Meet Tamara Chauniece | Singer/Songwriter/Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamara Chauniece and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamara, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
How big is your faith? In my eyes, the risks you are willing to take are a measure of your faith. Taking a leap not knowing what awaits you on the other end, but trusting that whatever it is will lead you to destiny is how dreams are fully realized. Back in 2017, when I was approached about being a member of The Shindellas, I was living in Dallas in search of what was next. I’d been working with local producers on my solo endeavors all the while posting clips of myself singing online. I’d been posting clips for years and experienced several viral moments from Vine, to Facebook to Instagram. From this, I’d gained a pretty substantial following and had been in conversation with a good few major record labels. But with the wisdom that I’d gleaned from starting in the music business at a young age, I knew that I wanted to do music my way. I wanted to feel free to be me and not be held captive by the major label machine. I never imagined being in a girl group. But, when Mr. Claude Kelly reached out to me it felt different. He slid in my DMs after having crossed one of my viral videos on Instagram. He told me that he and his business partner Chuck Harmony were working on something special and they’d love for me to be a part. We scheduled a conference call to discuss details. I flew out to Nashville November of 2016 to Weirdo Workshop, our artist collective/record label based in Franklin, TN. I met the team, heard demos, fell in love with the vision and concept of the group and before I got back on my plane to Dallas, I knew that this was a risk I needed to take. So I did. January of 2017 I packed up my car, made the 10 hr drive from Dallas to Nashville and embarked on what I believe is one of my greatest endeavors. Being able to say I’m a Shindella holds a lot of weight these days. *wink*

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

My art is my heart. When I sing or create I want to feel God. When others hear me I want them to feel that connection too. That’s when I feel closest to purpose. I think the thing that sets me apart from others is the fact that I don’t want to be apart from others. Community and connection are what give my art meaning. The messaging in the songs, how I emote and perform is all my gift back to humanity for inspiring me. I’m most proud of my vocal trio The Shindellas. We took a leap of faith 7 years ago and are now starting to see the fruits of the seeds we’ve been planting since before our inception. We all had different paths and had no idea that they would lead to each other. Being women in the music business has its share of hardships.

But our unwavering desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves; A movement that would empower and inspire women and people from all walks of life, that’s what has been the battery in our backs. We always leave people with our mantra and it is, ‘you are allowed to be yourself without fear’. Believe that. Receive that. Let it be so.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/ career?
How big is your faith? In my eyes, the risks you are willing to take are a measure of your faith. Taking a leap not knowing what awaits you on the other end, but trusting that whatever it is will lead you to destiny is how dreams are fully realized. Back in 2017, when I was approached about being a member of The Shindellas, I was living in Dallas in search of what was next. I’d been working with local producers on my solo endeavors all the while posting clips of myself singing online. I’d been posting clips for years and experienced several viral moments from Vine, to Facebook to Instagram. From this, I’d gained a pretty substantial following and had been in conversation with a good few major record labels. But with the wisdom that I’d gleaned from starting in the music business at a young age, I knew that I wanted to do music my way. I wanted to feel free to be me and not be held captive by the major label machine. I never imagined being in a girl group. But, when Mr. Claude Kelly reached out to me it felt different. He
slid in my DMs after having crossed one of my viral videos on Instagram. He told me that he and his business partner Chuck Harmony were working on something special and they’d love for me to be a part. We scheduled a conference call to discuss details. I flew out to Nashville November of 2016 to Weirdo Workshop, our artist collective/record label based in Franklin, TN. I met the team, heard demos, fell in love with the vision and concept of the group and before I got back on
my plane to Dallas, I knew that this was a risk I needed to take. So I did. January of 2017 I packed up my car, made the 10 hr drive from Dallas to Nashville and embarked on what I believe is one of my greatest endeavors. Being able to say I’m a Shindella holds a lot of weight these days. *wink*

Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?
I’m actually from Wharton, Texas, a small country town about 60 miles south of Houston. Now, I say I’m from both Dallas and Houston because my roots are actually in Dallas. I was born in Carrollton and when I was a few months old my Mom packed us up and moved to Wharton where the majority of her family resides. Though the move had its share of hardships, it was probably one of the best moves she could ever make. My mom’s side of the family is the SANGING, God- fearing side. My Mom and Dad were both ministers in our home church. My Aunties and cousins were pretty much the leaders of the music ministry. So I was able to cut my teeth in that environment. I owe so much of who I am as a singer and Godly woman to being raised there. At 7 years old I had my first public performance at my home church for our New Years Evecelebration. It was then that my family realized that my musical gift was much bigger than they could fathom. So we took to the city! My Mama and I were both country girls with big city dreams. Between the ages of 7-16 I spent a good portion of my early singing career in the Houston area. My mama was my “Momager” and had me all over Houston singing in everything from church events, conferences, competitions, you name it, I was probably there. Lol I became a Gospel recording artist at 11 years old. I’d won several awards and accolades across the Gospel music circuit in Houston and surrounding areas. I was really a young phenom. Eventually, my gifts took us all over the country and the rest as they say was HERstory. I’m so grateful for my humble beginnings.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is my heart. When I sing or create I want to feel God. When others hear me I want them to feel that connection too. That’s when I feel closest to purpose. I think the thing that sets me apart from others is the fact that I don’t want to be apart from others. Community and connection are what give my art meaning. The messaging in the songs, how I emote and perform is all my gift back to humanity for inspiring me. I’m most proud of my vocal trio The Shindellas. We took a leap of faith 7 years ago and are now starting to see the fruits of the seeds we’ve been planting since before our inception. We all had different paths and had no idea that they would lead to each other. Being women in the music business has its share of hardships. But our unwavering desire to be a part of something bigger than ourselves; A movement that would empower and inspire women and people from all walks of life, that’s what has been the battery in our backs. We always leave people with our mantra and it is, ‘you are allowed to be yourself without fear’. Believe that. Receive that. Let it be so.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?

I try to be intentional and move with integrity in everything. From the stage to the board room, your character matters. I’m also very selective with my relationships because I know my value and I want to surround myself with people and opportunities that are aligned under the same
morals and values. I don’t always get it right because I’m human. But, again when you move with intention and integrity you somehow always end up right where you’re supposed to be and the success will last a lot longer.

What value or principle matters most to you? Why
Integrity! Being someone that not only others can trust but that YOU, yourself can trust is so important. Everything from your decision-making to your relationships must be rooted in integrity if you want it to last.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
Honestly, the artistic/creative life chose me. I had no choice but to pursue music because even when I thought I wanted something else, music and singing would not let me rest. Dreaming about changing lives through my voice and my music kept me up at night. And it’s what fuels me to this day.

What’s the end goal? Where do you want to be professionally by the end of your career?
My end goal is to leave this earth empty, having poured everything I had in me out on this earth. When it’s all said and done I want to be wealthy, not just in money, but in spirit and health. I want to have given people music that stands the test of time. And I want to be a testament to the fact that favor will always find you where your faith takes you.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the
balance?
My balance has definitely shifted. The Shindellas are on the rise which means, we’re more in demand than ever before. We’re building a brand and presence, which requires more time and sacrifice. I’ve had to make rest and spending quality time with family a priority. I’ve also had to make sure that I’m taking care of me. Everything from my mental health and physical wellness, to making sure that I’m doing things that bring me joy. It hasn’t been easy but it’s all been worth
it. I’m blessed to have such an incredible support system that understands and undergirds me.

Tell us about a book you’ve read and why you like it / what impact it had on you.
I used to battle with performance/social anxiety. Crazy right? The thought of having to perform would send me spiraling and affected my performance in such a terrible way. My muscles would literally restrict to the point where I was unable to comfortably sing a note. After a few years of struggling and researching to understand what I was battling, I was perusing the internet one day and the book “Get Out Of Your Head” by Jennie Allen randomly popped up on my screen. It literally jumped off the page. So I purchased it. And what a purchase it was. This book helped me realize how powerful my thought life is and helped me understand that my anxiety stemmed from fear. It’s insane the lies we’ll tell ourselves when we allow fear to be our compass. This book gives you practical tools to combat negative thinking and ultimately change your thought pattern. It’s really something special. Highly recommend. Also, Jennie is a Dallas native. Love to see it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh hands down it would be Uptown and Deep Ellum! We’d definitely get some good food and drinks in Uptown then go enjoy some live music in Deep Ellum. Now, I’ve been away from the city for some time and I know there is so much more to explore! But from what I remember, these areas have not lost their power!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my Mom, Ms. Sandra Washington! A brilliant educator, creative, counselor, confidant and my biggest fan! Because of her, I am. Thank you mama for loving me and giving me all the tools to succeed in this life! I love you.

Website: theshindellas.com

Instagram: @TamaraChauniece

Twitter: @TamaraChauniece

Facebook: Tamara Chauniece

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TheShindellas?si=qFb4k9z1WtSTXu_6

Image Credits
Individual photo credit: Jeremy Ryan Additional Photos: DJ True Starr, Eduardo Contreras (please reach out for clarity and specifics)