Spotlight – Shanelle Rudrigo
Maverick talks to Shanelle about her debut Americana song, Stay With Me, with music video now available!
Stay With Me is such a heartfelt and deeply personal song. Can you share the story behind it and what inspired you to write it?
As a 15-year-old, I’m at a stage where I have to start doing certain things independently. The feeling of growing up and finding my own path in life has made me realise how much easier everything feels with my mother’s guidance.
Country music has a rich tradition of storytelling. The lyrics speak about nostalgia, love, and an unbreakable bond. How much of this song is drawn from your own experiences with your mother?
Most of it. I often feel much happier and safer when I’m around her, which made it easy to write about.
You have a very Americana country sound. How do you think ‘Stay With Me’ fits into that country ballad tradition?
It’s a classic Americana country ballad because it’s rooted in my personal experiences, making it authentic. The instrumentation also stays true to that country sound.
The video beautifully captures the emotions of the song, showing both memories and present moments between a mother and daughter. How involved were you in shaping the video’s concept?
I really wanted to convey the deep love and bond between a mother and daughter. The fact that the actors in the video are a real-life mother and daughter makes it even more authentic and natural.
For someone so young, you have the sound of an experienced artist. When did you first start singing?
I started singing at the age of eight, and by the time I was 13, I was performing regularly in and around London, as well as at a few venues in the USA.
What is the most emotional or memorable moment you’ve shared with your mother?
While in New York last June, I had a small accident in Central Park and was rushed to the hospital. Having my mum there, holding my hand and telling me everything would be okay, gave me so much strength.
Has your mother heard the song? What was her reaction?
She loved it and told me that no matter what, she will always be there for me.
What do you hope people take away from ‘Stay With Me’ when they listen to it or watch the video?
I hope it makes them reminisce about their childhood memories and appreciate the bonds they have with their loved ones.
Aside from your own music, you’re also known for covers. What has been your favorite song or artist to cover, and why?
I really love playing ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ by John Denver. It’s such a classic, and everyone enjoys singing along.
Do you see ‘Stay With Me’ as part of a larger theme in your music—songs that celebrate love, family, and nostalgia? Do you have plans to write more songs in this vein?
I haven’t thought about it yet, but maybe in the future, I’ll want to write more songs along these lines.
What’s next for you as an artist? Are you working on new music or planning a tour?
I’m currently working on new music and planning to release my very first EP when I turn 16.
For fans hearing your music for the first time, how would you describe your sound and style?
My music is a fusion of country, heartfelt storytelling, and soulful, expressive vocals.
What milestones would make you feel like you’ve ‘made it’?
I love playing the piano and singing. The moment I perform on stage with a piano, surrounded by a crowd singing my song with me, that’s when I’ll feel like I’ve truly made it.
If you could support any country artist, who would it be and why?
While I was in Nashville for the Josie Music Awards in October, I met a few country artists who are now my friends. I’d love the opportunity to support all of them.
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