Meet Shannon Sionna | Singer, Songwriter & Actress.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Sionna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from San Antonio, Texas. My father is a singer and my mother is a dancer. My father introduced me to r&b/funk songs while my mom showed me the Oldies, Tejano, and Motown. Both of my parents have had a huge impact on my music inspiration and career. IT is because of their support that I have been able to last this long in the industry.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been singing since I was 8 years old. I used to sing at my Elementary School performances a cappella because I didn’t know how to burn cds. When I was a senior in High School I quit the cheerleading squad (I had been a cheerleader for both all star and high school for a total of 10 years), and auditioned for the top choir and took theatre arts as my other fine art credit. The show choir I auditioned for eventually turned A Cappella (pitch perfect) mid year and in doing so we got to open for and sing with Foreigner, and travel to New York to compete in the ICHSA’s. When I went to Texas State for college I started my own A Capella group called ‘The Echoes’. It was founded in 2014 and is still going strong almost 8 years later. In 2015 I decided to focus on my singing profession and retired from the role as President in The Echoes. I released my first project ‘The Sionna Project’, a compilation of 10 songs. (Only one copy exists now). Since then I have released an EP called ’20:16′, multiple singles including ‘Trap Santa’ and ‘On Me’. I just released my latest single ‘Halfway to 30’, have a song coming out with Cynthia Lee Fontaine this year as well as releasing my next EP ‘Vienna’ in the fall. I perform with a live band and do my best to make every concert experience unique and magical.

A huge part of my branding is Environmental and Animal Activism. It is something I am very passionate about both in my personal and professional life. From getting rid of single use items in my house to making my merchandise made with recycled and environmentally friendly materials. We only have one world and one chance to reverse immense damage that has been done to our planet over the years, and although I can’t change the world alone the least I can do is use my platform to highlight such an important topic that for some reason still isn’t making headlining news.

It has been a very long journey to get to where I am today and I am still not where I want to be. I had to sacrifice a lot including moving back home and into my mothers house as I changed course and started my small business (Shannon Sionna). I made it a sole proprietor ship and invested in a Roth IRA when I made the decision for once and for all that I was going to pursue the music industry and couldn’t rely on my multiple part time jobs to cover me in the long run like a 401k. Since I knew that this was the road I wanted to take, and that it wasn’t one that has a set guide as if I was pursuing a 9-5, I had to trust my gut when it came to a lot of my decisions and both physical and financial moves. Having a strong support system like my parents, brothers, family, friends and my wonderful boyfriend help make this nontraditional journey a lot easier to handle. One huge lesson I’ve learned along the way is to get receipts and invoices for EVERYTHING. No one is gonna look out for you like you.

I guess I just want the world to know that I never gave up on my dream no matter how cliche that sounds. That I worked hard to achieve a goal that wasn’t easily attainable and I managed to remain soft and genuine along the way. That I used my platform and talent and opportunity to bring awareness, joy, and hope to those who find just being a human, difficult sometimes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The most cliche answer would be the riverwalk I am sure. But if my best friend was in town the most important itinerary would be food for sure. Everything is bigger in Texas as we know and especially where I was raised the food trucks and taquerias (particularly Eric’s Taco Truck) are necessary staples. San Antonio is the Tex Mex center of Texas and it’s only right to base the entire trip over meals. From Shiro Sushi to Boudro’s on the riverwalk we have to do it all.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man, there are so many people to thank it’s hard to pick just one. God first and foremost, my parents, brothers, family and my boyfriend Sean. I have to thank my wonderful band, my manager and the rest of my team. I am truly blessed.

Website: https://www.shannonsionna.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonsionna/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Shannonsionna_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonsionnaa/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ66cFF3-J_qZqNQD3Ncvcw

Other: https://linktr.ee/shannonsionna

Image Credits
France Mayari and Trent Owens