Music – Boston
Shanell Alyssa brings forth a soulful compilation of thought-provoking lyrics and warm melodic tones, organically combined to make all who listen feel at home. Singer, songwriter, and musician with a goal to create experiences that reach beyond the melodies and sounds, Shanell Alyssa creates spaces throughout Boston, MA for community members to engage in music, visual art, and dialogue while exploring the intersections of art and social action in communities. Her unique events are a new addition to the city's communities and encourage attendees to come together around social issues and Rise Above negative stigma, as Shanell Alyssa's brand states.
Shanell Alyssa's musical beginnings are rooted in her upbringing in the Black gospel tradition where she began singing in her church's choir, taking piano lessons, and later teaching herself to play the acoustic guitar. She learned from many of gospel’s greats and has been further inspired to infuse the soul, passion, and community-centered spirit of the Black gospel tradition with neo-soul, R&B, and folk elements into her songwriting.