Shane Hendrix interview
By Deanna Davenport | Photo via instagram.com/shanehendrix97
Shane Hendrix is a singer from Belgium that found his claim to fame on The Voice. His most popular video to date is of his battle on The Voice, during which he performs “Marvin Gaye” by Charlie Puth. He is on-the-rise, having just released a single featuring Nicki Minaj. Hendrix has started his career with plenty of experience. Between the new single, a boy band, features that artists strive for, and loyal fans, Shane Hendrix has a pretty amazing resume and the momentum to keep his career going for a while. Shane made time in his busy schedule for Unfazed Magazine to allow an interview.
First off, I’d like to say thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. You got your start on The Voice in Belgium. Was the process to audition for The Voice strict?
Shane: The process was very strict in the beginning, but after the blind auditions, they guide and help you more. Probably because you have a coach after that. But you still don’t get many rehearsals before a live show. That makes the show that more intense for the contestants.
What was something you took away from that experience that you’d like to share with others who might be thinking about auditioning?
S: The thing I think is most important in The Voice is singing the right song for you. Finding that song together with your coach is not easy. So, it’s very important that you choose (if you have a choice) the right coach that fits your ideas and voice.
As of writing this, the video of your battle featuring “Marvin Gaye” by Charlie Puth has over 14 million views. What does that kind of interest and support mean to you?
S: It means so much to me to know that so many people enjoy watching me (and Shauni, my battle partner) perform and that they like what we did with the song. It was also very nice to see my fanbase reacting and expand globally. [It’s] been 2 years now and I still get messages from people saying that they liked it. :D
The Fourth Kingdom is the name of the boy band that you’ve recorded as part of. The music video for the song “Broken” has over one million views as of writing this. A lot of the reviews and commentary written by American music journalists have marked The Fourth Kingdom as the start to the next great boy band obsession. Do you have any plans to see how far The Fourth Kingdom can go? Or does focusing on your solo career suit you more?
S: Well my time with 4TK was awesome & we were definitely on the rise, but I do prefer to continue as a solo artist. We do have some songs as a band that are unreleased, so maybe I will feature with 4TK in the future. Time will tell.
If you had to choose one artist and one person you’re close to whom inspire you, who would they be and why?
S: It’s almost impossible to choose one just one artist and one close person to you that you inspire from. So, I’ll tell you the first two that come to mind, but know I take my inspiration from much more people, memories and feelings. The artist that inspires me is The Weeknd. The way he describes his feelings is very breathtaking together with his crazy melodies. I listen to his music all the time and feel that it gives me a lot of inspiration. My group of friends is a big inspiration for me as well. I know it’s not one person, but I’ve known these people for such a long time and whatever we experience together or the stories they tell me or the stories I tell them are a huge inspiration.
Your newest song and video, “Party Like a Rockstar” was just released with a video on July 11th and the song features Nicki Minaj. What was it like to work with Nicki and can you see yourself collaborating with her again?
S: I never got to be in the studio with Nicki, but I love what she did on the track and I hope to work with her again soon.
What other artists would you like to work with?
S: Well, as I said before, The Weeknd is a big inspiration for me so working with him would be an awesome combo, I think. Also, I’d like to work with Kendrick Lamar because I really think he invented a new way of rapping and honestly, it’s amazing.
Outside of your music, do you have the time to explore hobbies? If so, what do you enjoy most?
S: I love to hang out with my friends, so a lot of these hobbies I explore with them. I like squashing, playing pool, watching The Walking Dead (big fan) ;), going to theater and watching YouTube (I actually learn a lot from YouTube).
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get where you are?
S: Know that you can’t do everything alone. You need help. Find people with the same vision and create together. People will sense that and eventually, someone will pick up on that.
What’s your favorite song right now?
S: I love Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s "All The Stars." It’s my favorite song at the moment! But already excited for the next one to take its place because my favorite song changes all the time.
What are some differences you’ve noticed between American and Belgian culture?
S: Well, I guess we are way more physical when meeting someone. Hugs and even a kiss on the cheek is not abnormal when meeting new people where I grew up. So, when I first came to America I quickly noticed that a formal handshake is the way to go in America. :D Also, I still think it is crazy how many food places you got and how huge the branding of those places is. We also have a lot, but America is just next level. Everywhere I go I see billboards or TV screens with the slogan for a chain of food places.
In what ways do you see yourself developing as an artist over the next few years?
S: I hope to see me grow in every way of course. You are never done learning as an artist because this biz changes constantly. I hope to see myself creating music that [will] last a long time. These days, you can be a hype for a month and then all of a sudden, nothing. So, I work hard to be that kind of artist that keeps delivering.
Shane is hard at work trying to make a lasting impression on Americans, Belgians, and others around the world. There is no doubt that someone with the talent he possesses has the ability to make it big in music, and we are surely hoping he accomplishes that goal. A special thanks to Shane Hendrix for taking the time to answer our questions.
KEEP UP WITH SHANE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCScQLpXQXjmxl4YM1X5gxXA
https://twitter.com/shanehendrix97
https://www.instagram.com/shanehendrix97/
https://www.facebook.com/shanehendrix97/