Scarborough-born, Victoria-based Shea Smilez brings a nice blend of R&B and modern hip-hop. Focused and dialled in with a new project coming, we caught up with him as he was getting ready to unveil the EP, OOME (Out Of My Element).
More recently, Shea teamed up with 2WENTY47 for the singles “Glitter & Gold” and “Ahhhh.” His most popular track to date on Spotify is “Alive,” which was released with COTIS earlier this year.
On the visual tip, the budding talent has released three official drops to date including the “Hiatus Freestyle,” as part of the Rooftop Collective series, the “Blue Strips” music video, and “XYZ.” All three were shot by Spictacular.
Shea Smilez Interview
HipHopCanada: Originally from Scarborough, what brought you to Vancouver Island and how has your musical process been while living there?
Shea Smilez: I actually moved here during COVID in 2020, Ontario was on lockdown and me and a couple of bros decided to get a house out in Victoria, cause it was the only place that was semi open. So, we got a five bedroom home and had a crazy summer, I mean, I actually started music out here. I never made music when I was back home so my music journey basically started in Victoria. Like I said, we had a five bedroom home. We set up a studio downstairs in the basement and at first it was just for fun, you know, making a few songs here and there. But, I was having fun with it. I would send my songs out to a couple friends back home. I would get some good feedback so then I was like maybe I could try doing this music thing for real.
HipHopCanada: How long have you been involved in music? Who are some of your biggest inspirations growing up?
SS: I’ve been involved in music my whole life. If you know me, you know music is one of the things I cherish most. My mom used to have a big CD collection… just driving to basketball practice, stuff like that, playing music singing and along with the radio. I’d say one of my most biggest inspirations growing up would be Mase… just his wordplay and his charisma and the way he carried himself. His music just made you feel good, you know? Prince is also a big inspiration. My mom used to listen to Prince every day in the car and I just like his energy towards music and how he was different. He wasn’t afraid to be different and step out his comfort zone. So, Prince was a big inspiration as well. Musicology, the album from Prince, to be exact.
HipHopCanada: You recently released a new EP titled OOME: Out of My Element. What was the inspiration behind the title? And what can we expect to hear on your latest release?
SS: The inspiration behind OOME was just to be out of my element. Try something I haven’t done before, trying different beats, different delivery, different sounds in my music. It was just stepping out of my element and having fun with it. What to expect to hear on my latest release is just fun energy. You’re gonna hear some crazy beats. Shout out Playboy, shout out Jeet, Benmadethat. They help me a lot and bring this EP together, and are helping me step out of my comfort zone. They killed the production.
HipHopCanada: How do you think artists should promote themselves these days in the ever evolving music industry?
SS: In today’s music industry, artists have to leverage social media by creating engaging content and connecting with fans directly. Streaming platforms offer another avenue for promotion, allowing artists to increase visibility through playlists and collaborations. Additionally, artists can build their brand through unique merchandise and interactive experiences, fostering a strong connection with their audience.
HipHopCanada: Can you describe your artistic process when creating a song from creation to completion?
SS: My artistic process in creating a song is basically find a beat that sticks out to me. I get a feel for it, and then I’ll come up with like 10 to 15 melodies. And out of those 10 to 15 melodies, I’ll pick the top five and then from there I go “how does it make me feel?” That directs what kind of song I’m gonna make… and then just get in the booth and punch in. I sit and write but other days I don’t feel like writing. I just get in there and go off how I feel.
HipHopCanada: If you could collaborate with any artist (living or dead) who would it be?
SS: If I could collab with any artist, it would probably have to be Justin Bieber and Drake those guys know how to make hits and just to see the creative process through that experience and how they prepare and come up with melodies and write songs would be dope.
HipHopCanada: What is your main goal as an artist coming out of Canada?
SS: My main goal as a Canadian artist is just to get the country behind me, and support other Canadian artists to get more of us on that global stage, cause there’s so much talent coming from our country.
HipHopCanada: What advice would you give to upcoming artists that are just starting out their career?
SS: My advice to any upcoming artist would be to find a group of people that wanna see you succeed and build a strong team to help push your music in every avenue. Whether it be social media, producers, managers, people that see the end goal and never give up. All you need is the right person to hear one song.
HipHopCanada: You recently had an EP release party. How was the turnout and what has the response been since the release of the project?
SS: Yeah, I had a release party for my new EP. Turnout was great. We had a lot of people out there. The love was great. Shout out Spictacular for putting it together. It’s always good to see people that support you come out and have a great time, listen to your music and stuff like that, so it was a great experience. Recap video on the way for those who missed it. Just make sure you don’t miss the next one.
HipHopCanada: Anything new in the works? What can we expect from Shea Smilez in the near future?
SS: Yeah, we’re always working. Got some singles coming out. Some big features coming soon. Planning on doing a lot of shows. I’m just gonna keep the ball rolling and stay relevant.
