Cincinnati-based indie artist, Shannon Garcia releases new EP fnExists . The four-track EP offers something for all types of indie music lovers, ranging from softer melodies to more upbeat, indie-pop tracks. The EP is an especially personal passion project for the artist, as she wrote and played all instrumentation in fnExists.

The artist, who goes by Shannon Garcia and the Taken when she performs, got her start after Garcia moved from Raleigh, NC to Cincinnati, OH where she met percussionist and backing vocalist of indie rock group Why?, Josiah Wolf . He would later introduce her to fellow Why? member Matt Meldon (guitar), and she herself stumbled upon the talents of Jess Lamb and Warren Harrison at their regular gig at Japp’s in Cincinnati.

In 2016, heartbreak led Garcia to find herself through creating music. She picked up the familiar bass clarinet and received lessons from Lamb (piano), Meldon (guitar), and Wolf (drums). With her new talents, Garcia teamed up with Wolf, who used his own studio to produce fnExists, which features Garcia playing a vast array of traditional and unconventional instruments.

In this interivew spotlight, I chat with Shannon Garcia about her debut project, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I am “from” a few places. I call Texas, Iowa, North Carolina and Ohio home.

The music I create is very diy. I hear the parts and do my best to capture that with various instruments. If it is an instrument that I have not played before, I do my best to learn until I find the sound. It can be a traditional instrument such as guitar or bass clarinet or something of a random object such as scissors recorded with a 360 microphone. I really enjoy the sounds!

If I have to put myself in a genre, I suppose it’s Indie Music.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

It all started with the unused baby name, Cashes Rivers. I started a record label, Aqui Estamos Records, about 10 years ago to support my brother in his musical endeavors and expanded to include 3 other bands. (LaStrange, Canby, Bright Young Things)

I personally never had enough confidence or felt I could be a musician. A few years ago, in my loneliness of heartbreak, I made a promise to myself that I would no longer believe solely in other people’s dreams but start to believe in my own. I searched craigslist and found a bass clarinet. I had not played one since 8th grade. Creating music helps me process past and present feelings and has become a form of therapy for me. Since I started creating, it has been hard to stop. The music flows through me so rapidly now. I am very grateful for that.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This is my first release, I felt that I owed this creation the respect of releasing it out into the universe. If I can connect with just one listener, that would make my heart glow.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

I really struggle with social media and promoting myself. Trying to get likes and followers makes me feel uncomfortable but I am hashtag trying the flip side of that is that it is nice to connect with people worldwide without leaving home and complete strangers have been so kind regarding my posts. Hashtagiguessitsnotsobadafterall

I like art in all forms. I’m currently handmaking my merch. I created the artwork for fnExists and the stop motion video for “Question” with found objects and cutouts. Something tangible in this digital age.

What was the last song you listened to? 

Yo La Tengo – “By The Time It Gets Dark”

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s? 

I prefer Vinyl, I love reading liner notes and looking at artwork. I start my weekend mornings by putting on a record followed by making tea to enjoy as I slowly awaken into the day. MP3s are handy when I am not home.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I currently am an Apple Music subscriber and use that service to listen to my existing music collection. Spotify is becoming a regular go to for my new music discovery needs.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music? 

Instagram is my primary outlet to share my art, music, shows and my dog, Don Diego de la Vega. I love the ease of IG stories.

Anything else before we sign off?

Thank you so very much for interviewing me. I hope you have a lovely day!