Shay Monroe

 

 

Biography//

Born in Culver City, CA and raised in Long Beach, the 28-year-old singer steps onto the music scene completely aware of what she brings to the table but not boastful in the least about who she is or what makes her so special. 

First breaking into music at the age of 16, Shay grew up vibing to the sounds of great R&B singers like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Like them, she spent countless hours honing her craft, finding her voice and, ultimately, spreading her musical magic around for all to hear. 

 

For Shay, her big break was actually a series of little breaks. Like a woman with a hammer and a chisel, diligently chipping away at a chunk of stone, Shay carved out her niche and eventually found a way around all the roadblocks that threatened to deter her from her dream. "I don't know if I would call any of it a break," she says. "I have had a couple of blessed opportunities that didn't turn out the way I would have hoped, but still they were opportunities that not everyone gets. All of them, however, have led me to where I am today." 

 

With a sound that most would describe as Alternative/R&B, Shay says she finds it difficult to truly label her music and more importantly, she says she steers clear of drawing comparisons between herself and her contemporaries. "I wish I could compare myself to the artists I grew up listening to that made me want to sing," she says, "but it's so hard for me to say who I believe I am like other than myself." 

The uniqueness that characterizes Shay Monroe as an artist unfolds on many levels: from her lean, chiseled body to her supermodel features to her raspy soulful vocals, Shay is definitely someone who stands out in a crowd. 

Signed to BeAnywhere Entertainment, LLC, an Atlanta-based label helmed by industry veteran Nate Smith and businessman Jabari "J Boogie" Mosley, Shay is currently in the midst of recording songs for her debut CD. According to Smith, who, along with Mosley, boasts some 16 years in business and music, Shay is an artist who is destined for greatness. "She's a total package," says Smith who has also worked with everyone from Bobby Brown to producers Tim and Bob and is known for having a keen eye for talent. 

With a fistful of songs that are bound to make music lovers sit up and take notice, Shay Monroe takes listeners on a delightful joy ride, allowing them to take in all the sights and sounds of love and life along the way. She effortlessly transitions from the high energy rhythms of "Mr. Lonely" to the old school R&B flavored "Can't Believe A Word" to the sweet and melodic "Drifting." Produced by Gypsy Stokes of Konvict Music, "Drifting" is about self-acceptance and 'clarity.' "It's sort of like saying, 'I found my way'," she explains. "I'm not really seeking the approval or permission from those around me or in my life. I'm ready to live and move on." 

One of Shay's favorites is "Set U Free," a cut produced by Gary Smith of Atlanta's MoodSwing Productions. "This song can be taken from a one on one relationship point of view but it came from a more spiritual space," she explains. "We've all been discouraged and unsure but somehow we get over it, we get through it." 

In addition to her music, Shay is passionate about staying healthy and staying fit. What started out as a short-term fitness regimen to prepare for a photo shoot last year eventually turned into a series of NPC (National Physic Committee) National Level Bikini competitions, where she ultimately earned her Professional Card and status in New York at the 2009 Team Universe, graduating and now competing as an IFBB (International Federation of Body Building) Pro Bikini Competitor. "The competing thing just kind of happened," she says, "and I learned that sometimes a path or direction will find you. It is not always you searching for your path." 

Shay Monroe's path is clear. Though she may take some detours along the way or stop for a minute to check out the scenery, she remains determined to make it to her destination: a place where real music lives; a place where artistry dwells; a place that she happily can call home.