makes you wanna sing along. Just when you think it’s over and plays out, here comes some scatting at the end of the track to take it on home.

Track 4 is called “RENDEZVOUX”. This track was one of the most romantic of all the tracks on this project. It truly reflects the soft and beautiful nature of love and what that looks like. The vintage feel of this song is something that makes you want to replay it over and over. The hook simply asks the question “can I go there with you?” The tender approach and soft melodies and arrangements make the song feel like you and your special someone are the only two people in the world.

Track 4 is called “SLOW MOTION”. This track is the most sensual and the most intimate on the project. The muted vocals and soft rain and beating pulse of this song makes you feel like a very personal experience with you and the one you love. It’s meant to be played during times of when the passion is at its peak. The almost 5 minute runtime was intentional to make sure people understood the feeling even more than the words. The song also uses its name sake and slows and reverbs towards the end. It created a feeling of suspension and yet a sensibility to it as well.

As an underground artist, how have you been able to build a loyal fan base and connect with your audience on a deeper level?

As an underground artist, I have found that to build a loyal support system is to do the personal approach. Since the venues i perform at are more intimate I am able to go up to people after a show and really make meaningful connections and build a community with them and I want to make sure I always make sure people know that I am approachable and that I am a super chill person.

Can you walk us through your songwriting process and how you come up with lyrics and melodies?

The way I write songs is usually through melodies and then I progress from there. Once the beat is produced or even if it’s just a loop of a section I start to sing melodies. Most times it’s mainly gibberish but then I start to find the words once I figure out the melody and the rest comes fairly easily.

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your music career so far, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest obstacle I have faced so far has mainly been more production and music based. I am still trying to find my sound and I also am focusing more on quality than quantity at this moment. I just want to improve in all areas of my artistry. So I guess it’s not really an obstacle but more of a goalpost.

Can you tell us about the different themes and messages you explore in your music, and how they relate to your personal experiences and beliefs?

My music has covered a few themes so far. On my first EP “Therapy” I covered a couple of topics regarding, avoiding your issues and masking your fears and finding a journey to true self love. I believe that Music has the ability to heal and change lives. That entire first project was real life experiences that I made into music. I was needing a place to express and explore and music helped me do that. I was battling depression and suicidal thoughts and anxiety. I made my first EP to release the tension and find my voice. In contrast, This most recent project I wanted to make a collection of love songs. I wanted it to reflect the space that I am in currently. I am no longer in that dark place and I just wanna make music that feels good and that showcases love in all forms and facets.

In your opinion, what role does music play in society and how do you hope to contribute to it through your art?

Music plays such an integral role in society. It really can change an effect your day. It’s the best medicine in the world. I have seen music make people’s whole day better. For instance if you’re at a party and a specific song come on and everyone gets turnt and starts dancing and singing along. There is no better feeling. That’s why concerts and live music is so special. That’s my goal every time I perform! I want people to feel the exact same way, for them to forget their worries for an hour or two and just enjoy themselves.

How do you handle criticism and negative feedback, and what steps do you take to improve your work?

I handle criticism very well. Not to sound arrogant but I genuinely don’t care about what people say in regards to music. I’ve been blessed to not receive any negative feedback on my music so far, I’m sure there will be a time where someone may not necessarily like what I make or put out, but music is subjective. What one person hates another person may love. That’s why I don’t necessarily care about good feedback or bad. It’s all about personal taste. All I can do is make sure the music overall is the best I can deliver at that moment. I will give all I have to this music and it’s up to the people to decide if it resonates with them or not. Because artists, as much as we want to hold on to our music, once we put it out it’s no longer ours. That means it will be up for criticism and opinions. So the only thing that matters is how you feel and how you can improve upon yourself.

You've collaborated with several artists in the past. Can you share with us your process of working with other musicians and how you make sure that your vision aligns with theirs?

The best thing about collaborations is that you you can work together to get the best possible outcome. Usually how I work with others is very much from a teamwork and team building perspective. The people who I ask to feature on my music and the musicians who work with me, we all have a common goal to make sure that the music makes sense. It’s kinda like world building. Everyone has a role to make sure that I goes smoothly. It’s a truly amazing process when everything comes together. For example, when I was working on my song “SWEET NECTARINE” I was in the studio with a bunch of my friends who are musicians and producers and we all took turns to add to the song, and it really was a great time to collaborate and keep the vision in mind.

What advice would you give to other independent artists who are trying to make a name for themselves in the industry?

I think the best advice I can give an independent artist is to just go for it. I started writing music two years ago and I started actually recording music just last year. If you want something bad enough you’ll put in the work to get it done. It’s ok to make mistakes and it’s ok to not be sure of what your sound is. That takes time. We have to remember to give ourselves grace and patience in this process. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. It’s honestly more like a triathlon, because it’s not just one terrain that we will face in this industry, we gotta learn how to run, swim, and have plenty of endurance and know that we all got into this industry because we all love music.

Can you tell us about the most memorable experience you've had while performing live, and why it stands out to you?

I’ve had a few memorable experiences in my music journey so far. But I think the best one that brings me the most joy is when I had the opportunity to perform at Soho House in Nashville for their U27 Showcase. That was an amazing night and I had a beautiful time and the energy was electric.

How do you stay inspired and continue to grow as an artist, and what steps do you take to avoid creative burnout?

I think that the best way that I stay inspired is to take time time to get to know yourself. We are multifaceted beings and we have so much depth. It’s an ever changing process. You need to live to make art, and in turn that art brings out the best in us. The best way that I avoid burnout is by taking breaks and doing things other than music, I love to ride my bike and meditate and also just write in my journal and clear my head. I also make sure to spend time with my family and friends to maintain and cultivate the relationships that I hold dear to me.

Can you share with us any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're working on, and what fans can expect from them?

I am very excited about what’s coming next! I’m very excited about that! I am also doing a part 2 to my EP “1-800-4DA-LVRS” it has features from artists like Dom Q and Chuck Indigo. It features 4 new tracks. I will be putting Part 1 and 2 together to form a Deluxe Mixtape. I know that listeners will truly enjoy it. If your a lover of all things RNB you’ll love this second half of the project. I plan on putting this out on July 28th this year. I have a couple of dope collaborations in the works as well. Also for the past year I have been working on my debut album! I am so excited for people to hear it! I plan on releasing it in Summer 2025. I have a lot to share but the most I’ll say for now is that it’s a love letter to the 2000s and it will be very hot.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music, and how do you measure the impact that your art has on others?

I hope listeners feel joy and love in the music! I hope it makes you wanna get up and dance. I just want people to know how much music can heal. In my darkest moments I had God and I had Music. I want my impact to be that people knew me firstly as someone who loves God. Anything after that is a bonus. But I would love for people to know that I am a full fledged entertainer. I sing, act, write, and dance amongst other things. But most importantly if I had to measure my success by anything it would be what and how people think of me and how I treat them. Music aside, we all should lead with kindness and respect. I’m still very early in my musical journey but I am excited to see where this road takes me.

Looking back on your career so far, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment and why?

Looking back on career so far I would say it would have to be planning my debut show last year. July 29th 2022 will forever be a special day for me. I was gearing up for the release of my debut EP, And I had an idea of putting together a shelf before the release of the project. So I decided to find a venue and get a bunch of my friends and family to be a part of my band and a part of my back on singers for the show and I started preparing for that show in July Around mid to late March making sure that I had plenty of time to prepare the tracks and prepare the format of the set list, and also to make sure that I gave people plenty an an ample time to prepare for the show. I am most proud of that because it was fully funded by myself. I didn’t have to , ask anyone to help me put this vision together and it really showed me how I can do great things and have it be a success. And I think the biggest part of me that is the most proud of that was the fact that there were people who I didn’t know who came to the show , they came solely off of the fact that they wanted to hear some good music and I will forever be grateful for that. I am so excited to see what the future holds for me and I am so excited to see how this musical journey continues to grow and flourish. I am not even three years into doing this professionally and I have seen so many doors open for me this year. I’m honored to be able to do this and I’m just getting started.