Let’s introduce you to our readers. Who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you create?

Shakila is a Persian/American vocalist from Tehran. Her dream of being a singer started when she was a young girl.

At the delicate age of nine years old, Shakila’s career began when she was invited to perform on a major television show. It is here that she caught the attention of numerous producers that wanted to transition her into a professional artist. While Shakila so eagerly wanted to become the star she was so destined to be, she made sure to focus on her education, and limited her performances to talent shows and school competitions.

Through hard work and determination, she completed her studies and ultimately succeeded in becoming a professional performer in 1990. That year, she released her first Persian hit album.

In addition to her passion for music, Shakila also expresses her deep connection with poetry.

Using her lyrics, she paints a scene with her voice, which allows the listener to become a part of her journey.

Alike many artists, Shakila shows her personality through her words and uses poetry to create distinctive metaphors to empower her songs. She holds true to her devotion to spirituality and the values of life that she so deeply holds on to.

Music is not just a sound to Shakila, but a voyage through emotions. Her vocal ability allows the listener to connect with the music on a whole new level.

Shakila’s heavenly voice, is a great combination of Celine Dion and Witney Houston, with a hint of Nora Jones. She is a Powerhouse vocalist, with a silky smooth lower registery, and a crystal clear highs to capture any audience and crossing the true essence of the emotion abroad.

In particular, she has always taken exceptional interest in Rumi’s poems, which has inspired her to sing many of his pieces in such a way that would make any listener feel empowered by pure emotion. With the combination of her angelic voice, and the meaningful words, it is obvious that Shakila obtains the true essence of love.

She was also the featured artist on the album ‘Operatica-Shine’, which includes two of her own outstanding performances, one of them being featured as the Bonous Track of the album.

In 2012, Shakila broadened her horizons by extending her talents to the International market.

She released multiple singles such as, “Fall Away”, “El Corazon (My Heart)”, “Xmas” and more. In addition to these singles, Shakila plans on releasing a new World Music, English album in 2015.

She also won the Persian International Artist Award, and she is also an official Grammy voting member.
So far she has released over twenty Persian albums, which have helped her gain millions of followers worldwide.

You were invited to perform on a major TV show when you were just 9 years old. Did you already know you wanted to be a singer/performer before this moment? Did this performance make you want a sing professionally even more?

At the delicate age of nine years old, Shakila’s career began when she was invited to perform on a major television show. It is here that she caught the attention of numerous producers that wanted to transition her into a professional artist. While Shakila so eagerly wanted to become the star she was so destined to be, she made sure to focus on her education, and limited her performances to talent shows and school competitions.

Being from Tehran, who or what influenced you to become a singer and performer? What music did you listen to when you were younger? Who do you listen to now?

Shakila Listens to all music, and gets her inspiration around the world, Shakila loves, Celine Dion and Whitney Huston, but primarily listens and loves all the great artists worldwide.

What is it about Rumi’s poetry that draws you in and drives you to sing his words with such passion and emotional force? Do you have a favorite poem?

In particular, she has always taken exceptional interest in Rumi’s poems, which has inspired her to sing many of his pieces in such a way that would make any listener feel empowered by pure emotion. With the combination of her angelic voice, and the meaningful words, it is obvious that Shakila obtains the true essence of love. Shakila’s favorite Poem is Only You

What projects are you currently working on? I read you are releasing an English language album in 2015. Do you hope to expand your following in the English-speaking markets?

Shakila is working on a World Music Album, focusing on, Rumi, Love and Peace, which will be submitted for Grammy 2015, hoping for the English Cross Over, since Shakila already has captures over 20 mill fans world wide, and she wants to achieve the same and spread the Love in the English spoken Language.

Has the Internet helped you gain new fans and spread your music to a wider audience? Are there any challenges you have had to overcome?

Yes the Internet has helped us to gain millions of listeners, but on the other hand this easy technology has made it very hard to get your music across, and get noticed.

Where can our readers connect with you online? Where can we stream your music and videos?

• http://www.shakila.com
  http://www.soundcloud.com/shakilamusic
  http://www.twitter.com/shakilamusic
  http://www.facebook.com/shakilaofficial
  http://www.sonicbids.com/band/shakilamusic/

Do you have any last thoughts? Any person or people you would like to recognize or show gratitude?

We want to thank all our fans and supporters who believes in us, and gives us a reason to move forward.