Sharaya Summers
Photo Credit: @Katerentz
Folk singer/songwriter Sharaya Summers brings a wonderland of acoustic melodies to the music industry. Growing up singing within her church community, the artist grew to acknowledge her passion for music. She made her Spotify streaming debut in 2017 with “Light of the Moon”, a song that was met with tremendous digital success across multiple platforms. The release sparked the beginnings of her music career, earning the artist over two million streams. Summers has since followed up with the “Bend Before We Break” EP to go along with six more singles, including a cover of the 80’s classic “Got My Mind Set On You”. Her latest song, “Get What You Give”, was released on June 5th. We talked to the artist about her musical upbringing, streaming success, and more!
How did you get started making music?
I grew up going to church and youth group. As a kid I thought I was seeking god, but looking back I think I just really liked to sing. That church really fostered my musical abilities, giving me opportunities to have “solos” etc. I should probably feel guilty for having the wrong intentions, but now I think god probably wants us to do the things that bring us joy and make us feel alive. So no harm, no foul.
“Light of the Moon” was a big success for you. Tell us what went into writing the song.
I wrote that song over a period of 4 years, as I was going through my “existential crisis” or “dark night of the soul” phase. I had left church life behind, and I was depressed because I didn’t know what to believe in. My world view had crumbled. I knew I believed in something, even if it didn’t make sense or fit into a religious box. I still had hope, believing that life is good and beautiful even if we will never fully understand it. The moon line came to me on a hippy-dippy, super-moon-Joshua-Tree trip (pun intended) where I did mushrooms for the first time. It was a genuinely spiritual experience, gazing at the huge moon in the empty horizon, and feeling so watched over and loved by the universe. Like the moon was a giant night-light plugged in by god to help us to not be scared of the dark.
Which artists have had the greatest impact on your career?
The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The entire line up of Lilith Fair 1999, & Avid Dancer (my husbands band — I’m a huge fan)
Who would be a dream collab?
I’d love to write with Tame Impala, Local Natives, & Jonathan Wilson. Anyone have a connection?
A dream venue?
The Hollywood Bowl.
What inspired the album artwork to “Get What You Give”?
It just takes one match to light a fire. Ok, I was high. But that was the stream of consciousness started. Jacob had that matchbook in his pocket, so he snapped a photo and that was that.
Are there any future projects that fans can look forward to?
I plan to keep putting songs out as they come. I have a new one coming out July 17th called “Hourglass,” it’s about getting old and not giving a F%#*, because getting old is actually pretty awesome.
