Shana “PullDTriggaBoom” Hinds is a Barbadian songwriter whose work you no doubt recognise. She’s written for Grateful Co, Fiyah B, Freshie, Alicia Yarde-Collins, and Faith Callender, among others. Her recent work includes “Pop Kite”, “Tease”, and “Tipsy”.
Last year she won the Writer of the Year award at the Gine On?! People’s Choice Awards.
Although this interview is about Hinds’ career as a songwriter, she has other talents as well. She has done stage management for the Bacchanal Time Tent, artist management and development, marketing (in which she has a Master’s degree), and is the co-host of the late night television show IDGAR with DJ Ras.
Which of your creative works are you the most proud of and why?
All of my songs are my babies, so this is like asking me to choose a favourite child.
I would say I’m most proud of how we managed the process of “Pop Kite”. I’m very cautious of energy in-studio and I had already decided [that] I was about to write a signature song for Faith that night. When I decide, it’s done.
I needed everybody to be on the same vibe so, before we started the recording, I made everyone listen to a guided meditation on embracing your “Authentic Voice” and [afterward] we all set personal intentions for the studio session.
This may seem dramatic – and I am – but ultimately that was one of the best writing sessions I’ve ever experienced. Everything went smoothly, there was no hesitation or over thinking of lyrics or melodies, and we made a beautiful song. Couldn’t ask for much more than that.
What is your favourite work by another artist or creative?
Wow. Zeitgeist, you know this is impossible to answer! I’m influenced by so many creatives, but for me, the ultimate songwriting trifecta is Bob Marley, Prince and Vybz Kartel. Anything they’ve done is golden, but if I [have] to choose: Bob Marley – “Waiting In Vain”, Prince – “I Would Die 4 U”, and Vybz Kartel – “Watch Over Us”.
Who is the one creative, alive or dead, that you would love to work with?
Rihanna. It doesn’t even need to be music. She has always been an inspiration along my journey and I can’t wait to do any project with her and just soak in her energy and knowledge. Then we’ll have drinks.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t take anything [personally].
Research suggests that creatives tend to suffer with anxiety disorders because our minds are always churning. This is true for me. [A]nd I used to worry a lot about how others perceive me especially. Because I was holding outside opinions in high regard (even if I didn’t like to admit it), criticism of my art and/or me would get me so riled up! It was exhausting.
Then I read The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Luiz and my mindset updated. The second agreement, “Don’t take anything personally”, explains that people see the world through their own lens – a projection of their personal reality. Nothing people do is directly or solely because of you, so you shouldn’t be surprised or angry if someone believes something different in their reality to what you believe in yours. My mind has been more at peace than ever.
Why have you chosen a career as an artist/creative? What is your “raison d’être”?
There’s nothing that makes me feel as alive as when I’m creating art. I am a nurturer by heart and writing professionally is my personal way of making as many people as possible feel good.
Writing is the way I feel most comfortable expressing my feelings. I don’t have to be afraid of judgment or rejection; I just say whatever I want and, apparently, people relate to what I have to say. Music helps me to heal and discover and elevate my soul. Music is everything to me, take it away and you could best take me long one time too!
