by Lorie Lewis Ham

KRL hasn’t been covering as much local music since the pandemic started, but we are gradually starting to do more again. This week we are interviewing local singer Shantel Perez from Sanger about her music.

KRL: Do you just go by Shantel?

Shantel: Yes, I prefer to go by Shantel, but my full name is Shantel Perez.

KRL: How long have you been singing and how did that come about?

Shantel

Shantel: I’ve loved to sing since I can remember, but actually pursuing this for my career began in 2019.

KRL: When did you start performing?

Shantel: My first performance was in October of 2021, for a bridal shower.

KRL: What style of music do you sing?

Shantel: Pop, pop contemporary, pop rnb, and pop country.

KRL: Do you write your own songs? If so, where do you find your inspiration?

Shantel: Yes, I write the lyrics to all of my songs. My inspiration comes from life experiences.

KRL: Do you have your own band?

Shantel: Yes. We are called The Shantel Band.

The Shantel Band

KRL: Do you also play an instrument?

Shantel: I dabble with piano and guitar, but nothing beyond that – hahaha

KRL: Do you perform all original songs?

Shantel: No, I only have eight original songs out, so I also sing a lot of covers of my favorite artists.

KRL: Do you have any CD’s/EP’s?

Shantel: Yes, I have an EP called Pieces of My Heart, and many singles out on all platforms.

KRL: Where do you perform?

Shantel: Wherever I am asked or invited to perform. I have played for food festivals, farmers markets, elementary schools, breweries (Summer Fox Brewery, Tioga Sequoia Brewery), the Big Fresno Fair, and recently on Great Day for their festive Friday.

KRL: How often do you perform?

Shantel: I try to at least have two events a month, but I would definitely love more.

KRL: Future goals?

Shantel: To tour the world.

KRL: Do you have a day job as well?

Shantel: I do, I work for Dutch Brothers Coffee in Sanger, and at Two Little Doves, a photobooth company.

KRL: What do you like best about performing?

Shantel: Connecting with people through music.

KRL: What is the hardest?

Shantel: Not having money to promote my music properly and booking events to perform at.

KRL: What makes your music unique?

Shantel: I feel like my music is unique because it is simple and meant to touch someone’s heart.

KRL: Anything else you would like to add?

Shantel: I hope that you all will listen to the songs that I have out now, I’d love to know what all of you think.

KRL: Have any upcoming events?

Shantel: Yes, on September 2nd at the Sanger Farmers Market.

KRL: Where can people find you online?

Shantel: Yes, I can be found on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, all under shantelsings.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery novel, One of Us, is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!<