Getting To Know Our Stars - Shannon Gaye
1. How old were you when you first started singing?
My family owned a restaurant, so my first time on stage I was about 5 years old, singing with a Hungarian gypsy band my dad had hired to perform at his venue. There is a photo of that “performance” somewhere - my finger is caught in my hair as I was twirling it to manage my nerves. 
2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?
It’s tough to narrow this down - so many artists and musicians continue to inspire. I remember being blown away the first time I heard Aretha Franklin sing, and listening to every Stevie Wonder song I could find. On the jazz side, I found out about Anita O’Day in a documentary and was amazed to see her scatting effortlessly alongside some of the heaviest jazz improvisers. On the songwriting side, a beautifully written lyric or melody will always stop me in my tracks.
3. Where do you make your home?
I am fortunate to live by the ocean in beautiful Vancouver!
4. Do you have any pets?
We have a sweet-natured tabby named Tessa. We fostered her and ended up adopting our wonderful feline after about two weeks. She’s extremely interactive and earnest (if that’s possible for a cat). Her nickname is little Tessa Virtue.
5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?
I can’t say any single show stands out - but since we’re just about to perform a couple of Christmas concerts it reminds me of many shows touring with the Huron Carole Concert Series. We would end the concert with a rendition of Silent Night that morphed into an A Capella version with the entire theatre joining in. It’s always moving to hear so many voices singing along. There would always be a section of the audience that would break into harmony. Very powerful!
6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?
One that first pops into my mind is seeing the Mahavishnu Orchestra Project perform at the Comfort Zone in Toronto. It was an intimate venue and we were right up front watching the masterful musicians perform, groove & sweat. Most of the audience members seemed to be musicians; it felt like were part of a unique, bonding experience.
7. Do you have an all-time favourite song or album?
“Back on the Block” by Quincy Jones is an album I listened to nonstop. The musicians, arrangements and singers are all so gifted, every listen reveals another layer. Plus it’s an incredible sounding record - mixed and mastered with extraordinary finesse.
8. What musician would you still most like to work with?
There are so many! Of course, Stevie Wonder would be at the top. I also love the music H.E.R is releasing. There are less mainstream artists too like Citizen Cope and Kara Marni I’d love to collaborate with. I feel like this could be a very long list!!
9. If you weren't a musician what would you be?
I always wanted to be a musician and singer - never seriously considered any other path. I think the only other occupation that genuinely interested me involved languages. I’ve always had a passion for and fascination with words. When I was a little kid, at one point I thought it would be cool to work at the UN as an interpreter (speaking many languages of course). I love how a six-year old thinks working at the UN is a simple, dream job.
10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?
I love everything about Vancouver!! Having the opportunity to walk the oceanside daily is everything. There’s this kind of chill West Coast vibe here that suits me perfectly. The spectacular scenery is awe-inspiring and the food is world-class.