Music: Siaira Shawn: "The In Between EP"

Here name is Siaira Shawn: "Si" - like yes, "air"- like what you breathe, "a".

That's how she opens her shows on occasion. The intro throws people at times, others get it right away. Same with her music. For some the "Intro" to The In Between EP will immediately strike a chord as Ms. Shawn sings: "She's never been one of  the crowd she's the in between." You'll understand where she's coming from, how her mind works, wonder why more artists aren't this authentic. And that's just after one minute and 29 seconds. Others won't get "it" or her until the next song, but somewhere in the midst of listening to Shawn bare her soul and tell your secrets, a light bulb will go off and you suddenly grasp The In Between.

San Francisco born and raised, the singer/songwriter has created an EP marked by a level of honesty that is remarkably refreshing. But let this serve as a warning: the raw and open approach can be slightly uncomfortable if you aren't ready to face your own issues around relationships, life, and growth. 

In just six tracks, most under three minutes, Ms. Shawn runs the gambit, touching on wanting someone in your life in "Settled," confessing that she can't commit to anything long-term in "Seat Filler," and exploring the often stressful malaise known as the quarter-life crisis. throughout the EP. The production, which includes work  from TK and Mr. Know-it-all of League510 and Nick James, perfectly compliments her voice and lyrics so even as you are lulled away, you never miss the point.

Tonight, Tuesday May 4th,  you can catch Siaira Shawn at Somar Bar (1727 Telegraph Ave, Oakland) 9pm-12am for the 21 and over. Then you can rock with her Thursday, May 6th, at PST (Eve Lounge, 575 Howard St, San Francisco) with DJ Sake One as part of the Spring Soul Series.

Siaira Shawn: "Where You Are" (prod. by Bracy)

DL: Siaira Shawn: The In Between EP