Pinetown songstress (14) aims for world stage
The 14-year-old has already signed up to a record company and works alongside Gallo and Universal Publishing.
AN undeniable vocal powerhouse, the 14-year-old Shardenay Thompson has incredible talent and hopes to one day transform the world into her stage and share her story through song.
The Kloof High School learner was discovered by American producer, Harrison Crump via her Instagram channel, where she uploaded recordings of herself singing covers and originals while playing on her purple acoustic guitar.
“I have always loved music,” emphasised the Grade 9 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 producer wasted no time in contacting her doting mom, Shanelle Thompson, to set up an interview.
They met in Durban in June last year and Shardenay won him over with her smooth voice by playing two of her original songs.
With a whirlwind launch into the music industry, she has since been signed to Hump Records, works with Gallo Records and her songwriting is signed exclusively to Universal Publishing.
A few days later she found herself recording Crushing On You in a professional recording 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 and then 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 enthusiastic teen.
Crushing On You, her first single, took her two days to write.
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“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.
To run alongside the launch of her first single, Shardenay also recorded a music video, which now has more than 2 300 views on YouTube.
“It was such a crazy, fun experience. I was so nervous and the team of people I was working with were so friendly and understanding and they helped me a lot. All I wanted to do was to give it my all and, after 10 hours of running around, I am so happy with the finished product. It was so nice to act in front of the camera and now that I have done it, I am addicted to it,” she said.
Her music career aside, Shardenay is determined to study to become a paediatrician once she finishes high school and says this is due to her love of her three siblings.
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“As her mommager, I encourage her and don’t want to limit her. I do believe she will be on international stages very soon and I am behind her one hundred per cent. I am also here to balance her school and music career,” said Thompson.
Her second song, You and Me, has already been recorded and will be released later this year while her third song, Never, will be released in March. Her long-term goal for the humble teen is to take her music overseas and showcase her talent with the rest of the world.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
