Ahead of her set at The Long Road later this month, we spoke to Shaylen about some of her ‘first’ experiences in music.
First Song You Wrote
My very first song I wrote in my life was called ‘Where Do We Go From Here’. I was about 11 years old and looking back it was quite dramatic. Then ‘What If I Don’t’. was the first song I ever wrote in Nashville. I’d never even been to Nashville to write as an adult and only ever came up here when I was little, being from Chattanooga it wasn’t too far.Â
First Live Performance
Church, six years old — a solo on ‘Bringing in the Sheaves’ during the offering. I remember looking out at that congregation and just knowing: that’s it, that’s what I’m doing forever. It’s still the closest I’ve ever felt to God, and honestly that’s why I chase a stage. Nothing about that has changed.
First Official Concert
Britney Spears was my very first — and if you’ve heard me talk about what was running through our house growing up, that tracks completely. Then Taylor Swift opening for Brad Paisley, which is the one that really got me. I remember watching Taylor thinking, I cannot wait to do that!
First Festival
Stagecoach, April 2024, out on the Toyota Music Den stage. And quite absurd looking back and realizing that was my first festival to ever perform at.
First Headline Show
California and Vegas — both in the same weekend, which is a completely wild way to do your first headline shows, and I would not change a thing. Going from opening slots and festival stages to a room where every single person bought a ticket for you is a totally different kind of experience in a great way.
Tickets for The Long Road are on sale now, available here.
