Artist of the Day | SHUMAILA HEMANI
ARTIST OF THE DAY
01.02.2021
SHUMAILA HEMANI
LOCATION
Edmonton, AB, Canada
GENRE
World; folk; singer-songwriter; spoken word artist; roots
CURRENT MEMBERS
Shumaila Hemani
Mehdi Rezania
Ojas Joshi
With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?
I was teaching Ethnomusicology courses for Semester at Sea, Spring 2020 voyage that was supposed to go to 13 countries but ended up visiting 5 countries as a result of COVID. Our voyage came to a halt when WHO issued a warning to all ships to end the voyage. Upon returning, I continued teaching remotely.
How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
I had an album release planned for 2020, but I could not adapt to livestreams because the courier lost my musical instrument: harmonium, and has not refunded me. Therefore, I had to take a loan to set up a home studio, and buy my instrument.
What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home? How are you supporting your mental health through all of this?
I started teaching online a course on Sufi Singing for Self-Empowerment And Hope. I also did short productions for Alberta Musical Theatre and Calgary Radio. I also had a commission from New Music Edmonton to create a new music composition. I also created soundscape pieces based on my CD recordings and sounds of COVID. To support myself mentally, I reach out to crisis lines. I have also started my wellness practice and uploaded 6 mindfulness meditations on Insight Timer. I am also doing a course in sound healing to support my mental health and then extend this service to others.
How are dealing with the Covid second wave?
I do not currently have a job or commissions, and the second wave of COVID is extremely daunting! I am hoping that I can receive sponsorships to support my upcoming CD releases.
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
I have a bunch of affirmations for people who are experiencing loss of jobs and feeling failure or inadequacy. "Life may break you, but your spirit is whole, unshakeable and unbroken. Tap into your spirit to create a way forward. We will get through this."
If you would like to be our next ARTIST OF THE DAY please email us at:
JEN@CONCERTWORKS.CA
