The musical debut of Christine Schatz A.K.A Shiloh Eyes, came as a result of a painful experience that she had to go through, but which ironically gave her the opportunity to transform that pain into music.
“Me time” is a very personal production that, hand in hand with the video, leads you to almost touch the pain, grief, and despair that gave way to the birth of the song. We had the opportunity to talk with Shiloh and this is what she told us about the song, the video and how the need to take care of her mental health led her to make a painful but wise decision.
What first got you into music?
I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember. I was super into grunge, pop, and jazz at a young age. When I first heard Prince, my mind was blown. And I’ve had the same reaction to so many artists, from Nine Inch Nails to Billie Holiday.
My older brother gave me his turntables when I was in college. It was then that I taught myself how to DJ. After DJing a few years, I started music blogging and was able to turn it into a part-time profession. I’ve always wanted to create music, though. I’d hear melodies in my head but have no way to materialize them. It was only a few years ago I started producing and writing music, and I don’t ever want to stop.
What made you decide to pursue a career in entertainment?
I started writing and making music after a traumatic event. I was in survival mode and just trying to get through the day. When I wrote “Me Time” I had no intention of putting it out into the world. But when the people close to me heard it, they encouraged me to share it, so I did. And it made me think – maybe I should actually keep doing this.
You’re releasing “Me Time” which is your debut single, How do you feel about that?
I’m nervous, but excited. A first song feels like such a big deal because it really sets the tone for your identity as an artist. And it only builds the anticipation for the next song!
Can you explain what’s the story behind this song?
I was newly divorced and settled into my new place in LA. It was summertime and I could hardly get out bed I was so depressed. And out of nowhere, the urge to write struck me. It sprung me out of bed, and I couldn’t stop. I wrote about 4 songs that day, one of which is “Me Time.” The song is meant to evoke a longing, of wanting to be anywhere but here. I had been drowning underneath someone else for so long. And I was writing about that breaking point – the moment you realize where you have to choose yourself, otherwise, you’ll just keep drowning.
How was the creative process of the song?
I was experimenting with a musician friend I had met while working at Fender. I had a synth loop and all the lyrics. He programmed some drums and I just started singing out some melodies. I had a good baseline for the production, but I actually let the song sit for a while. During the pandemic, I revisited the song and added a ton more vocals, more melodic elements, and changed the entire second half of the song. It sounds worlds apart from how it first started.
We know that the song was born at a time of anguish and change for you. How would you describe your current state in comparison to that moment?
I’m on the other side of that wall of grief. The healing continues, and it’s definitely a process. I have good days and bad days, but the bad days are far less than they used to be. And I’m really grateful for that.
What is music for you?
Music has always been therapeutic for me – whether it’s listening to it, dancing to it, playing it or experimenting with it. When I was in college, I had a radio show called “Sweet Beat Therapy.” I really haven’t veered too far off course! When I wrote “Me Time,” I was making music to get through the day. It really saved my life in a way.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I love storytelling, so I’d probably be making movies, especially documentaries. I’m so interested in people and what motivates them, and what brings meaning to their lives. And I’d love to meet these people and know more about them.
What kind of singer would you classify yourself as?
I like to think of my voice as a vehicle for the mood of the song, almost like another color that’s added to a palette. To be totally transparent, I had no intention of singing when I first started producing. But it felt so good to do it that my initial placeholder vocals became some of the actual vocals you hear in “Me Time.”
What kind of emotions and experiences are you interested in revealing through your music?
Catharsis, liberation, and healing are the first that come to mind. But also – joy. I have some new music in the pipeline that’s quite upbeat.
Tell us about the “Me Time” video. Is very emotional.
It’s based on my experience of coming back home to California after having left Pennsylvania, where I was living with my ex-spouse. My physical and mental health were deteriorating, and I had reached a breaking point. I had packed nothing but a suitcase and didn’t know what I was going to do or where I’d end up. But I knew I had to get out of that house. And there was a key moment – that moment when you’ve decided to let go of the last 10 years or so of your life. And that is really damn heavy. I was really lucky to have collaborated with a great cinematographer. She’s also a friend of mine, and I was comfortable letting myself feel in front of the camera. I think the video captures the loneliness and the anguish of that time, as well as the solace and hope I felt after prioritizing my health, and myself.
what is your expectation with this song in relation to your career?
I hope it’s the start of many more songs to come. I’d love to be able to keep writing and creating, keep making music videos, and perhaps have the opportunity to collaborate with some of my favorite artists.
