Having just released her new single “Screw U” and with an EP in the works, Canadian singer/song-writer Shayla Souliere is a busy woman. Currently working on lots of material to share via her YouTube channel and with dreams of playing Madison Square Garden, she kindly agreed to this interview to chat Prince, social media and upcoming performances.

PW: Please introduce yourself.

Shayla Souliere: My name is Shayla Souliere, I am a recording artist/song-writer/actress from Regina, Saskatchewan in Canada.

PW: How would you describe yourself and your music in a few words?

SS: I love to have a great time! My music is fun but it can also have a bit of an edge to it.

PW: When did you realize you wanted to make music a career? Was there an album

you bought or concert you attended that inspired you?

SS: You may hear this a lot, but, literally ever since I could talk I was singing. I started doing music as a career in 2013. I was actually a competitive gymnast up until I was about 17. Gymnastics played a huge roll in teaching me to work hard and never give up on my dreams.

PW: Which bands or artists influenced you growing up and have those influences

changed over the years?

SS: I look up to every artist! We all have such amazing stories/paths it inspires me every day! But if I had to pick one.. I really look up to Beyonce!

PW: Is there a band or artist you might say you’re similar to?

SS: I love so many artists/bands and their styles but I don’t want to be the next Katy Perry or Beyonce. I want to be the first Shayla Souliere.

PW: Tell me about your latest single “Screw U.” Is there a story behind it?

SS: I wrote “Screw U” because everyone has had moments in their life where they have this feeling about someone or something! Everyone can relate to it.

PW: How did you come up with the concept for the video and is being creative

in that way something you enjoy?

SS: For the “Screw U” video I worked with an incredible team of people. Nayip Ramos was the director for this video and I learnt so much that day on set! I think the best way to describe the story behind my video is the lead boyfriend/ex boyfriend cheated on myself and the other two girls in my video. We all found out about it and teamed up together to take care of business! It was really such a fun day! I love having opportunities to be creative and to learn from others who are creative!

PW: You’re also set to release an EP in the near future. What can you tell me

about it?

SS: YOU BET! I have been working on an EP and I am extremely excited to share it with everyone. As of right now I do not have a date set.

PW: Who or what most inspires your song-writing?

SS: Honestly, being a song-writer you are like a sponge! You absorb everything! If it’s from personal experiences or from an experience your friends have had, you take it all in!

PW: In your opinion, which is the greatest song ever written and why?

SS: I would say “Purple Rain” by Prince! “Purple Rain” was written so well! From the arrangement to the lyrics. I simply love everything about it.

PW: What are your upcoming performance plans?

SS: I hope to go on some sort of tour within the next year if all goes as planned! If not a tour I will for sure be playing shows. You can keep posted on all that on my social media pages.

PW: If you could share a stage with three other bands or artists who can be

living or dead, who would they be and where would you play?

SS: My top 3 artists would be Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and Rihanna. I would love to play at the world famous Madison Square Garden.

PW: What are your thoughts on social media and would you agree it’s a vital

tool for bands and artists today?

SS: Yes, social media is HUGE right now in the entertainment industry! You can connect with me on several platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

PW: What else does the rest of the year have in store for you?

SS: I am so excited for what the rest of the year has in store! I will be releasing a lot on my YouTube Channel. To give you a little taste of what’s to come I will be releasing lots of covers and a few collaborations with some extremely talented Artists! As well, there is potential for so much more.

PW: Finally then, what’s your ultimate ambition as an artist and what advice

would you give to anyone looking to make it in the industry?

SS: GO FOR YOUR DREAMS! Please do not let anyone or anything hold you back! Hard work pays off. If you can dream it you can do it. It’s not going to be easy but all your hard work will be so rewarding in the end!