Interview: Courtney Shilo

Where are you from?
I’m from a small town in Southeast Texas, called Beaumont

What is your earliest memory of music?
My earliest memory of music is listening to music in the truck with my dad when I was younger.

When did you start being an artist?
I started my career as an artist when I recorded my first solo single called “Invitation” in 2013.

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as a mixture of 90s and contemporary R&B. I like to pay homage to the R&B music I grew up on all while trying to keep my music as current as possible.

Are there any particular themes or messages that you often explore in your music?
In my music I like to explore the complexities of love including heartbreak, denial, lack of communication etc.

What is the meaning behind your stage name?
My stage name is actually my name. However, a lot of people tend to drop the Courtney and refer to me as Shilo. I don’t mind this

What is the story behind your most famous song?
My most famous song is a song called “Placement”. I wrote this song when I was in a very dark space and had to witness an ex quickly move on from our relationship. I uploaded it to Soundcloud and garnered hundreds of thousands of plays and had many women reach out to me to let me know how much they could relate.

What is the hardest thing about being an artist?
The hardest thing about being an artist is finding the strength to keep going even when things aren’t going your way.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?
The best part of being an artist is being able to use music as a way of expression and also having people support and relate to the music you put out.

What are your goals for your music career?
My goals for my music career are to continue to make my own music. But I also want to write for other artists, do backgrounds and demos as well.

What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)?
In my free time outside of music I enjoy making art. I paint, and do printmaking as well.

Do you get involved with charities or causes that are important to you?
Yes I believe in giving back to the youth. I teach art to children on the side

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a great cook. I really enjoy cooking. I am also pretty good at doing makeup.

What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me includes working, and finding time to work on my music craft.

Do you have any upcoming projects we can be excited about?
I am currently working on new music to be released in 2024. I am also still filming videos and promoting my last EP called “Do Not Disturb”.

What are some of the standout tracks on your latest project?
My song “Silence” which is the opening track of my EP has definitely been a standout. It has been featured on a few R&B blogs and also has the most plays. My song Wild Ride is another standout which surprisingly people really seem to love.

What are your favorite topics to write about?
My favorite topics to write about are topics related to love and relationships.

How do you deal with creative block or artist block?
I deal with creative blocks by not forcing myself to write if I’m not inspired. Sometimes you have to pause, go out and live life, then find more inspiration to write about.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
The best advice I’ve been given is to not compare yourself to others on your journey.

What was the best show or tour you have ever been on?
The best show I’ve ever been to was Beyonce’s Formation World Tour

What’s been your favorite moment of your career so far?Where can people find your music online?
My favorite moment from my career so far has been the release of my EP “Do Not Disturb”. The reception and love I got with the release of this project definitely motivated me to keep going.