CHEVEL SHEPHERD
Interview conduct March 10, 2021
By Dan Locke
When Chevel Shepherd left “The Voice” stage after being crowned winner of season 15, she was determined to make music that reflects who she is as a country artist. Shepherd walked away from the recording contract that comes with winning and began paving a path of her own. Aided by her coach-turned-mentor Kelly Clarkson, the 18-year-old vocal dynamo carefully selected songs that reflect a more traditional country sound, steeped in storytelling. Recorded in Nashville with cuts written by acclaimed songwriters, Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark and more, Shepherd’s debut EP, Everybody’s Got A Story, is available now.
What is your upbringing?
I was raised in Farmington, New Mexico. Growing up in a small town allowed me to spend free time feeding animals on the farm, fixing up cars with my dad and singing almost before I could walk.
How did you discover music?
I grew up listening to the music my parents enjoyed—classic rock and country music—the best of both worlds! We listened to music in the car, at home, whenever/wherever we could.
Describe your music.
My music leans into traditional country sounds and the genre’s legacy of storytelling.
How did you get into yodeling, because most people cannot do it, because it involves repeated and rapid changes of pitch between the low-pitch chest register (falsetto)?
A: My mother introduced me to yodeling. She told me about it and showed me videos of it. I enjoy incorporating it into my music when I can, it’s unique and not many people do it anymore.
What was your first performance at like?
I had my first performance when I was four years old. I love to sing and be on stage, even at that young age I remember enjoying performing in front of a group of people.
You were on NBC’s “The Voice.” What are some of your best memories from the show?
Being surrounded by people who love music as much as I do was priceless. Some of the best memories were made with fellow contestants singing around the firepit at the hotel. I made great friends during my time on “The Voice” and still keep up with them!
Tell me about your Debut EP “Everybody’s Go A Story,” which comes out March 26th?
I spent the latter half of 2019 traveling between my hometown of Farmington and Nashville, Tennessee to create what would become Everybody’s Got A Story. With the help of Kelly Clarkson, I scored studio time and had the opportunity to carefully select songs by acclaimed songwriters. Each song on the EP is different and represents who I am as a person and as a country artist.
You recorded a song called “Mama Got the Chair.” Is this a callback to George Strait hit Chair?
It is! The songwriters, Nora Collins, Nick Donley and “The Voice” alum Dave Fenley, wrote “Mama Got the Chair” as a clever call-and-response to George Strait’s iconic 1985 hit. The song’s rich storytelling bridges generations of country music in a special way.
What is your favorite track on your album?
I’m very proud of each song so it’s almost impossible to choose but I’m particularly fond of “Mama Got the Chair.”
Digital vs. vinyl?
Vinyl appeals to me for its physical, traditional format but I also love the speed and accessibility of digital.
