Shy to Sharo
By: Douglas Curry
SUPER SHARO
LOOK! Up on the stage! Is she a singer? A dancing keyboardist? Eye-candy???
She is a SUPER WOMAN!
Tall and tan, vivacious and lovely, Sharo Perry is a lot to listen to and really something to see. The young veteran of music stages,fashionn runways, and photo shoots may only now be plumbing the depts and breadth of her talent and interests. Formerly known to the blues touring and concert circuit as 'Shy', Ms Perry has adopted and reverted to being known by her given name, Sharo.
In these pages we often explore the history and exploits of the undeservedly unknowns, and those who have been neglected by history and current fashion. Here we introduce the ongoing story of a woman who is asserting her place in the annals of blues and music of our southland.
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1. Describe yourself as an artist.
I like to think of myself as original. I don’t need or want to sound or look like anyone else. I like to stay away from the main stream and I don’t watch tv that way I won’t have anything influencing my thoughts, sound, and image. I believe in my music and feel I can reach many people with what I create. There is a market out there for what I do. I don’t really classify my music, but if I did, I would say it has a R&B feel with a touch of Blues and Contemporary. "\
2. Musical upbringing - where did you learn music. Musical influences within family, church, and community.
I am a self-taught musician. I play bass keyboard instead of a 4-string bass. I have spent many days and hours practicing on my keyboard, vocals, and on my original songs as well as covers. I am a lyricist and have written many songs, as well as creating the melodies. I have recorded 3 albums and I’m working on my 4th, which will be recorded later this year. I come from a musical family. My father plays guitar and my brother plays piano. We are all self-taught musicians. They have inspired me to create songs and I’m also inspired by old school music like Aretha Franklin and James Brown.
3. First professional act you saw.
My father. Lol! He was the 1st musician that I saw play live and when I understood the depths of his musical history later in life, it made the experience even more special. Also, he would let me come on stage and sing when I was around 11 or 12 years old.
4. What made you think you could do this?
I believe anything I set my mind to is possible. The things I have achieved by my own wits and talents has amazed even me like winning Artist of the Year for independent artists, traveling the world and headlining shows, and I’m at a point in my life where I know I won’t stop. I’m always coming up with new ideas that will help propel me forward and make me some money.
5. How does public react to you as a woman in the blues?
The public has been very kind to me. I have always been received with kindness and love if I’m in the states or abroad. People have always given me respect and want to hear me sing, play, and dance, and they want to know more about my music. I’m always able to sell my products and people want my autograph. It’s a wonderful feeling and I feel lucky to have such affection from the audience.
6. Musical interests beyond the blues. Plans?
I am an entrepreneur who has also modeled. I sell posters of myself and I plan on releasing a line of handbags and t-shirts that will bear my trademark and logo. I’ve done a small test market of my products and my products are always received positively. I will have them for sell when I release my new song and video because they coincide with each other.
7. Highlights of career. Memorable experiences.
There are so many memorable moments! We played as a family band for many years called The Perrys’ and we’ve spent 5 months performing in Hong Kong and 3 months in Indonesia. I was nominated for a Josie Music Award for Artist of the Year R&B/Soul Category (which I won), Album of the Year for my album Brand New Day, and Vocalist of the Year. I have performed in Italy, France, and I have traveled to Brazil and was a part of the headline act at “The Mississippi Delta Blues Festival in Brazil” and was on the women’s stage. I was also on the European Blues Cruise. There are many things I have experienced in my music career, but these are some of the highlights at the moment. I plan on making many more memorable moments.
8. From Shy to Sharo; when? Why?
My given name is Sharo, but I have also been called Shy my entire life. From my understanding, my brother gave me that nickname because he couldn’t pronounce Sharo. I have always thought it was pretty cool and a great way to market myself. I have been told so many times that I’m not shy when I’m on stage, which is true, or asked are you really shy. But I can be a little shy in certain circumstances. I went by my given name when I modeled in NYC and wanted to again because it’s beautiful, unique, memorable, and I want people to know my real name.
9. Blues and culture. Black blues, white audience - effects on the music. Do black artists get a fair share of the opportunities.
No, I don’t think so. Although things are better now for my generation and later generations, the racism is real and it’s still prevalent even in a form of music that has been created by black artists. I believe many black blues artists are taken advantage of financially, and if they don’t understand the contracts they sign, they can end up broke, sign away their rights and masters, and their families will never receive royalties. But somebody “in the know” is always getting paid. Just like in any industry, black artists have to fight for their place and work hard. But I am glad that white audiences have come to love the blues and keep it alive. They have taken the blues to a certain level that wasn’t achieved because of racism and the music being considered “jungle music”. And black people have always been creative and have created other forms of music that is copied and celebrated around the world. I do appreciate when white blues artists give credits to the ones that created the music and came before them, like how we all should do.
10. Are you a sex symbol? How does this affect your musical performance, your opportunities?
Maybe some people look at me as a sex symbol, but that is not what I want to be known as. I have brains, talent, and ambition. Those can be a dangerous combination in many good ways. I have networked, made connections, and plan on doing a lot more with my music and products. People definitely notice and pay attention to me on stage and when I dance. But looks are fleeting and I don’t rely on them to be a success. It’s nice that people think I’m good looking, but there’s way more going on in my head than my looks. That’s just genetics, but I had to work for my music and popularity. It has helped me in certain areas, but I also think it has played against me because of jealousy. But, I do like to quote James Brown and say, you got to use what you got to get what you want.
11. Your message to fans.
Look forward to my new song, Black Beauty, and my video that will accompany it. You will see new products from me and a new album also called Black Beauty. And for those of you who are trying to succeed in life, no matter what it is, stay strong and keep working towards your goals. Stay focused and believe in yourself, no matter what the odds are and what people say you should do. Trust in yourself and follow your heart. When you listen with a clear mind, it’ll never lead you wrong.
