Rising Stars: Meet Shacklin Hilliard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shacklin Hilliard.

Hi Shacklin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Lady Shacklin, a REGGAE/RnBsoul/Hiphop Artist; is of AFRICAN & JAMAICAN Decent. Mother is from the country Gambia, in AFRICA and father was born in St. Mary/ Raised in Kingston ,JAMAICA. During my childhood, I traveled the WORLD due to my father being in the military. In such places as New York City, Panama, Germany, etc. Starting from the age of two I have been influenced and grew up listening to reggae’s most influential and respected artists such as: Bob Marley, music from the Rock Steady era, Capelton, BUJU Bantan, Beres Hammond , Bounty Killa, and other reggae artist. Starting from the age of 13, I then began singing publicly (Reggae, RnB). By the age of 16, I began opening for major acts such as: Capelton, Romain Virgo, SHA-Rock (1st Female MC) of the FUNKY 4 PLUS 1, Bahamadia, Angie Stone, Beanie Man, Serani, Richie Spice, Mega Banton, Mad Lion, Born Jamericans, Comedians Tommy Davidson, Lavel Crawford, John Witherspoon, Legendary Gregory Issac, MAVADO, Dougie Fresh, Eric Benet, Tarrus Riley, Black Street, ACE HOOD, Agent Sasco, I-Octane, TRINA, Noah Powa; IISASHA, Etana, Future Fambo, Yanique Curvy Diva, Sista Nancy and still going.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started singing publicly at the age of 13, I would say it was pretty smooth. I had mentors surrounding me and guiding me. My mom and dad always supported me and came out to the locations I was performing at. During the summer of my High School years even let me travel to NYC to continue venturing with my music. There was a brief pause in between only because of life and the adventures leading into adulthood. However, eventually I stepped out in faith and started making continual visits to the Austin area. This is where I began to get so blessed with the privilege to open for the Austin Urban Music Festival, Austin Reggae Fest, Austin HIP HOP AWARDS, and Multiple performances in the down town Austin and surrounding areas. Including the Infamous “Flamingo Cantina” and many others. Every single year I perform at the A’ram Festival in Killeen, Texas as well. My mindset is to continue to press and push through all obstacles when they arise. Stand strong in your “BEING” and BE you. You don’t have to change for anyone. Always embrace your uniqueness. There is only one you and you can not be replicated. QUEEN TING TING TINGS.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I consider myself as a “Reggae Artist” however, I am not confined to just that. I say this because I love to sing. I call it R&B soul because it’s from the heart. Depending on the rhythm that I hear and I feel, I can even move into the Hip hop arena. In this, I think it’s what sets me apart from others. I call it Versatility. Music speaks to me and Music is my life. I am so proud to even share the stage with lots of influential artists. I’m so glad that people see and feel my talent I’m always hoping that it touches every single person’s heart. Music is my life and my life is music.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Austin to me is such a diverse community. People come from all over the world to come here to this place. It reminds me of a little NYC. They are not afraid to dance if they feel the music no matter what background you may come from. They are free and they actually listen. They speak when spoken to and laugh out loud. The atmosphere is always nice. I love it.

Contact Info:

• Email: Ladyshacklin@gmail.com
• Instagram: Lady Shacklin
• Facebook: Lady Shacklin
• Youtube: Lady Shacklin
• SoundCloud: Lady Shacklin

Image Credits
Vincent Price Tabitha Shields of (The Studio -Makeup by Tabitha) Jay Mackall Tommy Shotit