The Richmond Seen is coming through this week on Tuesday, January 21st, to spotlight ShaeLaLinks — events hosted and curated by Richmond’s Own Shae La Soul. From 7:30 to 9:30 PM, this multi-hyphenate artist is inviting you to take Creativity on a sexy date night including dinner, live music from @control_theroom, your own canvas to paint, and the city in the background at @thelenrva. We caught up with Shae to dive into the inspiration behind ShaeLaLinks, the creative scene in Richmond, and more.
What is the inspiration behind ShaeLaLinks, and what do you hope it brings to the community in Richmond?
The show started off with Rudy and I just singing in his crib making content! We sung Nothing Even Matters by Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo! It was a vibe and I went on to want to link with other artists and see how we can collab! My goal is to get to know more artists; artists better than me so I can learn and network and provide more opportunities to the city!
If you could curate your dream event, what would it look like?
It would include being overseas but getting ALL the oldies but goodie musicians and performing all 70s classics!
What inspired you to create this paint and vibe event, and how does it stand out from others in Richmond?
To be honest, I LOVE painting as it has become the most therapeutic activity to calm my mind. I can’t paint worth a damn but I paint. I’ve noticed in some shows there are folks who need something to do with their hands. Like the vibe is right and performances are cool but, they wanna move. So, paint, hearing good music and eating? A time shall be had. To think of it as standing out is kind of hard for me as I do this out of love. So I think that’s what makes it stand out. Love in the room when you walk in and more love when you leave.
How does Richmond’s art and music scene influence the events you curate event?
I have SO MANY friends who are very talented musicians and I needed to create a space(s) where like minds could get their talents off. To be free to create and network. Mainly for upcoming artists who need the confidence to get up in front of people and not be afraid. Seeing folks who are talented not have a chance… that is what influences me. Giving chances!
How does your music influence your approach to curating events, and vice versa?
Ahhhh. Oddly, it doesn’t. My music and events are in total different sides of my brain. I create music every day based off feelings and emotions. When I curate events it’s based on what I see in other artists. For example, I went to a show where there was all new artists but they didn’t really know how to get shows started or together. When I host a show, it’s usually because of what I saw in an artist and I’ll formulate it around the event.
My curations like Open All That Soul is an open mic for everyone ALL ages. This open mic is themed to cater to holidays and birthdays or special events. A lot of people do not get the flowers while they can still smell them but at my shows, your flowers are handed to you when you walk in and cheers, hugs, congratulations, you’re loved and needed when you leave!
Next show is February 12th! Now that show is adults only!”
Get your tickets here.
