Exploring Life & Business with Shaneen Bonner of Decree Records
Shaneen Bonner is a Two-Time Grammy Considered, Award-Winning, Billboard Charting Music Artist, Author and Record Label Executive who built a successful career in the music industry for over 10 years, first as a music artist and later as a record label executive. Her love for music came from the church and developed by multi-cultural experiences. Her soulful music is filled with positive lyrics and life-changing messages that captivated her listeners’ hearts.
BUSINESS WITH DECREE RECORDS' SHANEEN BONNER
Shaneen is an active member of Christian Songwriters and Musicians International, Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, and many others. She has been featured in several newspapers and magazines. She uses her activism to help the homeless community, empower teenage mothers by connecting them to a supportive community of other teen mothers & adult mentors, and women effected by domestic violence.
Shaneen is also an author who has written her first book called “Bleeding Within a Journey to Finding Healing.” The book helps people deal with inner issues that have been caused by trauma. The book helps a person to identify the issues caused by pain, disappointment, hurt that has occurred in their life.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaneen Bonner.
1. Have you always wanted to be a singer/songwriter?
Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a songwriter. In 2021, it was definitely confirmed when I was nominated for “Songwriter of The Year” by Gospel Choice Music Awards.
2. What led you to create your own label?
Growing up, I was always musically inclined and listened to all genres of music. Music from artists like Michael Jackson. Michael Bolton, and many others. At the age of 8, I listened to Minnie Riperton sing the song “Back Down Memory Lane.” During junior high and high school, I auditioned for several talent shows as well as singing in church choirs. This all inspired me to create and write my first album “God Loves You.” My love for music came from the church and was developed by multi-cultural experiences. I took on the role of a music artist and record label executive to create financial freedom for myself and to help artists who are not sure how to take their music to the next level.
3. Have you ever written or produced other genres of music besides Christian music?
No, only Christian music. I had the opportunity, but never had the desire. If I had the opportunity, I would love to do a spoken word project with actress Viola Davis.
4. Did you have any particular challenges with starting your own music label?
I had to overcome five obstacles when starting the record label.
a. Comfort Zone. If you want to be an entrepreneur, you must learn to step out of your comfort zone and embrace change.
b. Learn to overcome comparing yourself to others.
c. Tackle the fear of failure. We are all afraid of something.
d. Overcome perfectionism.
e. Overcome procrastination.
5. You had been a Gospel spoken word artist. What exactly is that? Is this a new genre?
A gospel spoken word artist is considered an inspirational artist.
6. What led you to make the leap to becoming a Christian singer?
I’ve always had a desire for music, especially Christian music because of the impact it made on me. My favorite artists are The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, Tamela Mann, and the list goes on.
7. Regarding your label, do you only sign Christian artists, or do you also sign music artists from other genres?
Decree Records services is for Gospel and Inspirational artists who want to take their music to the next. Decree Records is an independent gospel and inspirational music record label based in Los Angeles, California. I founded the record label in 2021. It is a black-owned record label. It is a vehicle designed to build the career of gospel and inspirational music artists. The label experienced tremendous success with the 2021 release of “Great God” which hit the billboard indicator charts in the top 100. It also streamed more than 48,000 units and gave Decree Records its first Grammy consideration. Our second release “Praise” received a Spotify plaque and streamed over 363,000 units and received its second Grammy consideration. The record label is designed to develop new artists by teaching them the ends and outs of the music industry. In addition, Decree Records offers artist development, music consulting, and music submission services.
8. Besides divine intervention, what inspires you to write your songs?
My songs are inspired by life situations and experiences.
9. What upcoming projects should your fans look forward to you and how can they follow you on social media?
I plan on returning to the studio to work on my new project. Fans can stay connected online at www.shaneenbonner.com for updates.
10. In addition to your music career, you’re also an author. Please tell us more about your book "Bleeding
Within a Journey to Finding Healing’ and what readers can expect.
A JOURNEY TO FIND HEALING
My book “Bleeding Within a Journey to Finding Healing” helps people deal with inner issues that have been caused by trauma, incidents, and or accidents. Also, it helps a person to identify the issues caused by pain, disappointment, hurt that has occurred in their life. “Bleeding Within a Journey to Finding Healing” is available at www.shaneencbonner.com.
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