Shaina Shepherd Talks Jam Jar and Her Creative Journey on The Day With Trae
Photos by Jordan Somers
Seattle musician Shaina Shepherd graced the set of The Day With Trae in an engaging segment. In it, Shepherd delved into her recent artistic endeavors, shedding light on her creations, such as Jam Jar, Sunday Sessions, and her upcoming album.
Launching into the discussion, the multi-genre musician traced her recent artistic evolution to host Trae Holiday, highlighting the transition from creating melodies focused on introspection and solitude during the pandemic to orchestrating harmonies emphasizing unity and connection. Her journey, she revealed, has been a transformative change in interacting with the community, primarily fueled by her vibrant neighborhood music collaborations.
"We've been trying to do more community-based songwriting spaces where we can build a community for more introspective learners and listeners," Shepherd said. "That's why I have been trying to do these other events that are not just about me making music or us all experiencing a great party, but using those elements to create openness of self, and it's really been beneficial."
One of her community-based spaces is the Jam Jar series held at Cafe Racer, with Shepherd as the session's host. The series serves as a platform offering an immersive experience for musicians and fans alike. In this safe space, emerging talents mingle with veterans of Seattle's music scene, able to riff with seasoned local stars such as soul guitarist Jimmy James and Andy Coe from the Psychedelic rock ensemble the Andy Coe Band; two musicians have come to the series.
"So the goal with it is to invite people, musicians to learn how to work together, create real meaningful relationships, not just networking over drinks, but really make music together and learn how to listen to each other again, learn how to be audience members that are part of the community at the same time," Shepherd said.
For Shepherd, Jam Jar spurs nostalgia for her early days in Seattle—when she first roamed the city's music venues and local music was getting more support. Shepherd highlights that Jam Jar brings back those efforts for putting on local artists that nearly died out.
"We were losing the ability to appreciate that craft and artistry, the dedication of their lives, to keeping soul and amazing music and the functionality and just all that in Seattle, and we almost abandoned them," Shepherd said. "Now I'm in a place where I'm like, "I trust the way that you've lived your life, and I want to follow in your footsteps. [I am] so very humbled to be a part of this. Being seen by them and embraced by them as a sister is a huge accomplishment for me as a person, and I hope I can do that for somebody else one day."
In Addition, Shepherd created Sunday Sessions, a weekly ceremony infused with music and community, out of a personal journey navigating mental health challenges.
"I found that I needed to do this Sunday Session so I could force myself to be a listener [and] practice what I preach. I need to learn new songs. I need to understand music theory better. I need to be a better performer and be able to carry my own weight," Shepherd said. "So when I play with other people that I respect and admire, I can be at the same level as them. This is my way of trying for myself, selfishly, to be a better artist."
This themed session filled with friends and family is a one-woman show filled with music, art, camaraderie, and spirited performances from Shepherd herself.
"It's just a really fun little living room session. It's a small little jewel box of a room with a bar. You can get a full, amazing meal and just spend time with your family or your friends," Shepherd said. "I've just had a lot of fun just exploring these bigger themes of why people, why these artists made something in the first place. Not just being a performer who can sing and put on that fancy dress but really just talk about why these people made those things and why those those songs touch us from all different genres. Getting back to being human is really what the Sunday sessions have been about.
Lastly, Shepherd is working on an upcoming album, a project she described as a departure from her previous musical endeavors and focused on giving thanks to musicians, friends, and family who have been with her throughout her career.
"This project is built over all of the time that I've been making music. I've selected songs that have already been worked to the bone by me, and I have given them away. I've given each one to a different producer or friend that I love and, I just want to say thank you for all of the time that you have dedicated into me," Shepherd said. "Thank you for all of the times that you stayed up for me and cared about my story. I'm just going give this back to you and you let me know when it's done. It has been so freeing to focus on the release of that and focus on what it all is about which is working together to make all these things happen."
The forthcoming album is poised to blend jazz themes with various musical genres, offering a fusion that Shepherd is enthusiastic for the world to hear.
"I'm feeling like at this point that I'm very proud of the way it sounds, and I'm really excited to share it because it's everything at once, and I'm listening to the way that music is moving in the world right now, and I was really afraid for a while maybe I just missed my window, I should have said it then," Shepherd said. "But you know somebody up there's got a plan every time. It's starting to sound like we're all connected at the end of the day. Looking forward to hearing what everybody else has been making behind closed doors, too."
For those interested in attending Jam Jar, click here. For those who want to be part of Shepherds Sunday Session, click here.
"Shaina and I always have a great time when she comes on the show! Talking with her, I'm always so inspired because she pours her entire self into her music and her approach at building with others,” host Trae Holiday said. “While she shares pathways that she's created to fuel her passion, she also works to leave space for others coming up in the field."
To hear more stories of inspirational women making a difference in Seattle and beyond, tune in to Trae every weekday at 11 am on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
