R&B artist, La Shana Latrice has had an interest in music for as long as she can remember. What first began as performing for her family evolved into studying music and production at college. Latrice’s passion for music has now led to the release of her debut album ‘Everything Is Changing.’
After 14 months of collaboration with producer, Reginald Smith, self-examination, and transformation, Latrice has created an album that captures the importance of self-love and acceptance.
We chatted with Latrice about her album, what she learned during the process and what fans can look forward to next.
How did you first get interested in music?
Ever since I can remember, honestly. My G’ma would always tell me as a child I was going to be a professional singer someday. When I left school I went to study music performance and engineering, I didn’t actually start releasing music to the public until February 2019.
Who did you listen to growing up and do they have an influence on your sound today?
I have so many names to mention, from Mariah Carey to Destiny’s Child, to Christina Aguilera to Aaliyah, 3LW, Usher, Spice Girls, Brandy, and Monica. I would listen to on rotation growing up.
I would say Aaliyah, members of Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey have played a big influence in my style of music today.
Congrats on the release of your debut album! What was the writing and production process like for your new album ‘Everything Is Changing’?
Thank you! Well, it was torture lol like literally! I’ve been on such a rollercoaster with creating this project, but overall, I’m happy with the final product. I can truly say it was a process from figuring out what my sound is, to constantly changing lyrics, replacing songs, and tapping into my truest self. Initially, this project was supposed to be released in December 2019, then it progressively changed not once, not twice, but six more times. The date had changed, finally being released on November 23rd, 2020.
How did you get connected with your producer, Reginald Smith and what was the collaboration process like?
We actually both connected through Instagram. At that time, I was modeling and I had gone to visit Virginia USA. There is where we first met and had our first photoshoot together. Since then we have become friends and now we’re music buddies.
You’re very candid on the tracks in this album. What inspired you to be more vulnerable with your songwriting?
A majority of the time, when I write I don’t like to be so obvious in what I’m trying to say. It makes it more interesting and fun – I want to be totally transparent. With this project, I think I showed a good healthy balance between the two. I just wanted to show a softer and honest side to me that most people probably have never seen of me before.
Did you learn anything from the writing process either about yourself as a person or as an artist that you will bring to future projects?
To just be myself and sing with my heart, not my head. I’m still learning how to totally let go when it comes to my delivery, but I’ve definitely grown as an artist, and my confidence too. I’m starting to feel that I belong here. I have to stay true to my pen. I don’t just want to be an entertainer, I want to be a true artist.
Do you have a favourite track off the album and if so why?
Yes “Exhale Love” as that was the fist song I wrote when I decided to get back into music.
“Where Do I Begin” is very special as it was the first song I wrote which pretty much constructed the whole vibe of the overall project and my most honest song yet.
“I Choose You” as I spoke on self love and every time I play it, it makes me feel so good – more then any other track.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to the album what do you imagine it looking like?
A glass of red wine for everyone, a colourful, warm, cosy environment, candles lit, lights dim.
What can fans look forward to next?
I’ll be doing some live online performances and collaborating with a lot of upcoming artists like myself.
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
Make a difference from a distance is my fave.