WAIM #131: Shana Cleveland

It almost seems that Shana Cleveland was destined to be a singer and a songwriter. Her parents first met when her Dad was playing in a western swing band. Even after their marriage and Shana’s birth, her parents both continued to play in a variety of bar bands and cover outfits. Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Cleveland had always dreamed of getting out. Her childhood had been happy and filled with music, but for some reason, another place was calling.

After high school, Shana settled in Chicago to study at Columbia College. Following two years in Columbia’s photography department, Shana changed her major, at least in part because of rising camera and darkroom costs. Upon completion of her Bachelor’s degree, Shana moved to the Valley near Los Angeles with an aunt and uncle. While her initial view of LA was not too rosy, the spot served as a stepping stone for her next move to Seattle where Cleveland started her first band, The Curious Mystery.

During our chat, Shana describes the shift from The Curious Mystery to her current outfit La Luz, a sunny, surfy quartet channeling some of the very best sounds in 21st century rock music. Shana describes how she wanted La Luz to be joyful and even accessible for everyone; a goal she has fulfilled in spades.

Openly discussing the myriad barriers that still exist within the music industry for women and artists of color, Cleveland wonders what sort of opportunities might be available were she not a woman of color.

Come join me for a conversation that covers the glories of nature, the realities of indie rock touring, creating the perfect recording environment, and writing songs in the sun.

Let’s get into it.

Cheers,
Matty C