ABOUT THE ARTIST
“I am proudly a First Nations woman, mother, musician, and independent artist,” says Shylah Ray, who was born in Canada and now calls California home. “I wear many hats—activist, singer/songwriter, DJ—and I’ve been writing music for over 15 years.”Her music is deep, rich, and transformational—a blend of Neo-Soul, R&B, and New Age Jazz with touches of Gospel, Blues, and Hip Hop. “All of my favorite things,” she says.
ON HER MUSICAL ROOTS
“I grew up singing as a form of therapy. It was one of the only things that made me truly happy.”Though she sometimes wishes she’d been born into a musical family, Shylah’s path is entirely her own. Her mother had “pipes,” her grandmother played a little guitar, but there was no choir, no formal training, no lessons. “I didn’t go to school for music and I’ve never had a singing lesson—which is ironic, because I now teach singing for a living.”
Her approach has always been intuitive. “Music has always come very naturally to me.”
CYCLES OF INSPIRATION
“As an artist, I move in cycles, like waves.”
Shylah describes her creative rhythm as ebb and flow. “Sometimes I’m inspired and writing a lot, sometimes I feel dormant and focused on other things. I’ll write maybe one great song a year.”Balancing life as a full-time mother, entrepreneur, and touring artist can make consistency difficult. “It feels like a lot of pressure to constantly come up with great music, especially without a label or financial backing. But if I had more time, I’d be writing all the time—and making hits.”
SOUND AND SPIRIT
Shylah’s sound is “smooth, buttery, soft but with an edge.” Her voice can move from angelic sweetness to full-throated power in a heartbeat. She’s inspired by authentic women who sing the truth and choose sovereignty over industry pressure.“My songs are about self-love, God, growth, truth, healing, radical responsibility, creating change within and in the world.”
Her favorite song, “Love Is,” was written a decade before she recorded it. “It’s about my birthright to be loved and expresses gratitude for my life and the love I feel as a human. Sometimes it makes me cry and gives me chills—that’s how I know I wrote it for myself.”
CREATIVE PROCESS
“I gather inspiration from Creation, God, Spirit.”
Shylah writes from presence—whatever she’s feeling in the moment becomes her muse. Though she once wrote often at the piano, her busy touring schedule has changed her process. “This year I’ve committed to writing more, forming new collaborations, and recording a few singles—possibly an EP.”
ERAS AND INFLUENCES
She grew up on 90s Hip Hop and alternative rock but has fallen deeply in love with Jazz. She also reveres world, Indigenous, and medicine music.“This music is perfectly impactful for the nervous system and reminds us of the beauty and magic that’s still here. It’s rooted in truth—crucial and beautiful.”
ON PERFORMANCE AS PRAYER
“Performing is my favorite part of being an artist and activist. It’s how I pray.”
For Shylah, the stage is sacred space. Each show becomes a ceremony—an act of communion with spirit and audience alike. Recording feels different: “That’s the creation part, perfecting the sound and the words. But live music—it’s alive. That’s why I have more shows on my calendar than songs in my catalog.” 
STYLE AND PRESENCE
Authenticity guides everything—from her performances to her fashion. “I love being true to myself, with Indigenous representation and a worldly feel,” she says.She enjoys intimate events with live instruments—medicine drums, African ngoni, rich layers of percussion—and sometimes performs entirely a cappella. “When people tell me it felt like sound healing, I know my mission is working.”
RESILIENCE AND RISING
“My biggest hardship was being a young single mother of two, new to L.A., healing my trauma while building a music career with zero support.”Despite the odds, Shylah built her life through faith and relentless determination. “Somehow, I made it work. Now I fully support myself and my daughters doing what I love. I never gave up.”
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND GRATITUDE
Meeting her idols—Erykah Badu, Alanis Morissette, and others—remains among her proudest moments. She’s earned awards for vocal performance and played iconic venues across the country.“Writing music that helps people heal and transform their lives is the greatest reward. Singing for a living still blows my mind.”
FUTURE VISIONS
“To write more inspiring music that exceeds my own expectations of success.”
Shylah hopes to expand her catalog, sell out shows, and collaborate with musical legends. One dream: the Hollywood Bowl. Another: a Grammy. But her deepest desire is peace.“Someday I’ll live off-grid, grow my own food, have a little farm, and know that I left a legacy for my daughters. I just want them to see that I did everything I loved.” DM
CONNECT WITH SHYLAH RAY
Official Website: www.shylahraysunshine.comInstagram: @shylahray
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/shylahray
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Spotify
EDITOR’S NOTE
Shylah Ray Sunshine reminds us that music isn’t just sound. Music is sacred ceremony. Her voice carries the vibration of healing, courage, faith, and truth. In a world that often rewards noise over depth, she stands as proof that the most powerful songs are born from silence and the will to rise. Supporting independent artists is as simple as streaming their music, following and engaging with their socials, watching music videos like the ones posted above, attending live events, and most importantly by purchasing music and merchandise. Check out Shylah Ray's merch at her Spotify Shop.See the full feature interview with Shylah Ray Sunshine in Deitra Magazine Issue 18, coming soon to digital and print.
Written by Tamara Marie Styer
Written by Tamara Marie Styer
Photographed by Jiro Schneider
Great article! A lot to relate to! So encouraging to see how music is therapeutic! I look forward to more about indie artists!
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