The Interview
Q: When did you first start singing and why?
A: When I was 8 - I started because I wanted to be in a talent contest.
Q: When you sing gospel music you seem to have more passion for it. Why is that?
A: Gospel is just very inspiring - it makes it easier to be more upbeat.
Q: What does God mean to you?
A: He’s the most important thing in my life. He’s there no matter what - always listens to me. Helps me figure out all my problems.
Q: How has the Lord blessed your life?
A: He has given me a good family, a good Christian home, supportive friends, and my gift for singing.
Q: Who are your favorite Christian artists?
A: Jaci Velasquez, Plus 1, Rebecca St. James, MercyMe, Rachael Lampa, Nichole Nordeman - there's new ones all the time!
Q: Do you play any musical instruments?
A: I don’t like to practice, but I play piano.
Q: Are you ever nervous when you perform?
A: Only when I perform the National Anthem - there’s a lot of people, it’s hard to sing and it’s a song you don’t want to mess up.
Q: Where are you favorite places to perform?
A: The Indiana State Fair is lots of fun and a lot of people; Thorntown is awesome and I have sung there for years; I liked Lafayette and Winchester this year. Hope to go back. I first performed at the Morgan County Fair in Martinsville when I was 8.5.
Q: What do you like most about the new album?
A: I like all the songs on it - they are fun to sing, very inspiring and have a good message to them.
Q: What's the best reason you can give someone for buying your new CD?
A: That it will blow you away - it’s really fun.
Q: You have your own independent studio label. Tell me about that.
A: My grandfather, Paul Youkey (Thorntown) recorded my last three albums, including this one. He’s done a lot for me and really worked hard with it.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The SP in SPirit is for Shonda Sue and Paul, by the way. Shonda Sue says she has been recording so much independently so she can get music into the hands of potential fans, and the music industry. Her goal is to sign with a major label.)
Q: I understand you have a lot of people you are thankful for?
A: Yes. My mom and dad have always been supportive and have sacrificed a lot. It was my idea to choose a career in singing and they have supported me all the way. My Grandpa and Grandma Youkey have been very supportive, have helped wherever I need them. My Grandpa and Grandma Martin come to almost all my shows. I am thankful for my brother Cody - for having to put up with everything. And for my little foster brother for listening to me scream everyday (sing loudly when she practices). I am thankful to everyone who comes to my shows, my friends. I am especially thankful to all the supporters who helped pay for the new album. Most of all am very thankful to God who blessed me with the gift for singing and sharing His message through song.
Q:Anything you want to add?
A: Tell everyone to please sign my guestbook at www.shondasue.com. I love to hear from you.
This an extraction from an interview conducted by Shonda Sue's promoter, David C. Lannan, concerning her journey in the music business. The complete interview will soon be available on her official fan club site. You can sign her guestbook here.