Kansas City, MO – March 18, 2024 – Prepare for a monumental shift in the music landscape. Shelby Floyd, the powerhouse vocalist who captivated the nation and won HBO Max’s “Second Chance Stage,” is set to release her emotionally charged single, “Sad Girl Spring,” on April 1st. This release marks a pivotal moment in Floyd’s career, solidifying her place as a force to be reckoned with and a voice for those who dare to feel deeply.
Floyd’s journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. Shelby, a theater kid from Kansas with dreams of going to Broadway and releasing her own music, faced significant obstacles. "I think because I always knew that I wanted to be a singer since I was so, so, so young...I found it really hard to focus on other things," Shelby confesses, reflecting on her struggles in school. This passion, however, was met with setbacks. After being kicked out of her college conservatory, she was told that her dreams might not be attainable, a devastating blow that threatened to derail her aspirations.
Despite the setback, Shelby continued to hone her craft, delivering powerful performances in theater and solo gigs and building a strong local reputation. However, as she began to gain weight, she noticed opportunities dwindling, a harsh reality in the performance world where image often dictates success. Yet, she found the strength to embrace her body and stop apologizing for who she was, a crucial step in her journey of self-acceptance. One person who consistently saw her talent and viewed her in a positive light was her husband, Jeff. He became the catalyst, the one to push her toward the opportunity that would change everything.
"I was on Instagram too much, as I always am," Jeff admits. "And a story popped up that was like, ‘Hey, casting this show, and we're looking for people who had a dream, but, maybe for whatever reason, it didn't happen.’ And I'm reading it, and I'm like, this sounds like Shelby." Jeff secretly submitted her, a decision that would change their lives. "Luckily, it ended up working out my favor this time," he says, highlighting the risk and the ultimate reward.
Shelby’s performances on “Second Chance Stage” were nothing short of breathtaking. Her rendition of "Never Enough" from "The Greatest Showman" and "Feeling Good" left audiences spellbound and even brought actor Taye Diggs to tears. To avoid becoming overwhelmed by emotion, Shelby refrained from looking at him directly, focusing on delivering a powerful performance. "That's the goal. That is the thing that made me feel like I was seen through music. It is like being able to relate to somebody that you don't even know and make them feel something," she explains.
Her performance of "Feeling Good" showcased a singer and woman transformed from the one who faced those past obstacles. She aims to create performances that evoke such strong emotions that the audience is moved to throw their shoes on stage.
Jeff Berger's unwavering support has been crucial throughout Shelby's journey. Beyond her powerful stage presence, Jeff describes her as "Incredibly emotionally aware and perceptive. Yes, she has a powerful voice and technical skills, but there's a real depth to her artistry. It's more than just a showy performance."
Following her victory on “Second Chance Stage,” Shelby has teamed up with Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Brian Kennedy, known for hits like Rihanna’s “Disturbia” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr. Know It All,” and his wife, Grammy-award-winning singer-songwriter and composer Angelique Cinélu, whose work has been featured in films such as La La Land and Ride Along. Shelby was amazed at the opportunity to work with such accomplished professionals.
“Sad Girl Spring” reflects Shelby’s desire to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, echoing the feelings she experienced listening to her favorite artists in her youth.
Shelby's goals are clear: "My goal is just to not give up on myself... Keep doing something every day that's some little positive thing towards my ultimate goal, which is just getting my voice out there to as many people as I can because I've always felt like that was what I was meant to do."
With the release of “Sad Girl Spring,” Shelby Floyd is poised to significantly impact the music world. Her raw talent, resilience, and unwavering belief in herself inspire us all. "I would say that if you've always believed something about yourself, don't let anybody take that away from you," Shelby advises. Don't let someone else's lack of belief in you change your own belief in yourself.
Don't miss the chance to witness the rise of a true star. “Sad Girl Spring” by Shelby Floyd will be available on all major streaming platforms on April 1st.
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