VIDEO: Teen features in renowned international DJ’s song
Songstress, Shardenay Thompson, hopes to set stages blazing with her music in the future.
IF it takes 10 000 hours to be a field expert, then teen songstress, Shardenay Thompson, has put her time to good use. The 14-year-old guitarist’s incredible talent is complimented by her smooth and unforgettable vocal range.
Her videos of original and cover songs on Instagram caught the attention of the American producer, Harrison Crump, who wasted no time in contacting her mom or ‘mommager’, Shanelle, to set up an interview.
“I have always loved music,” said the Grade 9 Kloof High School learner. “When I was in Grade 5 my mom gifted me a guitar and I went for lessons on the Bluff each Saturday, I played in church and watched YouTube tutorials.”
The meeting last year went so well that she was signed to the producer’s stable, Hump Records, in addition to working with Gallo Records and with her songwriting signed exclusively to Universal Publishing. A few days after later, Crushing On You, her first single, was recorded in a professional studio in Johannesburg.
“It felt so surreal to be in a recording studio for the first time. I honestly thought I would just be singing covers at church. When I stepped into that booth, it hit me that it was really happening and that my music career could be so much bigger,” said the former Wentworth resident.
The song took her two days to write and as it gains traction, her dream of transforming the world into her stage and sharing her story through song is slowly being realised.
“With writing, it’s just me and the beat. I can just get stuck in and then make the necessary changes as I go along. The real reason I do it is so I can help give people an escape. If my music can help people along and bring them enjoyment, then I’m absolutely happy with that,” she said.
The song was launched with its music video, which now has over 2 600 views on YouTube.
“The lyrics were easy to come by. I just go into my room, put my earphones on and let my emotions go ‘crazy’, and allow the creativity to come to me.”
“For Crushing On You, my “crush” had me feel amazing and one of the phrases I used to describe that was ‘you give me butterflies every single time’. I love writing because it’s my emotions being portrayed and then pinned with melody,” she said.
Her music career aside, Shardenay is determined to study to become a paediatrician after high school and said this is due to her love of her three siblings.
“As her ‘mommager’, I encourage her and don’t want to limit her. I believe she will be on the international stages very soon and I am behind her 100 per cent. I am also here to balance her school and music career,” said Shanelle.
Her follow-up song, Never, will be released in March while You and Me, has already been recorded and will be released later this year. The humble teen’s long-term goal is to take her music overseas and showcase her talent to the rest of the world.
For more of Shardenay’s music, follow her on Instagram @shardyyy.
