September 15, 2024 • 55 mins
In this special replay of Creative Space, we revisit another fan-favorite conversation, featuring international pop sensation SHAB. Born in Iran, SHAB's journey from refugee to global pop star is a testament to resilience, creativity, and determination.
In this episode, SHAB and I discuss:
- Her powerful journey from Iran to the United States as a refugee
- How she turned her love for music into a successful global career
- The inspiration behind her empowering music videos and the message of self-expression and healing
- Her songwriting process and how personal experiences shape her music
- How music has helped her overcome personal trauma and inspire others
At the time of recording, Creative Space was still growing (no lighting, no makeup, a plain backdrop), but SHAB's story resonated so deeply that it became one of the most popular episodes of the podcast, inspiring listeners around the world.
Tune in for a moving conversation about overcoming challenges, the healing power of creativity, and the pursuit of dreams.
For more information on SHAB, visit: shabofficial.com.
To sign up for the weekly Creative Space newsletter, visit: http://eepurl.com/h8SJ9b.
To become a patron of the Creative Space podcast, visit: https://bit.ly/3ECD2Kr.
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 — Introduction
3:00 — Shab’s early life growing up in Iran
6:00 — Shab’s music and empowering women to embrace their femininity
9:00 — How Shab used music to overcome trauma
15:00 — Collaborating with Damon Sharpe
18:00 — Making Spell on Me: Shab’s first major music video
21:00 — Touring with Anastacia:
24:00 — Balancing career and motherhood
27:00 — How creativity fuels happiness
30:00 — Shab’s thoughts on trusting in God’s timing
33:00 — What’s next for Shab: Her upcoming albums Euphoric and One Suitcase
36:00 — Collaborating with director Eli Sokan
39:00 — Advice for aspiring artists
43:00 — Conclusion
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jennifer Logue (00:11):
Hello everyone and welcome to another episode
of Creative Space, a podcastwhere we explore, learn and grow
in creativity together.
I'm your host, jennifer Logue,and as we gear up for Season 3,
yes, season 3, which islaunching on Sunday, october
20th, we're revisiting some ofthe most popular episodes from
(00:32):
the last two seasons.
Today's guest is someone whosejourney continues to inspire
Shab, an international pop starwhose music transcends borders.
When I first sat down with her,she was on tour with Anastasia
and had just released her singleSexual, part of a series of
(00:52):
hits that established her as abreakout star.
Since then, shaab has continuedto rise, recently collaborating
with hip-hop legend Fat Joe onthe track Voodoo, which broke
into the Billboard charts andbecame one of the most shazammed
songs on Apple Music.
She's also just released herlatest single, afterglow,
(01:14):
further solidifying her place inthe world of pop music.
Shab's journey is nothing shortof extraordinary.
Born in Iran, she fled toGermany at the age of eight and
eventually arrived in the US asa refugee at 14.
Despite facing immensechallenges, shab turned her love
for music into a powerfulplatform for empowerment and
(01:37):
advocacy.
In this episode, Shab and Idiscuss her journey from Iran to
becoming a global pop star, theempowering message behind her
music and the healing power ofmusic, and how creativity has
helped her overcome trauma.
I hope you find Shab's story asinspiring as I did when we
(01:57):
first recorded it.
So, without further ado, here'smy conversation with Shab.
Hello everyone, and welcome toanother episode of Creative
Space, a podcast where weexplore, learn and grow in
creativity together.
I'm your host, jennifer Logue,and today we have the pleasure
of speaking with internationalpop star Shab.
(02:19):
A product of three continents,she first gained attention in
the Western Hemisphere duringlate 2020 as a breakout star of
the global pandemic, with threeconsecutive number two hits on
the British commercial popcharts.
She is currently on tour withAnastasia and just released her
latest single, sexual.
Welcome to Creative Space, shab.
(02:42):
It's an absolute honor to haveyou here, welcome to Creative
Space Shab.
Shab (02:45):
It's an absolute honor to have you here, jennifer.
It's so nice to be here.
Thank you so much for having me.
It is an absolute honor andwhere in the world are you
calling from today?
I am actually in.
So we are in Antwerp, so wetraveled to Baruch.
So we are in Baruch right nowand we're going to head to UK on
(03:07):
a ferry and we're going tostart our UK leg of the tour and
we're so, so excited and I canhardly wait.
Jennifer Logue (03:16):
Oh my gosh, this is so exciting and you.
Your story is absolutelyincredible and there's so much
there's so much to talk about,we may have to do a part two.
There's just so much to talkabout.
You were born in Iran.
I was born in Iran.
(03:36):
Then you moved your family toGermany at eight.
Then you moved to the UnitedStates as a refugee at 14.
There's so much.
Shab (03:44):
Yes, I was one of the lucky ones that was able to
escape and get out and start anew life.
I mean, what I'm doing rightnow, it's just it's.
It's like a dream come true and, honestly, if I did the video
sexual, I would have probablybeen killed in Iran.
I would.
I mean it's the truth, becauseyou can't.
You can't do stuff like thatthere.
Jennifer Logue (04:04):
You know when I was watching the video, because
you just released that a fewdays ago.
Shab (04:08):
Yes, we did.
It's almost the restiest thingthat I've done, but I wanted to
kind of empower women in theirfeminine energy, because
sometimes, you know, we all havethat feminine and masculine
energy as humans and I feel like, because it's like it's not the
sex appeal or we're trying tosell sex, but it's like it's not
the sex appeal, or we're tryingto sell sex, but it's kind of
like, hey, you know what?
I recognize my feminine energywithin me and I honor it and I
(04:30):
honor others and I want to beable to tell you that you're
worthy and you're beautiful, andit's not about just the
physical but it's just beingcomfortable in your own skin.
You know, to me that's like itwas really important.
So I thought about a video.
I was like, you know, I want todo something that's going to be
still classy but sexy and justto kind of like tell a woman her
(04:51):
worth and her beauty.
So that's why we did that videoit is a stunning video and
you're an amazing singer.
Jennifer Logue (05:00):
It and the way with your music it's.
You know.
A lot of it does tap into thattheme of sexuality and
everything, but it comes from avery empowered place.
Shab (05:12):
Correct, always, empowered Always.
Jennifer Logue (05:15):
And do you think that's that a big part of that
is how you your background andcoming from a place where you
can really, because I thinksometimes in the West, we take
for granted our freedom.
Shab (05:31):
You know, it's not that you guys do, it's just what all
you know and it's not your fault.
But when you open your eyes toother cultures and know what
they have been through throughhistory and time, and it makes
one recognize that and it makesyou feel kind of, you know, feel
sorry for those women thatdon't have their voices and
(05:52):
rights, and it's just, look, I'mnot just going to advocate for
the women in Iran and I'm goingto advocate for women all around
the world, or even men orchildren that are not going to
have their voice heard.
Like what I want to do is Iwant to be that poster child for
like, look, I made it, I did it, I know and I can believe that
other people can get out of it.
(06:13):
And my beloved Germany acceptedme as a refugee and my beloved
America accepted me as a refugeeor an immigrant.
So for the rest of my life I goto those countries and I'm just
so grateful because at the endof my life I go to those
countries and I'm just sograteful because, at the end of
the day, we all want to be agood citizen of the world, we
want to contribute, we want to,you know, we want to be a good
(06:33):
example, we want to do somethinggood for society.
You know, we we're not justgoing to come as refugee, and
just we want to add value, youknow, and and you know I always
talk about like changing lives,add value.
And for me it was through musicand I was just blessed enough
that I was able to kind ofkindle that in music and just
(06:54):
bring those back, because I'vealways loved music and I just
was like never too late to startreally anything Right.
So to me that was that was it,because music was always an
escape for me into the unknown.
It's, it's transcending, it'stransformation, just
transformational, you know.
And um, it has helped methrough so many different
traumas and life changes goingfrom a childhood to germany, not
(07:16):
speaking the language, toturkey and living there for a
year in ankara and going togermany and then, you know,
being in germany for three yearsand then being in, you know, in
America.
America I've been the most.
It's been 27 years.
So I do consider America mycountry and I consider Iran my,
my motherland.
At the end of the day, it's mymother's country, but my country
(07:38):
is America, because that's themost I have been shaped of my
life to 27 years of my life.
I have been there and you knowso I've been very, very blessed
and lucky to, to, to have beengrown up there and to have
shaped.
Jennifer Logue (07:54):
So, amidst all of this, when did you first
discover your love for music?
Shab (07:59):
Well, honestly, like when I was like, probably like super
young, we were like five, six,and I remember we would play
music in our house, even thoughit was forbidden in Iran,
Because after the revolutionthey changed everything Suddenly
.
You can show your hair and youcan do this, and I was like,
okay, but through music, wewould just play music.
(08:22):
We would clean the houseBecause inside the house we
could do music.
We would like clean the housebecause inside the house we
could do whatever.
We would watch Western moviesand, you know, if we're cooking,
we're playing music.
If we're cleaning, we'replaying music.
If we're, you know, like havingparties, we're playing music.
It's always revolved aroundmusic so we would escape.
(08:45):
You know, even if there was anIran-Iraq war back in the day,
you know we would just like hideinside the house and just be
happy and be in a happy placeand escape into that world.
And that's what I remember andI was like, you know, I want to
create my own one day.
And that's what I started doing, working with Damon Sharp,
who's, you know, produced forAriana Grande and Jennifer Lopez
and some very, very talentedladies, and I'm just so blessed
(09:06):
and lucky to be amongst one ofthem and to be able to do what I
love and to be able to escapethat place where I can be in a
place that's free and theywelcome women and and equality
and and love.
And I'm just so blessed everyday and I thank god that I am in
this position that I hopefullyI can touch so many lives and
(09:27):
help so many people and spreadthe word.
Jennifer Logue (09:29):
Yes, you're already touching mine, so you're
touching so many people's lives.
Shab (09:33):
You're in your mind.
Thank you so much.
I appreciate you so much.
Jennifer Logue (09:38):
So your family?
Did you have a creative family?
I think your brother also singsdid you have a creative family?
Shab (09:45):
I think your brother also sings, correct?
My brother's name is Shahab.
It means um, a shooting star.
In Farsi, shahab has like maybe11, like I don't know, probably
10 or 11 albums out and he'salways sang.
But I was always shy and it wasduring, like um, you know,
paris Hilton and, uh, you know,I'm trying to think all these
different names like BritneySpears, when they were just pop
stars and they were going out,paparazzis were after them and
(10:08):
he's like no, I don't want thisfor you.
So I always like singing but hesort of, you know, he told me
not to do it because my familykind of discouraged me.
And I did stay in college.
I have a bachelor's ininternational studies and
marketing.
I do love marketing.
I went to law school.
I dropped out.
I wanted to do internationallaw for export, import, cause I
(10:30):
love stuff like that as well, orhelping people, try to help
their businesses, you know, sowe can bring, like goods into
the different countries and likehave beautiful pieces of stuff
that you wouldn't regularly seein your own country, you know.
But then I dropped out and Ipursued skincare.
I am an esthetician by trade.
I studied for a year and I'm anesthetician by trade, so I
(10:56):
studied skin.
I love everything about theskin.
I've worked in spas for on andoff, like seven to eight years
and we owned our own spa and Igave him probably over like two,
two, three thousand facials inmy life, which I love.
I love like making people feelgood, and I was always a healer
at heart.
I'm also a reiki master and Ialso have a yoga master.
Jennifer Logue (11:20):
I got my reiki cert just like two months ago
For vacation, yeah.
Shab (11:24):
Congratulations.
Thank you, I love it.
It's the energy.
Yes, it's so wonderful.
Hey, you know what I alwaysthink like?
You never know when you'regoing to use it.
And I use it on my daughterwhen she has her stomach hurt.
She's four years old, my littlegirl Shiloh, and so I put I
heat up my hands and I just putit on top of her belly and then
I kiss it and then she startsfeeling better and I put
(11:45):
meditation for her.
It works.
You know, when you do it withlove I believe in the energy of
the universe and you just kindof it's not yours energy, you're
getting it from sort of likeabove and it's just a touch of
your hand and then you give itto the person that's in need the
most.
Jennifer Logue (12:01):
I'm not sure if you found this connection, but
but between Reiki and music, Ifelt like there's a similar
energy happening there.
Shab (12:09):
Correct.
I 100% agree with you.
There's something very specialthere.
I agree with you.
Jennifer Logue (12:18):
So we talked about you growing up in Iran.
How do you think that hasshaped your relationship with
creativity?
Shab (12:29):
you know, just going to like my mom.
She just watching my motherlike going through a lot.
You know, she lost my dad whenshe was 39 and I was six months
old and my mother would takesomething from nothing and make
it into something beautiful.
Our house was always likespotless.
(12:50):
She would cook like the bestfood.
You know.
To be honest with you, like ifI would choose my life again, I
wouldn't change anything,nothing, I would just do it
exactly the same way.
But my creativity definitely hasgrown.
I mean, again, western moviesand my brothers and sisters like
dancing, um, you know, withwestern music and there's just
(13:13):
so many different aspects of it.
I'm just so blessed to behaving so many brothers and
sisters that I was the baby ofthe family.
I'm the 13th um, and so I wasalways babied, you know.
So like I was like kind of in asense worship I know it's crazy
and I might say that but theyjust adored the heck out of me
and I was like spoiled, like Igrew up kind of spoiled in a
with love, not always having alot of money, though, okay, a
(13:36):
different kind of spoiler which,when I was a certain age, I had
to like come to terms withmyself, and there's stuff that I
wasn't sure that I liked aboutme in my twenties and I had to
change that and I was like, okay, I don't like this, I want to
change.
I want to be different, youknow, and I want to be more
humble, I want to be more loving, I want to be more accepting
(13:57):
Not that I wasn't or it wasjudgmental, it's just I want it
to be better.
Jennifer Logue (14:02):
Yeah, and even today yeah-improvement.
Shab (14:05):
Yeah, I always call it the love story that never ends.
I love that.
You know, it's like the lovestory in my routine, myself and
I that I'm just trying to figureout so I can spread more love
in the world through, throughthe reflection that I give out
to others.
You see what I mean?
Yes, out to others.
You see what I mean?
Yeah, so I work through my, myum, darkness and um, rekindle it
(14:27):
and make my darkness into light, you know, and um, um.
So, yeah, there's, there's a lotof that, you know, but
everything really inspires me,like you're inspiring me right
now.
You know being no, it's so true, everybody that I come in
contact with that just addssomething and a value to my life
and I learn and grow from eachmoment and every day and I'm
(14:50):
just so grateful to this moment,right now, in time and space,
to be speaking with you and tohave breath in our body and to
be here and and it's really thebest time of our life we can,
can be alive, you know, andthere's some stuff happening in
our world and I get it.
But you know, one day at a time, and that's how we can do it,
one day at a time we can changethe planet and you never know.
(15:14):
Things will just changemagically, and I believe in the
power of love.
Jennifer Logue (15:18):
The power of love can heal anything.
You know that is the ultimatepower and I have this thing that
I tell myself when things getoverwhelming just focus on the
next three steps.
What are the next three thingsyou have to?
Do and just focus on those youget done, those you take the
next three.
Shab (15:37):
Yes, the breath is look, you're still alive.
Your mind likes to trick youand take you to the past.
That stuff that happened,you're like, but I was not good,
and you're still alive.
Your mind likes to trick youand take you to the past.
That stuff that happened,you're like, but I was not good.
And you're like no wait, I'mgood now, you know.
So the mind tricks us all thetime, and so what we have to do
is bring ourself back to thepresent.
So the present is all we have,and it's like that's where we're
growing, and in the breath.
(15:58):
The breath is so important,even like right about, I'm about
to go on stage, though peopleare like do you get nervous?
I'm like no, I don't really getnervous, I get excited, yeah,
just because my heart startsbeating fast.
But then I start breathingreally deep breaths and then I'm
fine and I just be like I gotthis and I go out and I just
want to spread the love.
You know, just give my crowdenergy and love.
Jennifer Logue (16:20):
So yes, um, there's so much love in your
music.
Thank you.
I have to ask where do you findwho are your musical
inspirations?
Shab (16:32):
My kids.
Honestly, like whenever I write, I'm always jotting down on my
phone.
If I hear, maybe like a quote Iwrote, I heard, or something
from the Bible, a verse, I takeit out and I turn into a lyric.
You know, it's amazing howinspiration comes, like in every
place, everywhere, every day,and so I jotted down and, um, I
(16:55):
might, my kids might saysomething, or my neighbor might
come over for a glass of wine, Idon't know we're talking and
I'm like, oh, I like that word.
I'm gonna jot it down.
So I already have like a biglist for my third album of the
things that I want to create.
But most of my songs honestlycame it was more about love and
it was sexy love and feelingsexy as a woman and um, writing
(17:16):
about my relationship, likereally with my um, with my I'm
not married officially, but mybaby dad, who is my partner.
We're engaged, we have afive-year-old.
Congratulations, thank you.
We have a five-year-old sonnamed Raphael and a daughter
named Shiloh.
She's four, so we're togetherand so a lot of the stuff like I
really wrote it was like aboutour love or something you know.
(17:40):
So it's like I always havepeople like that inspire me and
and if I want to sing, I'malways singing for my soul and
my heart, and that's the onlything.
If a song doesn't agree to me orI don't like it, I won't sing
it, like I'm like, no, it's just, it's just not.
People like, well, you're asinger, you can sing any song
you want, I'm like, but itdoesn't talk to me, I can't, you
(18:01):
know.
So for me it has to hit likereally deep in with my soul.
I'm like, ok, that I can singthis one I can do.
And if I'm going to do it overand over again through concerts
and through time, I better likethese songs and I'm really
spreading the word of love, andso I better like my own work
before, like I'm out there andsinging all this stuff.
So it has to mean something tome that I'm trying to spread
(18:24):
that word into for other people.
You see what I mean exactly.
Jennifer Logue (18:28):
I feel like we're all vessels as artists.
We're vessels for a message andit has to be, it has to ring
true to us correct.
Shab (18:36):
This has to be authentic.
You know you can't just bebecause, well, it's a hit and
I'm gonna do it like if itdoesn't agree with me, I won't
do it like I'm not.
I have to stay true to myselffirst.
Jennifer Logue (18:46):
So for sure, and that always produces the best
results.
Yeah, no, you're absolutelyright.
So what is your definition ofcreativity?
There's no right or wronganswer.
Shab (18:59):
That's a.
That's a really good question,actually, jennifer.
You know, I think creativity issomething that you really enjoy
, or even if you want to trysomething new.
Like I love cooking and I wascooking a lot at one point and
then I was like two babies in.
I was like, oh my god, I'mtrying to do my career, but like
I only cook when I'm likereally happy because I'm like
trying to put some good energyinto that food, and but
(19:21):
creativity to me is, uh,whatever that makes you happy in
that moment.
You know, whether it's writinga music, or like working out or
going for a run and seeingnature, um, you know, visiting a
new place and traveling andspeaking to someone new, that.
Or making friends with someone,um, that is going to become
(19:41):
lifetime friends with you.
It's like watching a movie thattouches you and then you might
want to create something.
Or even like remodeling yourhouse.
It's in everything.
I think creativity is just sobeautiful and I love creating
because we're our creators.
Jennifer Logue (20:00):
Yes, yes, if we don't create, we're not, we're
not happy.
I, when I stopped creating, I'mnot a happy person Like yes.
Shab (20:09):
I'm the same exact way, because what happens is when
you're creating because we weremeant to be creators it doesn't
matter what you're doing, evenif you're cooking, finding a new
recipe, do that, you know andand and and like.
Just keep creating somethinglike new, like even if it's like
finding a new album, likeyou're listening to, or or or,
(20:30):
like, you know, going to a newrestaurant with your friend.
And the moment you're notcreating, what happens is you
fall into default and then youstart, your mind drifts back
into the past or or the present,and then the anxiety creeps in,
because we meant to keepcreating, and that's why I love
writing music so much, because Iwrite and I'm in a studio and
(20:51):
then I hear the finishingtouches and I'm like, and I get
goosebumps and I'm like, oh, mygod, this is so good, like, this
is gonna be great.
I can't wait to share this withthe world and I can share my
love with them, you know.
So, yeah, we were meant to becreators.
I love creativity is just themost beautiful thing in the
(21:11):
human.
Beside love, obviously, there'sthe pillar they all have
pillars like a tree of life, andit goes up.
Jennifer Logue (21:14):
Yes, I love that answer.
Oh my gosh, I love that answer.
Um and this.
This is kind of building off ofthat a little bit, but why do
you think creativity isimportant?
I feel like sometimes soul,right.
Shab (21:30):
What was that Feeds your soul Like it feeds it like, it
makes you feel alive, Like, butwhat were you thinking?
I want to.
I want to know that too.
Jennifer Logue (21:40):
Yeah, I think sometimes in the world it may be
seen as frivolous you know bysome who are but, as you were
saying, I just think it fulfillsa fundamental need for our
health and well-being, Correct?
Shab (21:57):
Even the ones that are just so frivolous, they're still
creating, you know, evenjotting down stuff in the
computer, because we haverealists too.
Look, there's all kinds ofpeople in the world.
They're still creating.
Yes, that's very true.
You know, they might not wantto be like, well, I'm not
creative person.
I am so black and white andstraight, like this is this is
how I do things, you know, butat the end of the day, there's
(22:20):
part of them that's there, istheir child, like you know
there's.
If you find that child withinyou, you will never grow old yes
because if it's difficult, thenit already becomes difficult.
if you, if you make a task likehard well, I can never do this.
This is too hard, or I'm notgood enough for it You're
already telling yourself thatyou're not.
(22:40):
Don't do that.
Jennifer Logue (22:43):
You know that is so true, the children be in the
moment and be childlike.
Yeah, the child within us, Ifeel like, has all the answers
child within us, I feel like,has all the answers.
Yes, you know, a hundredpercent.
Oh, beautiful answers.
So let's get back to music.
When did you first write?
Shab (23:07):
what did you write your first song?
That's a really.
Actually you're asking all thegood questions.
So Damon Sharp and I I was whenI just had my son.
My son was probably like fourmonths old and I was doing some
Persian music and I had justreleased my first song.
I did my video when he was sixmonths and more music.
But then I said, you know, Iwould really love to my my baby
that, like Rob, that neverunderstood what I was singing to
(23:28):
him, and he's like, well, thissounds so beautiful, but I don't
know what you're saying.
I was like, oh man, I shouldprobably start doing something
in English too, cause I wouldlove for him to know what I'm
singing to him.
So then I started looking at acomputer one day.
You know some, the nudge in youjust says just go walk into the
computer, type in producer orsomething.
And I did that.
I sort of got something in mymind speaking to me and I typed
(23:52):
in and Damon Sharp came up.
I had no idea that he's writtenfor Ariana Grande and Jennifer
Lopez and I just was like, okay,cool, this guy looks good.
He looks like he's a family guytoo and I was like I was all
for that, great.
So then next thing, you know myhusband, you know Rob always
checks everything and then, likelater, he tells me do you know
that he's written for Jen?
I was like I had no idea.
(24:12):
Wow, that's amazing, I'mwritten for Jen.
I was like I had no idea.
Wow, that's amazing.
I'm like.
I was like he's sending me anew song and the first two songs
.
The first song was called downto the wire, which is um, and,
and then that was the first songhe gave me.
And then the second song wasain't thinking about you.
So after those two songs, when Ifirst recorded um down to the
(24:33):
wire and I came back home, myhusband didn't travel with me
but I was pregnant with mydaughter I was already seven
months pregnant because he wouldgo and do it and see what
happens.
And I came back and he loved it.
He was like I didn't know youcan sing.
I was like, yeah, I can.
I mean, like you know, I had ashy talent.
But I was just like, ok, thisis the time for it to come out
(24:55):
and there's no more shy anymore.
So then then I got in thinkingabout you.
Then we did a contract forthree songs and then the.
Then I told him.
I said, Damon, I had an ideaabout a song.
I want to do something with amiddle Eastern pop something
with my let's do something fun.
He said well, I love it, shab,yes, send me all your journaling
, everything you have.
So I did, and we called it.
Jennifer Logue (25:16):
Spell on Me.
Oh my gosh, I love that songand the video is so cool too.
Shab (25:22):
Thank you, and that was my first major big video I did.
I mean, you don't understand.
I'm walking it, I'm redrivinginto the desert.
There's 80 people there withtents and books at me.
He's just what have you justgot into a shaft?
And I'm like, um, I don't knowand I'm all I'm praying to God
is to make sure this goes right.
I'm like, dear Lord, pleasemake, make sure I don't suck.
Jennifer Logue (25:45):
Oh my gosh, you're phenomenal.
Shab (25:47):
He did a week of rehearsals.
I worked with Lady Gaga'schoreographer, which is a
choreographer His name is RichieJackson.
He's a beautiful, beautifulhuman, anyhow.
So he was there and we did thevideo and it turned out to be so
beautiful and I was just soproud of it and but I prayed so
much and and of course, afterthat I was like I got this.
(26:08):
I think I have a hang of how towrite music.
I can, I can do this, this.
So from then on we've beenwriting all our songs.
Beautiful single song I havewritten is with damon and and
eric sannacola.
It was just the three of us,the two boys, and my third album
.
I do have a lady name on nastokyo.
She works with closely withdwayne johnson's wife and he's
(26:31):
written for um, for la Lauren,and she's going to start helping
me and the fact of that is funfact her husband is in the video
of Serenity with me.
Oh, that's very cool.
Yeah, harry is awesome, harryGoodwin.
And the funny thing is whenI've met him on the set he's
like hey, by the way, who writesyour music?
(26:53):
My wife is a really amazingwriter.
You need to meet her if youhaven't yet.
He was like kind of like youknow, introduced.
I was like that is the cutestthing ever and my husband, you
know, rob, was on the set and Isaid, hey, why don't you go talk
to Rob?
He's sort of like my manager.
I was like I'm already.
She's sharing you with me onthe beach today.
(27:14):
You know, I would love to dosomething with her Creative
connections.
Yeah, we're super good friendsand we she's going to help me
with my third album and to havea woman on my third album.
I I'm just so honored and sohappy to be able to work with
someone like Nas and I cannotwait to.
I want to do more ballads, justslow, maybe things down, and
(27:37):
just still like I want to.
It's just more heartfelt,slower song.
And and I cannot wait, I have,we have so many, so many things
that we want to do and I want tocall it one suitcase, because
that's what I came to us.
I literally was like Marypuppet with one little tiny
suitcase and an umbrella.
That's all.
I came to the US.
I literally was like MaryPuppet with one little tiny
suitcase and an umbrella.
That's all I came to.
(27:57):
Yeah, and you were 14.
I was 14.
Yeah, I started high school,ninth grade, I went to ESOL,
didn't speak any English, I wasmade fun of, I was bullied, but
you know, I had really toughskin.
I was like I've been throughthe bombs.
Jennifer Logue (28:13):
This is nothing what you got and did you come
here by yourself?
Which city did you?
I went to?
Shab (28:23):
from Kassel I left and went to Frankfurt and from
Frankfurt I went straight toBaltimore, where my mom was
there, and I hadn't seen my momin almost three and a half four
years.
Wow, my sister was my guardianwas there, and I hadn't seen my
mom in almost three and a halffour years.
Wow, my sister was my guardianin Germany.
Oh, wow, okay.
So yeah, I was a baby's mama.
I was like my mom was like Iwas like I wouldn't go to sleep
(28:46):
until she went to sleep.
Like I was like her shadow.
I was with her.
So, it took, I grew up reallyfast.
I was with her.
So I, it took, I grew up reallyfast.
You know the the four yearsbetween like eight and a half
nine to like 14, I grew upreally really fast.
I had no choice.
Yeah, survival I mean, yeah, butI, I'm a very independent
(29:08):
person, even as when I wasyounger, like I went to my
tennis lesson and know I went toschool by myself, like they had
the straws and bond, like the,you know the trains and stuff.
So, but when I went to America,like you know, everything is
needs a car.
You don't have thetransportation Europe.
So I was a little saddenedbecause, you know, no, everyone
(29:29):
was working.
We didn't have a lot of moneynecessarily, so we were trying
to make ends meet and we wererenting a house, all of us.
So it was.
It was tough times.
It was tough times for a littlewhile, but then things got
really, really good you know,and you went to college and yeah
.
I paid for my way.
My mom helped some scholarshipgrants, so that was really nice
(29:51):
and and I worked, I worked, andand I was really proud of that
and I loved working.
I love working.
I love contributing to society,I love adding value.
I love doing something for theworld.
That I'm saying I'm doing mypart, so I know at the end of
the day, I know I did what Icould do.
Jennifer Logue (30:08):
So, no matter what you're doing, no matter
what project you're, doing so,no matter what you're doing, no
matter what project you're doing, you always bring that energy.
I hope so.
And passion, that's beautiful.
Shab (30:21):
Thank you, I tell that to my whenever we get into an
argument or something or he justgets mad at me.
I'm like what?
I'm a very passionate person,honey, yeah.
Jennifer Logue (30:40):
Yeah, so back to music, because there's so many
great videos, so many greatsongs.
I'd love to know more aboutyour collaboration with Damon
and Eric.
Okay, what do you love mostabout?
Shab (30:51):
your collaboration together.
They just um.
What I do is when I write astory and I tell them what I'm
trying to sing and who I'mtrying to sing to like.
For example, let's say,crisscross, yeah, crisscross
about a.
It's about a new love, but it'salso about an old love, that's
true it's.
It's like being in arelationship for many years and
(31:12):
you're rekindling that lovethrough the fire of passion.
And then it's also new love,which is like new, and you're
just like unsure and they'reboth playing games and but it's
not like unhealthy games, it'smore like they're both
protecting their hearts, butthey're still open to like the
(31:33):
unknown.
So so helpless and new, likebaby, don't hold back now, you
know.
So it's kind of like.
So it's like rekindling thatnew love or having a new love in
your life.
So whenever I tell them thestory before we write, they
usually get it.
They're really on with how mystories go.
(31:53):
Even what I do, my song, what Ido, what I do, came out of like
a traumatic story, traumaticexperience for me and what
happened to me with my baby, dadand I.
So, and then you know, look, weforgive and forget and we move
on in life.
But I feel like those are thetimes that actually made me
stronger as a person, be able toreally forgive him and myself
(32:18):
on not knowing better and himmaking a mistake or whatever
that was, you know, and justmoving from that that I felt
like I was becoming moreenlightened, human, yes, and I
felt empowering.
Felt empowering, not like abeing a victim mentality, which
I had for a while, but likeriding through that music that
empowered me.
And that's when what I do wasborn.
(32:40):
Like every song, it had itslike place or meaning, and even
like music to my heart.
It's for the people like arelike my sunshine in my life and
their music to my ear, music tomy heart, you know so.
And my kids' voices, when Ifirst heard them say mom, you
know, mommy, or even if theyspeak, you know.
It's just those little preciousthings that, like, we might
(33:03):
take for granted.
But then we go back to it andwe're just like, oh my God,
those moments are never going tocome back.
So, guess what?
I'm not?
I'm going to live for thepresent moment.
I'm going to enjoy every second.
I'm going to slow down timebecause I'm not trying to get to
where it is like, oh, youalready made it and look,
everyone in the world knows yourname.
I'm fine where I am right nowand I feel so blessed and like
(33:26):
speaking with you right now inthis time and space and just
doing what I'm doing, and I'm ontour with Anastasia and I've
prayed about this for last year.
So I would say God is real andprayers will get answered.
You know, and I believe in thepower of prayers, I believe in
the universal love and I believein the creator that's listening
(33:47):
and he loves all of us so much.
Jennifer Logue (33:49):
We just have to speak to them, you know, and he
you know, our creator is ourultimate collaborator and every
single thing we create, everyrecording studio we're in, every
they put me in touch with you.
Shab (34:04):
You know, and they maybe rang a bell oh, you need to have
an interview shot.
So you never know, like, how wemeet people in life.
And when someone comes in,whenever I have an interview, I
know it's like super specialbecause that's like a soul that
got sent for me to speak to themand to tell them something that
I need to get from them, theyneed to get from me, we need to
get from each other.
Jennifer Logue (34:23):
You know it's yes, shab, you are the most
grounded person I've ever met.
Oh my gosh.
Shab (34:31):
Yes, it is so inspiring.
Thank you, jessica, love youtoo.
Jennifer Logue (34:35):
You're so sweet.
I just had coffee with a friendthis week and we were talking
about like life's lessons andwhat you know what's next for
each of us, and she's like Ithink something.
I think what the universe iscalling you to do is to be
content.
Contentment is your challenge,because I'm always like jump in.
Shab (34:58):
Yeah, it's the next thing beautiful, no, and, and look,
you know that that's what yourdrive is.
You said their drive like.
For me, it's like hitting mynumbers when I work out.
If I'm going like fast, I wantto go super like, super fast,
like, and I want to go fasterthan I did, I want to beat my
number from before.
So it's like we're incompetition healthy competition
(35:21):
with ourselves, but at the sametime, feeling grounded and
content and proud of ourselves.
Yes, you know, and taking amoment to breathe that you know,
breathing in, just say thankyou for coming so far.
And when I look back last year,this is my like, I mean, think
about it when I'm thinking aboutit, this is my fourth show that
(35:43):
I've ever done in my life.
Jennifer Logue (35:44):
Wow, yeah, so you know opening for.
Shab (35:47):
Anastasia, I know and and it's going so amazing and she's
so awesome and her fans been so,so receptive and loving to me
and it's just been.
I couldn't have asked for abetter experience and I just
thank God, because God does notwant us to fail.
By the way, I look at it likesome blessings and opportunities
don't come right away, becauseI have something better for you,
(36:10):
because I'm preparing you forsomething bigger.
He does not want us to fail, sothey want to like, for example,
want us to be super ready wherewe like even riper than we
think.
When we get that gift, we'relike we're going to hold on to
it and we're going to likerespect it, you know, and we're
going to like make sure we getthe most of it.
Jennifer Logue (36:31):
Trust in God's timing, exactly, yeah.
Shab (36:37):
That's why when something doesn't happen or work my way,
you know what I just be like, oh, that's okay, and I just and I
just I do something else and I'mlike it's okay, and I don't get
upset, I don't get sad, youknow, and and and the inner
child is like, oh, it's going tobe fine.
You got something.
You know it is and it's it'sokay, and I love all aspects of
life and I'm just breathing itall in, you know, and I'm just
(36:59):
staying super grateful andthankful.
Those are the keys to unlockingmore.
But also manifesting is workinghard, not just thinking about it
.
Get up there and do it.
Like if you just think aboutplaying the guitar, play it
every day.
Or if you want to sing, like,work on your vocal rest.
You know, vocal, vocal, um.
(37:20):
Do your vocal lessons and dothe things you need to do.
If you want to lose weight,then you know what, slowly.
Don't just jump into it andlike, go heavy where it's going
to be hard.
Do one thing at a time.
Give up one thing, you knowjust give your body a break,
give yourself love, giveyourself respect, you know, and
things just fall into place oneday at a time.
Jennifer Logue (37:39):
They do.
It's incredible.
Especially, when did you startyour musical journey?
Has it been the last?
Shab (37:47):
actually I was in my mid-20s and I had a producer
that I worked with and westarted dating for a little
while and didn't work outbecause I left him.
So he took all my songs that Ihad written with him and he gave
it to someone else and she sangand I heard it in the radio and
I was heartbroken by it.
So I stopped singing for manyyears after that incident.
(38:09):
But you know what, afterspeaking to to rob and, and then
he was just like what do youwant to sing now?
Where did this?
Where did this talent all of asudden came from.
And then I told him the storyand, uh, he was like well, just
please, don't make this a hobby.
He's like look, I'm gonna goall in, but I need you to go all
(38:29):
in.
Oh, and I got you.
I got you back 100% and youneed those wings.
I will help you have thosewings and you can spread them
and you can fly.
So, but it took a littleconvincing at first before we
got to that point and once heknew this was it and he saw my
hard work put in, he said, okay,let's go.
(38:51):
So it was a, it was a steplevel.
It was lots of days at the lakehouse where we would go for the
afternoon and we would just gosunbathing.
We didn't I was still pregnant,you know.
I would talk to him about musicor our baby was still small and
I would be like I really want todo this.
He's like well, this better notbe a hobby.
This better be like this,better be a career for you,
(39:12):
because if you want to do this,this is like you're all in or
nothing, like I want you to givea hundred percent.
If I'm giving a hundred percent, I want you to do 110%.
But when he saw my work ethics,he saw me done in, day in and
day out, and like my vocalcoaching.
And it's just your.
Your vocal vocals are just likeworking out, just like any
(39:32):
other film.
And it's, uh, my, my producer,damon.
He's such an amazing humanbeing, family man, he's a, he's
a, he's like a, he's like abrother to me, you know so, like
Rob and I, we, we just adoreand love him so much.
And he said shop, you know whatI see in two years?
That happened for you.
Most artists do in 10 years,because I think I wanted it so
(39:53):
badly that I just worked extrahard, and I always do.
Sometimes I have to work extrahard on things because I'm not
naturally adapt to it.
But you know what?
I work harder than anyone elseand I finally get it and it's
there.
But I work really hard and mosttimes, like some people
naturally comes to them, somepeople work hard and for me I
(40:14):
had to work hard to get there,and so even with my guitar
lessons, like I have to workextra hard to get those chords.
Jennifer Logue (40:21):
And I realized you played guitar too.
That's new to me, that'sawesome.
Shab (40:24):
It's super new.
I'm still like getting the gistof it.
It's not something I would loveto, maybe in the next couple
years whatever two years, when Ihave my own world tour to do
like a number, like a song formy fans on stage, you know, with
the guitar, and that's that'smy goal to do to.
Everything I'm doing is for myfans.
Like I left my babies at home,they're with my sister, thank
(40:46):
god, and I facetime them everyday.
They're five and four, but youknow what my fans are sort of
like, my babies too, and I lovethem as much.
So you know what we're buildingan army.
We're building an army of hopeand love.
Jennifer Logue (40:59):
Oh, beautiful.
Shab (41:00):
And that's what I want to do.
And so you know what I will putthis extra time, I will tour
and I will spread this love andI will spread the love of God
and spread the love of universeand universal love as one.
Jennifer Logue (41:15):
So, oh my gosh.
So I have another collaborationto ask about.
I noticed in a lot of yourmusic videos which I love,
absolutely love all of yourmusic videos.
Shab (41:24):
I see the same director too, eli yes, eli, um, ellie, so
it's like Eli, ellie, he goesby both.
Okay, cool.
Uh, ellie Sokan, um, he's fromBeirut.
He's from Beirut, um, he's likethe most amazing person I have
met in my life.
When I first went on the set, Iwas so nervous and then he's
(41:45):
like shut up, come on, you'reready to.
I am so conservative and, likeyou know, I mean like I don't
speak like and I was like, okay,I was like I like this guy.
Yeah, I was like let's go do it.
He made me feel so comfortableand he knows my angles, he knows
what works for me.
He just, he, just I always sayI'm like, ellie, you make me
(42:08):
look good.
He's like, no, it's you.
And I'm like, no, you make melook good.
So we always go back and forthand he's just the most beautiful
human being and he really,truly cares for me and love Like
we.
I would say we havegrandfathered and adopted some
part, some people from my team.
I'm like, whenever I likesomebody, I'm like you're
staying with me forever.
We have grandfathered you intothis, like, whatever this is,
(42:28):
wherever we're going, you know,but he's very talented and, um,
he does all my most of my stuff.
I mean.
That doesn't mean that we'renot going to work with someone
else, but he's, he's sort oflike my creative director, um,
so he's going to be helping mewith other videos on the future.
If I choose, like, let's say,not to direct with him, but he's
, he's, he's part of the teamfor life, he's, he's an amazing
(42:52):
human being and he's going toprobably help me with my world
tours, because I want somethingvery futuristic.
So like, let's say, there's ahand coming out of the crowd and
then there's a heart inside theand the heart opens.
It says you're worthy, you'reloved, you are important.
You know, like we want to dosomething that's like not just a
concert, but it's like it's um,it's, it's um, it's
(43:15):
motivational, it's inspirational, transformational, and it's not
just about the dancing andshaking the booty.
You know like that's all great,you know it's fun, but I want
them to walk away like I wanteveryone experience yes, exactly
, I want them to all close theireyes.
I want you to close your eyesand maybe I'll give contribute
something to each state that weare touring.
(43:36):
We go away like instruments ordance lessons or vocal lessons,
because obviously people arecoming to my, to the concert.
They're loving music.
They love music.
Can I give back?
And I've been thinking aboutthat already and I'm like I'm
already on how to give back andI haven't even look.
I've made it in a sense, butnot like where you know, when it
(43:56):
happens, I know what I'm goingto do, which is great, because
these ideas come to my head andI jot it down.
Jennifer Logue (44:02):
I'm like I love your vision for where you want
things to go and you know frommy perspective, just from
chatting with you for the lastfew minutes, like probably in
(44:22):
two years, what most people like.
As Damon said, what takes mostpeople 10 takes you two.
Like it's.
I don't think it's too distantin the future.
Thank, you.
Shab (44:34):
You know, I would say the universe, timing is the best,
and, um, I'm just a vesselthrough it to connect one life
at a time and, uh, to tell eachstory and to be able to, to do
something beautiful for ourworld in my way.
And you know, I have a reallygood life in Dallas.
I don't, I don't need to work.
You know, I'm a, I'm a keptwoman in the sense you know what
(44:57):
I'm saying Like, but I'vealways worked all my life and I
honor that and I love that.
And if I'm not doing anything, Iwould be super involved with a
bunch of charities.
I would never be sitting still,that's just not who I am.
And the fact that I see I haveto to grow two babies now and
when I want to see the futurefor them and other children and
(45:17):
I want to create something alsofor like, for like, for school
like, maybe like a program thatthese kids can like, grow faster
through it and then help themevolve.
You know, and if I don't seesomething that I like in our
world, that's okay, I don'tcomplain about it.
I might be sad or upset for asecond, but I'm like you know
(45:39):
what.
I'm going to do something aboutit.
Jennifer Logue (45:41):
I'm going to start.
Shab (45:43):
Yes, if I want to see the world through my lens, then then
, then then this is what my wayof doing it.
I'm going to get up and be theadvocate for it and I'm going to
work hard.
I'm going to get out there, I'mgoing to travel the world, I'm
going to change the world in myway.
I'm not trying to save it, Ijust want to.
I want to heal it and I want tochange it through my
(46:05):
perspective, through my lens.
So with love and um andequality and just those are the
most important thing and freedomfor people.
This is God's land.
We all supposed to enjoy it.
Jennifer Logue (46:21):
It's not you know, that is a beautiful,
beautiful sentiment and idea andI believe I'm fully on board
with you in that, with allyou've been through, it is so
inspiring to see how you're justfull filled with love and
(46:42):
filled with this drive to healand that drives your music and
everything you create.
It seems um.
Shab (46:50):
I just have to say I'm super inspired by you shop, but
I'm inspired by you, believe me,you know, I I'm seeing a strong
female like yourself and whatyou're doing as well, and you're
out there and spreadingpositivity and and that's that's
just such beautiful thing.
And we're all here.
I want all of us to win.
There's room for all of us towin, you know, and we need, we
(47:14):
need more voices to to speak up.
Love and prosperity andabundance and and hope and and
life and you know, and andhealing, healing our planet and
healing ourselves and ourtraumas, because our traumas are
in the past.
They, they don't belong to us.
We just have to overcome themand and and find out what they
are and what's causing it andwhat's the root of it, and just
(47:37):
give it love.
Give love to your child, likethe person that's inside, that's
that's seen those traumas.
And for me, I had to do a lot ofself healing because I wasn't
sure why I was.
Things were like triggering meand, um, I did very deep healing
inside of my heart and there'stimes I would just seclude
(47:57):
myself, I wouldn't go out, Iwould just stay.
You know, if the kids are inschool, I'm just meditating.
I was just like trying to thinkwhat my next move is and I
would ask God I would make themcry and, um, just be like God.
It's not fair, like why so manypeople suffering in our world?
I just feel sad sometimes forour planet and I start crying
(48:19):
and and and then and then.
Then I feel powerless.
But then, once I cry and I feellike there's something just
like comes, like the spirit likewithin me starts rising and I
just feel like like tingling,you know, between my body and I
get butterflies and I feel likeGod is like coming back and
saying my child like you can bethe change you want to see.
It's within you and we're goingto do it together one day at a
(48:41):
time, and that's when the hopecomes back for me.
And you know I have done manydays of that.
And then now I'm sort of like Imight get sad, but then I'm
like no, you're going to begreat, it's going to be fun
Together.
We are going to be stronger.
You know we can overcomeanything, but not with hate.
I will never do anything withhate.
I will like try my best and Ialways do everything with love.
(49:03):
Even Mother Teresa.
I never forget, I love thisthing.
She said one day they invitedher like to say oh, is there
anti-war rally.
She said I'm not coming.
They're like oh, you're the onethat's always preaching about
this.
She says, sure, if you have apro-peace rally, I'll preach
what you want.
You know, so it's.
Jennifer Logue (49:22):
I always believe in that well, I want to ask you
officially what's next for you?
I?
Shab (49:27):
I know we have the new album in the works, the third
album and the works the thirdalbum and the second one is
coming out, hopefully in spring,so the second one is done.
Okay, cool, there's a few songson that one as well.
Jennifer Logue (49:38):
Do you have a name for that one yet?
Has it been released?
It's not released yet.
Shab (49:42):
It's going to be Euphoric.
Cool Net Love was the first one.
Jennifer Logue (49:49):
Second one is going to be euphoric, third one
is um one suitcase oh my gosh,you're already on your third
album and the second one's noteven you are.
You're superwoman shop, oh mygosh um, don't get fooled.
Shab (50:02):
I have a great team, but I also draw down tons of notes in
my, in my, in my phone.
Jennifer Logue (50:06):
So that's beautiful.
So where's next on tour we?
Shab (50:11):
are gonna go to um that's a good question.
I'm gonna tell you right now.
So our next um day is gonna beum okay, I'm looking um buzzing
stoke I have no idea where thatis.
I'm learning.
(50:34):
After that is Brighton,brighton, okay, and then oh, are
you there?
Okay, sorry.
So then we're going to finishit at the last day.
We'll be at Glasgow.
Jennifer Logue (50:50):
Oh beautiful, what a great city to finish it
at the last day.
We'll be at Glasgow.
Oh beautiful, oh, what a greatcity to finish it in last day is
.
Shab (50:55):
and then we have, of course, london and I love London
so much.
I just love the energy, I lovethe people and, oh my gosh, I
always get such good vibes whenI'm in and when I'm in UK and
there's just been nothing butopen, open, open arms of love
for me, like everywhere I'vebeen, and the people have been
super receptive and loving, youknow, to me, and of course, my
(51:16):
beloved America, and I cannotwait to to tour in the US and
spread, spread my love there aswell.
Jennifer Logue (51:23):
Yes, we need your love to America.
Shab (51:25):
My beloved America.
Yes, absolutely.
Jennifer Logue (51:29):
I have one more question for you.
What advice would you have foran artist going through a trying
time right now, or anyone goingthrough a trying time Like how
do you get to the other side?
Shab (51:47):
Don't ever give up.
Believe in yourself.
Take one day at a time, onebreath at a time.
Find people that uplift you,that inspire you, and don't give
up.
That's the best advice.
(52:07):
Keep going every day.
The moment you give up, someoneelse is going to come and go
into the finish line.
You just have to keep goinguntil you get to your goal and
be easy in yourself.
Give yourself self-love, respectyourself.
You know, like I always saylike, believe in yourself before
.
Be your own hype man, hypewoman.
(52:28):
You know, give yourself like,and if something doesn't go the
right way, it's okay, maybe it'sjust not meant to be, there's
something better.
But just don't stop.
Keep going.
Give yourself lots of love andself-love.
Forgive your past, forgive andwrite.
(52:49):
You know what.
Use those as Stuff that hashappened to you.
Use it as kindling to healingyourself through music, through,
you know, working out Whateverit might be.
That's like feeding your soul.
But find that that feeds yoursoul.
That's in a healthy way,obviously, and once you get
there, then you'll just yourbody will know and will align
(53:10):
itself with that purpose andpray about it.
Pray every day.
Ask God, spirit, universal love, whatever it is that you
believe in, jesus Christ.
I mean, I love Jesus Christ.
So, like you know, just do thatand the universe will provide
for you.
But just be patient, be kind,be patient, have lots of
(53:33):
gratitude in your heart.
Those are the only best adviceI can give to someone.
Jennifer Logue (53:38):
Thank you for tuning into this special rerun
of my conversation with Shab.
Her journey from refugee tointernational pop star is a
testament to the power ofresilience, creativity and
staying true to oneself.
If you haven't already, Iencourage you to check out
Shab's latest music and followher journey at shabofficialcom.
(53:59):
I'd also love to hear whatresonated with you from this
episode.
Feel free to reach out to me onsocial media at Jennifer Logue,
or leave a review on ApplePodcasts so more creatives can
discover creative space.
Thanks again for being part ofthis journey with me as we
revisit the best of creativespace so far.
Stay tuned for more topepisodes leading up to season
(54:22):
three on Sunday, October 20th.
My name is Jennifer Logue.
Until next time.
Hello everyone and welcome to another episode
of Creative Space, a podcastwhere we explore, learn and grow
in creativity together.
I'm your host, jennifer Logue,and as we gear up for Season 3,
yes, season 3, which islaunching on Sunday, october
20th, we're revisiting some ofthe most popular episodes from
(00:32):
the last two seasons.
Today's guest is someone whosejourney continues to inspire
Shab, an international pop starwhose music transcends borders.
When I first sat down with her,she was on tour with Anastasia
and had just released her singleSexual, part of a series of
(00:52):
hits that established her as abreakout star.
Since then, shaab has continuedto rise, recently collaborating
with hip-hop legend Fat Joe onthe track Voodoo, which broke
into the Billboard charts andbecame one of the most shazammed
songs on Apple Music.
She's also just released herlatest single, afterglow,
(01:14):
further solidifying her place inthe world of pop music.
Shab's journey is nothing shortof extraordinary.
Born in Iran, she fled toGermany at the age of eight and
eventually arrived in the US asa refugee at 14.
Despite facing immensechallenges, shab turned her love
for music into a powerfulplatform for empowerment and
(01:37):
advocacy.
In this episode, Shab and Idiscuss her journey from Iran to
becoming a global pop star, theempowering message behind her
music and the healing power ofmusic, and how creativity has
helped her overcome trauma.
I hope you find Shab's story asinspiring as I did when we
(01:57):
first recorded it.
So, without further ado, here'smy conversation with Shab.
Hello everyone, and welcome toanother episode of Creative
Space, a podcast where weexplore, learn and grow in
creativity together.
I'm your host, jennifer Logue,and today we have the pleasure
of speaking with internationalpop star Shab.
(02:19):
A product of three continents,she first gained attention in
the Western Hemisphere duringlate 2020 as a breakout star of
the global pandemic, with threeconsecutive number two hits on
the British commercial popcharts.
She is currently on tour withAnastasia and just released her
latest single, sexual.
Welcome to Creative Space, shab.
(02:42):
It's an absolute honor to haveyou here, welcome to Creative
Space Shab.
Shab (02:45):
It's an absolute honor to have you here, jennifer.
It's so nice to be here.
Thank you so much for having me.
It is an absolute honor andwhere in the world are you
calling from today?
I am actually in.
So we are in Antwerp, so wetraveled to Baruch.
So we are in Baruch right nowand we're going to head to UK on
(03:07):
a ferry and we're going tostart our UK leg of the tour and
we're so, so excited and I canhardly wait.
Jennifer Logue (03:16):
Oh my gosh, this is so exciting and you.
Your story is absolutelyincredible and there's so much
there's so much to talk about,we may have to do a part two.
There's just so much to talkabout.
You were born in Iran.
I was born in Iran.
(03:36):
Then you moved your family toGermany at eight.
Then you moved to the UnitedStates as a refugee at 14.
There's so much.
Shab (03:44):
Yes, I was one of the lucky ones that was able to
escape and get out and start anew life.
I mean, what I'm doing rightnow, it's just it's.
It's like a dream come true and, honestly, if I did the video
sexual, I would have probablybeen killed in Iran.
I would.
I mean it's the truth, becauseyou can't.
You can't do stuff like thatthere.
Jennifer Logue (04:04):
You know when I was watching the video, because
you just released that a fewdays ago.
Shab (04:08):
Yes, we did.
It's almost the restiest thingthat I've done, but I wanted to
kind of empower women in theirfeminine energy, because
sometimes, you know, we all havethat feminine and masculine
energy as humans and I feel like, because it's like it's not the
sex appeal or we're trying tosell sex, but it's like it's not
the sex appeal, or we're tryingto sell sex, but it's kind of
like, hey, you know what?
I recognize my feminine energywithin me and I honor it and I
(04:30):
honor others and I want to beable to tell you that you're
worthy and you're beautiful, andit's not about just the
physical but it's just beingcomfortable in your own skin.
You know, to me that's like itwas really important.
So I thought about a video.
I was like, you know, I want todo something that's going to be
still classy but sexy and justto kind of like tell a woman her
(04:51):
worth and her beauty.
So that's why we did that videoit is a stunning video and
you're an amazing singer.
Jennifer Logue (05:00):
It and the way with your music it's.
You know.
A lot of it does tap into thattheme of sexuality and
everything, but it comes from avery empowered place.
Shab (05:12):
Correct, always, empowered Always.
Jennifer Logue (05:15):
And do you think that's that a big part of that
is how you your background andcoming from a place where you
can really, because I thinksometimes in the West, we take
for granted our freedom.
Shab (05:31):
You know, it's not that you guys do, it's just what all
you know and it's not your fault.
But when you open your eyes toother cultures and know what
they have been through throughhistory and time, and it makes
one recognize that and it makesyou feel kind of, you know, feel
sorry for those women thatdon't have their voices and
(05:52):
rights, and it's just, look, I'mnot just going to advocate for
the women in Iran and I'm goingto advocate for women all around
the world, or even men orchildren that are not going to
have their voice heard.
Like what I want to do is Iwant to be that poster child for
like, look, I made it, I did it, I know and I can believe that
other people can get out of it.
(06:13):
And my beloved Germany acceptedme as a refugee and my beloved
America accepted me as a refugeeor an immigrant.
So for the rest of my life I goto those countries and I'm just
so grateful because at the endof my life I go to those
countries and I'm just sograteful because, at the end of
the day, we all want to be agood citizen of the world, we
want to contribute, we want to,you know, we want to be a good
(06:33):
example, we want to do somethinggood for society.
You know, we we're not justgoing to come as refugee, and
just we want to add value, youknow, and and you know I always
talk about like changing lives,add value.
And for me it was through musicand I was just blessed enough
that I was able to kind ofkindle that in music and just
(06:54):
bring those back, because I'vealways loved music and I just
was like never too late to startreally anything Right.
So to me that was that was it,because music was always an
escape for me into the unknown.
It's, it's transcending, it'stransformation, just
transformational, you know.
And um, it has helped methrough so many different
traumas and life changes goingfrom a childhood to germany, not
(07:16):
speaking the language, toturkey and living there for a
year in ankara and going togermany and then, you know,
being in germany for three yearsand then being in, you know, in
America.
America I've been the most.
It's been 27 years.
So I do consider America mycountry and I consider Iran my,
my motherland.
At the end of the day, it's mymother's country, but my country
(07:38):
is America, because that's themost I have been shaped of my
life to 27 years of my life.
I have been there and you knowso I've been very, very blessed
and lucky to, to, to have beengrown up there and to have
shaped.
Jennifer Logue (07:54):
So, amidst all of this, when did you first
discover your love for music?
Shab (07:59):
Well, honestly, like when I was like, probably like super
young, we were like five, six,and I remember we would play
music in our house, even thoughit was forbidden in Iran,
Because after the revolutionthey changed everything Suddenly
.
You can show your hair and youcan do this, and I was like,
okay, but through music, wewould just play music.
(08:22):
We would clean the houseBecause inside the house we
could do music.
We would like clean the housebecause inside the house we
could do whatever.
We would watch Western moviesand, you know, if we're cooking,
we're playing music.
If we're cleaning, we'replaying music.
If we're, you know, like havingparties, we're playing music.
It's always revolved aroundmusic so we would escape.
(08:45):
You know, even if there was anIran-Iraq war back in the day,
you know we would just like hideinside the house and just be
happy and be in a happy placeand escape into that world.
And that's what I remember andI was like, you know, I want to
create my own one day.
And that's what I started doing, working with Damon Sharp,
who's, you know, produced forAriana Grande and Jennifer Lopez
and some very, very talentedladies, and I'm just so blessed
(09:06):
and lucky to be amongst one ofthem and to be able to do what I
love and to be able to escapethat place where I can be in a
place that's free and theywelcome women and and equality
and and love.
And I'm just so blessed everyday and I thank god that I am in
this position that I hopefullyI can touch so many lives and
(09:27):
help so many people and spreadthe word.
Jennifer Logue (09:29):
Yes, you're already touching mine, so you're
touching so many people's lives.
Shab (09:33):
You're in your mind.
Thank you so much.
I appreciate you so much.
Jennifer Logue (09:38):
So your family?
Did you have a creative family?
I think your brother also singsdid you have a creative family?
Shab (09:45):
I think your brother also sings, correct?
My brother's name is Shahab.
It means um, a shooting star.
In Farsi, shahab has like maybe11, like I don't know, probably
10 or 11 albums out and he'salways sang.
But I was always shy and it wasduring, like um, you know,
paris Hilton and, uh, you know,I'm trying to think all these
different names like BritneySpears, when they were just pop
stars and they were going out,paparazzis were after them and
(10:08):
he's like no, I don't want thisfor you.
So I always like singing but hesort of, you know, he told me
not to do it because my familykind of discouraged me.
And I did stay in college.
I have a bachelor's ininternational studies and
marketing.
I do love marketing.
I went to law school.
I dropped out.
I wanted to do internationallaw for export, import, cause I
(10:30):
love stuff like that as well, orhelping people, try to help
their businesses, you know, sowe can bring, like goods into
the different countries and likehave beautiful pieces of stuff
that you wouldn't regularly seein your own country, you know.
But then I dropped out and Ipursued skincare.
I am an esthetician by trade.
I studied for a year and I'm anesthetician by trade, so I
(10:56):
studied skin.
I love everything about theskin.
I've worked in spas for on andoff, like seven to eight years
and we owned our own spa and Igave him probably over like two,
two, three thousand facials inmy life, which I love.
I love like making people feelgood, and I was always a healer
at heart.
I'm also a reiki master and Ialso have a yoga master.
Jennifer Logue (11:20):
I got my reiki cert just like two months ago
For vacation, yeah.
Shab (11:24):
Congratulations.
Thank you, I love it.
It's the energy.
Yes, it's so wonderful.
Hey, you know what I alwaysthink like?
You never know when you'regoing to use it.
And I use it on my daughterwhen she has her stomach hurt.
She's four years old, my littlegirl Shiloh, and so I put I
heat up my hands and I just putit on top of her belly and then
I kiss it and then she startsfeeling better and I put
(11:45):
meditation for her.
It works.
You know, when you do it withlove I believe in the energy of
the universe and you just kindof it's not yours energy, you're
getting it from sort of likeabove and it's just a touch of
your hand and then you give itto the person that's in need the
most.
Jennifer Logue (12:01):
I'm not sure if you found this connection, but
but between Reiki and music, Ifelt like there's a similar
energy happening there.
Shab (12:09):
Correct.
I 100% agree with you.
There's something very specialthere.
I agree with you.
Jennifer Logue (12:18):
So we talked about you growing up in Iran.
How do you think that hasshaped your relationship with
creativity?
Shab (12:29):
you know, just going to like my mom.
She just watching my motherlike going through a lot.
You know, she lost my dad whenshe was 39 and I was six months
old and my mother would takesomething from nothing and make
it into something beautiful.
Our house was always likespotless.
(12:50):
She would cook like the bestfood.
You know.
To be honest with you, like ifI would choose my life again, I
wouldn't change anything,nothing, I would just do it
exactly the same way.
But my creativity definitely hasgrown.
I mean, again, western moviesand my brothers and sisters like
dancing, um, you know, withwestern music and there's just
(13:13):
so many different aspects of it.
I'm just so blessed to behaving so many brothers and
sisters that I was the baby ofthe family.
I'm the 13th um, and so I wasalways babied, you know.
So like I was like kind of in asense worship I know it's crazy
and I might say that but theyjust adored the heck out of me
and I was like spoiled, like Igrew up kind of spoiled in a
with love, not always having alot of money, though, okay, a
(13:36):
different kind of spoiler which,when I was a certain age, I had
to like come to terms withmyself, and there's stuff that I
wasn't sure that I liked aboutme in my twenties and I had to
change that and I was like, okay, I don't like this, I want to
change.
I want to be different, youknow, and I want to be more
humble, I want to be more loving, I want to be more accepting
(13:57):
Not that I wasn't or it wasjudgmental, it's just I want it
to be better.
Jennifer Logue (14:02):
Yeah, and even today yeah-improvement.
Shab (14:05):
Yeah, I always call it the love story that never ends.
I love that.
You know, it's like the lovestory in my routine, myself and
I that I'm just trying to figureout so I can spread more love
in the world through, throughthe reflection that I give out
to others.
You see what I mean?
Yes, out to others.
You see what I mean?
Yeah, so I work through my, myum, darkness and um, rekindle it
(14:27):
and make my darkness into light, you know, and um, um.
So, yeah, there's, there's a lotof that, you know, but
everything really inspires me,like you're inspiring me right
now.
You know being no, it's so true, everybody that I come in
contact with that just addssomething and a value to my life
and I learn and grow from eachmoment and every day and I'm
(14:50):
just so grateful to this moment,right now, in time and space,
to be speaking with you and tohave breath in our body and to
be here and and it's really thebest time of our life we can,
can be alive, you know, andthere's some stuff happening in
our world and I get it.
But you know, one day at a time, and that's how we can do it,
one day at a time we can changethe planet and you never know.
(15:14):
Things will just changemagically, and I believe in the
power of love.
Jennifer Logue (15:18):
The power of love can heal anything.
You know that is the ultimatepower and I have this thing that
I tell myself when things getoverwhelming just focus on the
next three steps.
What are the next three thingsyou have to?
Do and just focus on those youget done, those you take the
next three.
Shab (15:37):
Yes, the breath is look, you're still alive.
Your mind likes to trick youand take you to the past.
That stuff that happened,you're like, but I was not good,
and you're still alive.
Your mind likes to trick youand take you to the past.
That stuff that happened,you're like, but I was not good.
And you're like no wait, I'mgood now, you know.
So the mind tricks us all thetime, and so what we have to do
is bring ourself back to thepresent.
So the present is all we have,and it's like that's where we're
growing, and in the breath.
(15:58):
The breath is so important,even like right about, I'm about
to go on stage, though peopleare like do you get nervous?
I'm like no, I don't really getnervous, I get excited, yeah,
just because my heart startsbeating fast.
But then I start breathingreally deep breaths and then I'm
fine and I just be like I gotthis and I go out and I just
want to spread the love.
You know, just give my crowdenergy and love.
Jennifer Logue (16:20):
So yes, um, there's so much love in your
music.
Thank you.
I have to ask where do you findwho are your musical
inspirations?
Shab (16:32):
My kids.
Honestly, like whenever I write, I'm always jotting down on my
phone.
If I hear, maybe like a quote Iwrote, I heard, or something
from the Bible, a verse, I takeit out and I turn into a lyric.
You know, it's amazing howinspiration comes, like in every
place, everywhere, every day,and so I jotted down and, um, I
(16:55):
might, my kids might saysomething, or my neighbor might
come over for a glass of wine, Idon't know we're talking and
I'm like, oh, I like that word.
I'm gonna jot it down.
So I already have like a biglist for my third album of the
things that I want to create.
But most of my songs honestlycame it was more about love and
it was sexy love and feelingsexy as a woman and um, writing
(17:16):
about my relationship, likereally with my um, with my I'm
not married officially, but mybaby dad, who is my partner.
We're engaged, we have afive-year-old.
Congratulations, thank you.
We have a five-year-old sonnamed Raphael and a daughter
named Shiloh.
She's four, so we're togetherand so a lot of the stuff like I
really wrote it was like aboutour love or something you know.
(17:40):
So it's like I always havepeople like that inspire me and
and if I want to sing, I'malways singing for my soul and
my heart, and that's the onlything.
If a song doesn't agree to me orI don't like it, I won't sing
it, like I'm like, no, it's just, it's just not.
People like, well, you're asinger, you can sing any song
you want, I'm like, but itdoesn't talk to me, I can't, you
(18:01):
know.
So for me it has to hit likereally deep in with my soul.
I'm like, ok, that I can singthis one I can do.
And if I'm going to do it overand over again through concerts
and through time, I better likethese songs and I'm really
spreading the word of love, andso I better like my own work
before, like I'm out there andsinging all this stuff.
So it has to mean something tome that I'm trying to spread
(18:24):
that word into for other people.
You see what I mean exactly.
Jennifer Logue (18:28):
I feel like we're all vessels as artists.
We're vessels for a message andit has to be, it has to ring
true to us correct.
Shab (18:36):
This has to be authentic.
You know you can't just bebecause, well, it's a hit and
I'm gonna do it like if itdoesn't agree with me, I won't
do it like I'm not.
I have to stay true to myselffirst.
Jennifer Logue (18:46):
So for sure, and that always produces the best
results.
Yeah, no, you're absolutelyright.
So what is your definition ofcreativity?
There's no right or wronganswer.
Shab (18:59):
That's a.
That's a really good question,actually, jennifer.
You know, I think creativity issomething that you really enjoy
, or even if you want to trysomething new.
Like I love cooking and I wascooking a lot at one point and
then I was like two babies in.
I was like, oh my god, I'mtrying to do my career, but like
I only cook when I'm likereally happy because I'm like
trying to put some good energyinto that food, and but
(19:21):
creativity to me is, uh,whatever that makes you happy in
that moment.
You know, whether it's writinga music, or like working out or
going for a run and seeingnature, um, you know, visiting a
new place and traveling andspeaking to someone new, that.
Or making friends with someone,um, that is going to become
(19:41):
lifetime friends with you.
It's like watching a movie thattouches you and then you might
want to create something.
Or even like remodeling yourhouse.
It's in everything.
I think creativity is just sobeautiful and I love creating
because we're our creators.
Jennifer Logue (20:00):
Yes, yes, if we don't create, we're not, we're
not happy.
I, when I stopped creating, I'mnot a happy person Like yes.
Shab (20:09):
I'm the same exact way, because what happens is when
you're creating because we weremeant to be creators it doesn't
matter what you're doing, evenif you're cooking, finding a new
recipe, do that, you know andand and and like.
Just keep creating somethinglike new, like even if it's like
finding a new album, likeyou're listening to, or or or,
(20:30):
like, you know, going to a newrestaurant with your friend.
And the moment you're notcreating, what happens is you
fall into default and then youstart, your mind drifts back
into the past or or the present,and then the anxiety creeps in,
because we meant to keepcreating, and that's why I love
writing music so much, because Iwrite and I'm in a studio and
(20:51):
then I hear the finishingtouches and I'm like, and I get
goosebumps and I'm like, oh, mygod, this is so good, like, this
is gonna be great.
I can't wait to share this withthe world and I can share my
love with them, you know.
So, yeah, we were meant to becreators.
I love creativity is just themost beautiful thing in the
(21:11):
human.
Beside love, obviously, there'sthe pillar they all have
pillars like a tree of life, andit goes up.
Jennifer Logue (21:14):
Yes, I love that answer.
Oh my gosh, I love that answer.
Um and this.
This is kind of building off ofthat a little bit, but why do
you think creativity isimportant?
I feel like sometimes soul,right.
Shab (21:30):
What was that Feeds your soul Like it feeds it like, it
makes you feel alive, Like, butwhat were you thinking?
I want to.
I want to know that too.
Jennifer Logue (21:40):
Yeah, I think sometimes in the world it may be
seen as frivolous you know bysome who are but, as you were
saying, I just think it fulfillsa fundamental need for our
health and well-being, Correct?
Shab (21:57):
Even the ones that are just so frivolous, they're still
creating, you know, evenjotting down stuff in the
computer, because we haverealists too.
Look, there's all kinds ofpeople in the world.
They're still creating.
Yes, that's very true.
You know, they might not wantto be like, well, I'm not
creative person.
I am so black and white andstraight, like this is this is
how I do things, you know, butat the end of the day, there's
(22:20):
part of them that's there, istheir child, like you know
there's.
If you find that child withinyou, you will never grow old yes
because if it's difficult, thenit already becomes difficult.
if you, if you make a task likehard well, I can never do this.
This is too hard, or I'm notgood enough for it You're
already telling yourself thatyou're not.
(22:40):
Don't do that.
Jennifer Logue (22:43):
You know that is so true, the children be in the
moment and be childlike.
Yeah, the child within us, Ifeel like, has all the answers
child within us, I feel like,has all the answers.
Yes, you know, a hundredpercent.
Oh, beautiful answers.
So let's get back to music.
When did you first write?
Shab (23:07):
what did you write your first song?
That's a really.
Actually you're asking all thegood questions.
So Damon Sharp and I I was whenI just had my son.
My son was probably like fourmonths old and I was doing some
Persian music and I had justreleased my first song.
I did my video when he was sixmonths and more music.
But then I said, you know, Iwould really love to my my baby
that, like Rob, that neverunderstood what I was singing to
(23:28):
him, and he's like, well, thissounds so beautiful, but I don't
know what you're saying.
I was like, oh man, I shouldprobably start doing something
in English too, cause I wouldlove for him to know what I'm
singing to him.
So then I started looking at acomputer one day.
You know some, the nudge in youjust says just go walk into the
computer, type in producer orsomething.
And I did that.
I sort of got something in mymind speaking to me and I typed
(23:52):
in and Damon Sharp came up.
I had no idea that he's writtenfor Ariana Grande and Jennifer
Lopez and I just was like, okay,cool, this guy looks good.
He looks like he's a family guytoo and I was like I was all
for that, great.
So then next thing, you know myhusband, you know Rob always
checks everything and then, likelater, he tells me do you know
that he's written for Jen?
I was like I had no idea.
(24:12):
Wow, that's amazing, I'mwritten for Jen.
I was like I had no idea.
Wow, that's amazing.
I'm like.
I was like he's sending me anew song and the first two songs
.
The first song was called downto the wire, which is um, and,
and then that was the first songhe gave me.
And then the second song wasain't thinking about you.
So after those two songs, when Ifirst recorded um down to the
(24:33):
wire and I came back home, myhusband didn't travel with me
but I was pregnant with mydaughter I was already seven
months pregnant because he wouldgo and do it and see what
happens.
And I came back and he loved it.
He was like I didn't know youcan sing.
I was like, yeah, I can.
I mean, like you know, I had ashy talent.
But I was just like, ok, thisis the time for it to come out
(24:55):
and there's no more shy anymore.
So then then I got in thinkingabout you.
Then we did a contract forthree songs and then the.
Then I told him.
I said, Damon, I had an ideaabout a song.
I want to do something with amiddle Eastern pop something
with my let's do something fun.
He said well, I love it, shab,yes, send me all your journaling
, everything you have.
So I did, and we called it.
Jennifer Logue (25:16):
Spell on Me.
Oh my gosh, I love that songand the video is so cool too.
Shab (25:22):
Thank you, and that was my first major big video I did.
I mean, you don't understand.
I'm walking it, I'm redrivinginto the desert.
There's 80 people there withtents and books at me.
He's just what have you justgot into a shaft?
And I'm like, um, I don't knowand I'm all I'm praying to God
is to make sure this goes right.
I'm like, dear Lord, pleasemake, make sure I don't suck.
Jennifer Logue (25:45):
Oh my gosh, you're phenomenal.
Shab (25:47):
He did a week of rehearsals.
I worked with Lady Gaga'schoreographer, which is a
choreographer His name is RichieJackson.
He's a beautiful, beautifulhuman, anyhow.
So he was there and we did thevideo and it turned out to be so
beautiful and I was just soproud of it and but I prayed so
much and and of course, afterthat I was like I got this.
(26:08):
I think I have a hang of how towrite music.
I can, I can do this, this.
So from then on we've beenwriting all our songs.
Beautiful single song I havewritten is with damon and and
eric sannacola.
It was just the three of us,the two boys, and my third album
.
I do have a lady name on nastokyo.
She works with closely withdwayne johnson's wife and he's
(26:31):
written for um, for la Lauren,and she's going to start helping
me and the fact of that is funfact her husband is in the video
of Serenity with me.
Oh, that's very cool.
Yeah, harry is awesome, harryGoodwin.
And the funny thing is whenI've met him on the set he's
like hey, by the way, who writesyour music?
(26:53):
My wife is a really amazingwriter.
You need to meet her if youhaven't yet.
He was like kind of like youknow, introduced.
I was like that is the cutestthing ever and my husband, you
know, rob, was on the set and Isaid, hey, why don't you go talk
to Rob?
He's sort of like my manager.
I was like I'm already.
She's sharing you with me onthe beach today.
(27:14):
You know, I would love to dosomething with her Creative
connections.
Yeah, we're super good friendsand we she's going to help me
with my third album and to havea woman on my third album.
I I'm just so honored and sohappy to be able to work with
someone like Nas and I cannotwait to.
I want to do more ballads, justslow, maybe things down, and
(27:37):
just still like I want to.
It's just more heartfelt,slower song.
And and I cannot wait, I have,we have so many, so many things
that we want to do and I want tocall it one suitcase, because
that's what I came to us.
I literally was like Marypuppet with one little tiny
suitcase and an umbrella.
That's all.
I came to the US.
I literally was like MaryPuppet with one little tiny
suitcase and an umbrella.
That's all I came to.
(27:57):
Yeah, and you were 14.
I was 14.
Yeah, I started high school,ninth grade, I went to ESOL,
didn't speak any English, I wasmade fun of, I was bullied, but
you know, I had really toughskin.
I was like I've been throughthe bombs.
Jennifer Logue (28:13):
This is nothing what you got and did you come
here by yourself?
Which city did you?
I went to?
Shab (28:23):
from Kassel I left and went to Frankfurt and from
Frankfurt I went straight toBaltimore, where my mom was
there, and I hadn't seen my momin almost three and a half four
years.
Wow, my sister was my guardianwas there, and I hadn't seen my
mom in almost three and a halffour years.
Wow, my sister was my guardianin Germany.
Oh, wow, okay.
So yeah, I was a baby's mama.
I was like my mom was like Iwas like I wouldn't go to sleep
(28:46):
until she went to sleep.
Like I was like her shadow.
I was with her.
So, it took, I grew up reallyfast.
I was with her.
So I, it took, I grew up reallyfast.
You know the the four yearsbetween like eight and a half
nine to like 14, I grew upreally really fast.
I had no choice.
Yeah, survival I mean, yeah, butI, I'm a very independent
(29:08):
person, even as when I wasyounger, like I went to my
tennis lesson and know I went toschool by myself, like they had
the straws and bond, like the,you know the trains and stuff.
So, but when I went to America,like you know, everything is
needs a car.
You don't have thetransportation Europe.
So I was a little saddenedbecause, you know, no, everyone
(29:29):
was working.
We didn't have a lot of moneynecessarily, so we were trying
to make ends meet and we wererenting a house, all of us.
So it was.
It was tough times.
It was tough times for a littlewhile, but then things got
really, really good you know,and you went to college and yeah
.
I paid for my way.
My mom helped some scholarshipgrants, so that was really nice
(29:51):
and and I worked, I worked, andand I was really proud of that
and I loved working.
I love working.
I love contributing to society,I love adding value.
I love doing something for theworld.
That I'm saying I'm doing mypart, so I know at the end of
the day, I know I did what Icould do.
Jennifer Logue (30:08):
So, no matter what you're doing, no matter
what project you're, doing so,no matter what you're doing, no
matter what project you're doing, you always bring that energy.
I hope so.
And passion, that's beautiful.
Shab (30:21):
Thank you, I tell that to my whenever we get into an
argument or something or he justgets mad at me.
I'm like what?
I'm a very passionate person,honey, yeah.
Jennifer Logue (30:40):
Yeah, so back to music, because there's so many
great videos, so many greatsongs.
I'd love to know more aboutyour collaboration with Damon
and Eric.
Okay, what do you love mostabout?
Shab (30:51):
your collaboration together.
They just um.
What I do is when I write astory and I tell them what I'm
trying to sing and who I'mtrying to sing to like.
For example, let's say,crisscross, yeah, crisscross
about a.
It's about a new love, but it'salso about an old love, that's
true it's.
It's like being in arelationship for many years and
(31:12):
you're rekindling that lovethrough the fire of passion.
And then it's also new love,which is like new, and you're
just like unsure and they'reboth playing games and but it's
not like unhealthy games, it'smore like they're both
protecting their hearts, butthey're still open to like the
(31:33):
unknown.
So so helpless and new, likebaby, don't hold back now, you
know.
So it's kind of like.
So it's like rekindling thatnew love or having a new love in
your life.
So whenever I tell them thestory before we write, they
usually get it.
They're really on with how mystories go.
(31:53):
Even what I do, my song, what Ido, what I do, came out of like
a traumatic story, traumaticexperience for me and what
happened to me with my baby, dadand I.
So, and then you know, look, weforgive and forget and we move
on in life.
But I feel like those are thetimes that actually made me
stronger as a person, be able toreally forgive him and myself
(32:18):
on not knowing better and himmaking a mistake or whatever
that was, you know, and justmoving from that that I felt
like I was becoming moreenlightened, human, yes, and I
felt empowering.
Felt empowering, not like abeing a victim mentality, which
I had for a while, but likeriding through that music that
empowered me.
And that's when what I do wasborn.
(32:40):
Like every song, it had itslike place or meaning, and even
like music to my heart.
It's for the people like arelike my sunshine in my life and
their music to my ear, music tomy heart, you know so.
And my kids' voices, when Ifirst heard them say mom, you
know, mommy, or even if theyspeak, you know.
It's just those little preciousthings that, like, we might
(33:03):
take for granted.
But then we go back to it andwe're just like, oh my God,
those moments are never going tocome back.
So, guess what?
I'm not?
I'm going to live for thepresent moment.
I'm going to enjoy every second.
I'm going to slow down timebecause I'm not trying to get to
where it is like, oh, youalready made it and look,
everyone in the world knows yourname.
I'm fine where I am right nowand I feel so blessed and like
(33:26):
speaking with you right now inthis time and space and just
doing what I'm doing, and I'm ontour with Anastasia and I've
prayed about this for last year.
So I would say God is real andprayers will get answered.
You know, and I believe in thepower of prayers, I believe in
the universal love and I believein the creator that's listening
(33:47):
and he loves all of us so much.
Jennifer Logue (33:49):
We just have to speak to them, you know, and he
you know, our creator is ourultimate collaborator and every
single thing we create, everyrecording studio we're in, every
they put me in touch with you.
Shab (34:04):
You know, and they maybe rang a bell oh, you need to have
an interview shot.
So you never know, like, how wemeet people in life.
And when someone comes in,whenever I have an interview, I
know it's like super specialbecause that's like a soul that
got sent for me to speak to themand to tell them something that
I need to get from them, theyneed to get from me, we need to
get from each other.
Jennifer Logue (34:23):
You know it's yes, shab, you are the most
grounded person I've ever met.
Oh my gosh.
Shab (34:31):
Yes, it is so inspiring.
Thank you, jessica, love youtoo.
Jennifer Logue (34:35):
You're so sweet.
I just had coffee with a friendthis week and we were talking
about like life's lessons andwhat you know what's next for
each of us, and she's like Ithink something.
I think what the universe iscalling you to do is to be
content.
Contentment is your challenge,because I'm always like jump in.
Shab (34:58):
Yeah, it's the next thing beautiful, no, and, and look,
you know that that's what yourdrive is.
You said their drive like.
For me, it's like hitting mynumbers when I work out.
If I'm going like fast, I wantto go super like, super fast,
like, and I want to go fasterthan I did, I want to beat my
number from before.
So it's like we're incompetition healthy competition
(35:21):
with ourselves, but at the sametime, feeling grounded and
content and proud of ourselves.
Yes, you know, and taking amoment to breathe that you know,
breathing in, just say thankyou for coming so far.
And when I look back last year,this is my like, I mean, think
about it when I'm thinking aboutit, this is my fourth show that
(35:43):
I've ever done in my life.
Jennifer Logue (35:44):
Wow, yeah, so you know opening for.
Shab (35:47):
Anastasia, I know and and it's going so amazing and she's
so awesome and her fans been so,so receptive and loving to me
and it's just been.
I couldn't have asked for abetter experience and I just
thank God, because God does notwant us to fail.
By the way, I look at it likesome blessings and opportunities
don't come right away, becauseI have something better for you,
(36:10):
because I'm preparing you forsomething bigger.
He does not want us to fail, sothey want to like, for example,
want us to be super ready wherewe like even riper than we
think.
When we get that gift, we'relike we're going to hold on to
it and we're going to likerespect it, you know, and we're
going to like make sure we getthe most of it.
Jennifer Logue (36:31):
Trust in God's timing, exactly, yeah.
Shab (36:37):
That's why when something doesn't happen or work my way,
you know what I just be like, oh, that's okay, and I just and I
just I do something else and I'mlike it's okay, and I don't get
upset, I don't get sad, youknow, and and and the inner
child is like, oh, it's going tobe fine.
You got something.
You know it is and it's it'sokay, and I love all aspects of
life and I'm just breathing itall in, you know, and I'm just
(36:59):
staying super grateful andthankful.
Those are the keys to unlockingmore.
But also manifesting is workinghard, not just thinking about it
.
Get up there and do it.
Like if you just think aboutplaying the guitar, play it
every day.
Or if you want to sing, like,work on your vocal rest.
You know, vocal, vocal, um.
(37:20):
Do your vocal lessons and dothe things you need to do.
If you want to lose weight,then you know what, slowly.
Don't just jump into it andlike, go heavy where it's going
to be hard.
Do one thing at a time.
Give up one thing, you knowjust give your body a break,
give yourself love, giveyourself respect, you know, and
things just fall into place oneday at a time.
Jennifer Logue (37:39):
They do.
It's incredible.
Especially, when did you startyour musical journey?
Has it been the last?
Shab (37:47):
actually I was in my mid-20s and I had a producer
that I worked with and westarted dating for a little
while and didn't work outbecause I left him.
So he took all my songs that Ihad written with him and he gave
it to someone else and she sangand I heard it in the radio and
I was heartbroken by it.
So I stopped singing for manyyears after that incident.
(38:09):
But you know what, afterspeaking to to rob and, and then
he was just like what do youwant to sing now?
Where did this?
Where did this talent all of asudden came from.
And then I told him the storyand, uh, he was like well, just
please, don't make this a hobby.
He's like look, I'm gonna goall in, but I need you to go all
(38:29):
in.
Oh, and I got you.
I got you back 100% and youneed those wings.
I will help you have thosewings and you can spread them
and you can fly.
So, but it took a littleconvincing at first before we
got to that point and once heknew this was it and he saw my
hard work put in, he said, okay,let's go.
(38:51):
So it was a, it was a steplevel.
It was lots of days at the lakehouse where we would go for the
afternoon and we would just gosunbathing.
We didn't I was still pregnant,you know.
I would talk to him about musicor our baby was still small and
I would be like I really want todo this.
He's like well, this better notbe a hobby.
This better be like this,better be a career for you,
(39:12):
because if you want to do this,this is like you're all in or
nothing, like I want you to givea hundred percent.
If I'm giving a hundred percent, I want you to do 110%.
But when he saw my work ethics,he saw me done in, day in and
day out, and like my vocalcoaching.
And it's just your.
Your vocal vocals are just likeworking out, just like any
(39:32):
other film.
And it's, uh, my, my producer,damon.
He's such an amazing humanbeing, family man, he's a, he's
a, he's like a, he's like abrother to me, you know so, like
Rob and I, we, we just adoreand love him so much.
And he said shop, you know whatI see in two years?
That happened for you.
Most artists do in 10 years,because I think I wanted it so
(39:53):
badly that I just worked extrahard, and I always do.
Sometimes I have to work extrahard on things because I'm not
naturally adapt to it.
But you know what?
I work harder than anyone elseand I finally get it and it's
there.
But I work really hard and mosttimes, like some people
naturally comes to them, somepeople work hard and for me I
(40:14):
had to work hard to get there,and so even with my guitar
lessons, like I have to workextra hard to get those chords.
Jennifer Logue (40:21):
And I realized you played guitar too.
That's new to me, that'sawesome.
Shab (40:24):
It's super new.
I'm still like getting the gistof it.
It's not something I would loveto, maybe in the next couple
years whatever two years, when Ihave my own world tour to do
like a number, like a song formy fans on stage, you know, with
the guitar, and that's that'smy goal to do to.
Everything I'm doing is for myfans.
Like I left my babies at home,they're with my sister, thank
(40:46):
god, and I facetime them everyday.
They're five and four, but youknow what my fans are sort of
like, my babies too, and I lovethem as much.
So you know what we're buildingan army.
We're building an army of hopeand love.
Jennifer Logue (40:59):
Oh, beautiful.
Shab (41:00):
And that's what I want to do.
And so you know what I will putthis extra time, I will tour
and I will spread this love andI will spread the love of God
and spread the love of universeand universal love as one.
Jennifer Logue (41:15):
So, oh my gosh.
So I have another collaborationto ask about.
I noticed in a lot of yourmusic videos which I love,
absolutely love all of yourmusic videos.
Shab (41:24):
I see the same director too, eli yes, eli, um, ellie, so
it's like Eli, ellie, he goesby both.
Okay, cool.
Uh, ellie Sokan, um, he's fromBeirut.
He's from Beirut, um, he's likethe most amazing person I have
met in my life.
When I first went on the set, Iwas so nervous and then he's
(41:45):
like shut up, come on, you'reready to.
I am so conservative and, likeyou know, I mean like I don't
speak like and I was like, okay,I was like I like this guy.
Yeah, I was like let's go do it.
He made me feel so comfortableand he knows my angles, he knows
what works for me.
He just, he, just I always sayI'm like, ellie, you make me
(42:08):
look good.
He's like, no, it's you.
And I'm like, no, you make melook good.
So we always go back and forthand he's just the most beautiful
human being and he really,truly cares for me and love Like
we.
I would say we havegrandfathered and adopted some
part, some people from my team.
I'm like, whenever I likesomebody, I'm like you're
staying with me forever.
We have grandfathered you intothis, like, whatever this is,
(42:28):
wherever we're going, you know,but he's very talented and, um,
he does all my most of my stuff.
I mean.
That doesn't mean that we'renot going to work with someone
else, but he's, he's sort oflike my creative director, um,
so he's going to be helping mewith other videos on the future.
If I choose, like, let's say,not to direct with him, but he's
, he's, he's part of the teamfor life, he's, he's an amazing
(42:52):
human being and he's going toprobably help me with my world
tours, because I want somethingvery futuristic.
So like, let's say, there's ahand coming out of the crowd and
then there's a heart inside theand the heart opens.
It says you're worthy, you'reloved, you are important.
You know, like we want to dosomething that's like not just a
concert, but it's like it's um,it's, it's um, it's
(43:15):
motivational, it's inspirational, transformational, and it's not
just about the dancing andshaking the booty.
You know like that's all great,you know it's fun, but I want
them to walk away like I wanteveryone experience yes, exactly
, I want them to all close theireyes.
I want you to close your eyesand maybe I'll give contribute
something to each state that weare touring.
(43:36):
We go away like instruments ordance lessons or vocal lessons,
because obviously people arecoming to my, to the concert.
They're loving music.
They love music.
Can I give back?
And I've been thinking aboutthat already and I'm like I'm
already on how to give back andI haven't even look.
I've made it in a sense, butnot like where you know, when it
(43:56):
happens, I know what I'm goingto do, which is great, because
these ideas come to my head andI jot it down.
Jennifer Logue (44:02):
I'm like I love your vision for where you want
things to go and you know frommy perspective, just from
chatting with you for the lastfew minutes, like probably in
(44:22):
two years, what most people like.
As Damon said, what takes mostpeople 10 takes you two.
Like it's.
I don't think it's too distantin the future.
Thank, you.
Shab (44:34):
You know, I would say the universe, timing is the best,
and, um, I'm just a vesselthrough it to connect one life
at a time and, uh, to tell eachstory and to be able to, to do
something beautiful for ourworld in my way.
And you know, I have a reallygood life in Dallas.
I don't, I don't need to work.
You know, I'm a, I'm a keptwoman in the sense you know what
(44:57):
I'm saying Like, but I'vealways worked all my life and I
honor that and I love that.
And if I'm not doing anything, Iwould be super involved with a
bunch of charities.
I would never be sitting still,that's just not who I am.
And the fact that I see I haveto to grow two babies now and
when I want to see the futurefor them and other children and
(45:17):
I want to create something alsofor like, for like, for school
like, maybe like a program thatthese kids can like, grow faster
through it and then help themevolve.
You know, and if I don't seesomething that I like in our
world, that's okay, I don'tcomplain about it.
I might be sad or upset for asecond, but I'm like you know
(45:39):
what.
I'm going to do something aboutit.
Jennifer Logue (45:41):
I'm going to start.
Shab (45:43):
Yes, if I want to see the world through my lens, then then
, then then this is what my wayof doing it.
I'm going to get up and be theadvocate for it and I'm going to
work hard.
I'm going to get out there, I'mgoing to travel the world, I'm
going to change the world in myway.
I'm not trying to save it, Ijust want to.
I want to heal it and I want tochange it through my
(46:05):
perspective, through my lens.
So with love and um andequality and just those are the
most important thing and freedomfor people.
This is God's land.
We all supposed to enjoy it.
Jennifer Logue (46:21):
It's not you know, that is a beautiful,
beautiful sentiment and idea andI believe I'm fully on board
with you in that, with allyou've been through, it is so
inspiring to see how you're justfull filled with love and
(46:42):
filled with this drive to healand that drives your music and
everything you create.
It seems um.
Shab (46:50):
I just have to say I'm super inspired by you shop, but
I'm inspired by you, believe me,you know, I I'm seeing a strong
female like yourself and whatyou're doing as well, and you're
out there and spreadingpositivity and and that's that's
just such beautiful thing.
And we're all here.
I want all of us to win.
There's room for all of us towin, you know, and we need, we
(47:14):
need more voices to to speak up.
Love and prosperity andabundance and and hope and and
life and you know, and andhealing, healing our planet and
healing ourselves and ourtraumas, because our traumas are
in the past.
They, they don't belong to us.
We just have to overcome themand and and find out what they
are and what's causing it andwhat's the root of it, and just
(47:37):
give it love.
Give love to your child, likethe person that's inside, that's
that's seen those traumas.
And for me, I had to do a lot ofself healing because I wasn't
sure why I was.
Things were like triggering meand, um, I did very deep healing
inside of my heart and there'stimes I would just seclude
(47:57):
myself, I wouldn't go out, Iwould just stay.
You know, if the kids are inschool, I'm just meditating.
I was just like trying to thinkwhat my next move is and I
would ask God I would make themcry and, um, just be like God.
It's not fair, like why so manypeople suffering in our world?
I just feel sad sometimes forour planet and I start crying
(48:19):
and and and then and then.
Then I feel powerless.
But then, once I cry and I feellike there's something just
like comes, like the spirit likewithin me starts rising and I
just feel like like tingling,you know, between my body and I
get butterflies and I feel likeGod is like coming back and
saying my child like you can bethe change you want to see.
It's within you and we're goingto do it together one day at a
(48:41):
time, and that's when the hopecomes back for me.
And you know I have done manydays of that.
And then now I'm sort of like Imight get sad, but then I'm
like no, you're going to begreat, it's going to be fun
Together.
We are going to be stronger.
You know we can overcomeanything, but not with hate.
I will never do anything withhate.
I will like try my best and Ialways do everything with love.
(49:03):
Even Mother Teresa.
I never forget, I love thisthing.
She said one day they invitedher like to say oh, is there
anti-war rally.
She said I'm not coming.
They're like oh, you're the onethat's always preaching about
this.
She says, sure, if you have apro-peace rally, I'll preach
what you want.
You know, so it's.
Jennifer Logue (49:22):
I always believe in that well, I want to ask you
officially what's next for you?
I?
Shab (49:27):
I know we have the new album in the works, the third
album and the works the thirdalbum and the second one is
coming out, hopefully in spring,so the second one is done.
Okay, cool, there's a few songson that one as well.
Jennifer Logue (49:38):
Do you have a name for that one yet?
Has it been released?
It's not released yet.
Shab (49:42):
It's going to be Euphoric.
Cool Net Love was the first one.
Jennifer Logue (49:49):
Second one is going to be euphoric, third one
is um one suitcase oh my gosh,you're already on your third
album and the second one's noteven you are.
You're superwoman shop, oh mygosh um, don't get fooled.
Shab (50:02):
I have a great team, but I also draw down tons of notes in
my, in my, in my phone.
Jennifer Logue (50:06):
So that's beautiful.
So where's next on tour we?
Shab (50:11):
are gonna go to um that's a good question.
I'm gonna tell you right now.
So our next um day is gonna beum okay, I'm looking um buzzing
stoke I have no idea where thatis.
I'm learning.
(50:34):
After that is Brighton,brighton, okay, and then oh, are
you there?
Okay, sorry.
So then we're going to finishit at the last day.
We'll be at Glasgow.
Jennifer Logue (50:50):
Oh beautiful, what a great city to finish it
at the last day.
We'll be at Glasgow.
Oh beautiful, oh, what a greatcity to finish it in last day is
.
Shab (50:55):
and then we have, of course, london and I love London
so much.
I just love the energy, I lovethe people and, oh my gosh, I
always get such good vibes whenI'm in and when I'm in UK and
there's just been nothing butopen, open, open arms of love
for me, like everywhere I'vebeen, and the people have been
super receptive and loving, youknow, to me, and of course, my
(51:16):
beloved America, and I cannotwait to to tour in the US and
spread, spread my love there aswell.
Jennifer Logue (51:23):
Yes, we need your love to America.
Shab (51:25):
My beloved America.
Yes, absolutely.
Jennifer Logue (51:29):
I have one more question for you.
What advice would you have foran artist going through a trying
time right now, or anyone goingthrough a trying time Like how
do you get to the other side?
Shab (51:47):
Don't ever give up.
Believe in yourself.
Take one day at a time, onebreath at a time.
Find people that uplift you,that inspire you, and don't give
up.
That's the best advice.
(52:07):
Keep going every day.
The moment you give up, someoneelse is going to come and go
into the finish line.
You just have to keep goinguntil you get to your goal and
be easy in yourself.
Give yourself self-love, respectyourself.
You know, like I always saylike, believe in yourself before
.
Be your own hype man, hypewoman.
(52:28):
You know, give yourself like,and if something doesn't go the
right way, it's okay, maybe it'sjust not meant to be, there's
something better.
But just don't stop.
Keep going.
Give yourself lots of love andself-love.
Forgive your past, forgive andwrite.
(52:49):
You know what.
Use those as Stuff that hashappened to you.
Use it as kindling to healingyourself through music, through,
you know, working out Whateverit might be.
That's like feeding your soul.
But find that that feeds yoursoul.
That's in a healthy way,obviously, and once you get
there, then you'll just yourbody will know and will align
(53:10):
itself with that purpose andpray about it.
Pray every day.
Ask God, spirit, universal love, whatever it is that you
believe in, jesus Christ.
I mean, I love Jesus Christ.
So, like you know, just do thatand the universe will provide
for you.
But just be patient, be kind,be patient, have lots of
(53:33):
gratitude in your heart.
Those are the only best adviceI can give to someone.
Jennifer Logue (53:38):
Thank you for tuning into this special rerun
of my conversation with Shab.
Her journey from refugee tointernational pop star is a
testament to the power ofresilience, creativity and
staying true to oneself.
If you haven't already, Iencourage you to check out
Shab's latest music and followher journey at shabofficialcom.
(53:59):
I'd also love to hear whatresonated with you from this
episode.
Feel free to reach out to me onsocial media at Jennifer Logue,
or leave a review on ApplePodcasts so more creatives can
discover creative space.
Thanks again for being part ofthis journey with me as we
revisit the best of creativespace so far.
Stay tuned for more topepisodes leading up to season
(54:22):
three on Sunday, October 20th.
My name is Jennifer Logue.
Until next time.
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