We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shakira Chinchilla. Check out our conversation below.
Shakira, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Despite our tour schedule, we’ve been able to see family a little more and truly appreciate the time we have with them.
Our lives have become a little chaotic and hanging out with our families here lately has been making us feel grounded.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are Shakira Chinchilla, an alternative/punk duo based out of Nashville, TN. We’ve started touring 26 weeks out of the year.
Our music portrays the parts of the human experience most people don’t like to talk about: intrusive thoughts, feelings, misguided perceptions… We hope with our music, we can give our audience a safe space to feel comfortable with who they are.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Shakira: I started my first 9-5 office job when I was 18 years old. It was within that first month I started to realize this is the slow path to the “American Dream” and I just couldn’t stand for it.
Gregorio: The pandemic. I was considered an essential worker so was fortunate enough to work. But it was then where I came in contact with some of the most entitled people I’d ever met. My few coworkers and I felt like the only bridge to the outside world. Yet, we were treated like “the help”. I realized I needed to break away from that and put more efforts into my passion and the people who genuinely cared about me.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Disregarding your values to appease others gets you nowhere. Often times as artists, we find ourselves molding our art to what we think our family, strangers, or even the algorithm will approve of.
Our hardest time as a duo was figuring out who will actually enjoy our music and how we can cater to them. When in reality, people like when we’re just ourselves.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Not everyone is your friend. Part of our music career is meeting new people at shows, house parties, and events. As much fun as we have meeting new people, we have to keep in mind that there are always snakes in the grass. People looking to take advantage of newcomers or experienced artists.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Trying.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shakirachinchilla.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakira.chinchilla/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae8kXhq6s13rM08OHPOnnrnwcjqgQUsspsoA57bm–8o1pi2N9JBojzNBwBeg_aem_lSQJjlHsm3yNaP-wSjemOg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16xg5AnL7L/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shakirachinchilla?si=OFfYMUeWULPffdJi
Image Credits
Tammie Valer
Megan Rose
