Today we’d like to introduce you to Sha‘Lena McCoy.
Hi Sha‘Lena, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Honestly, my story has been all about turning struggle into fuel. I didn’t come into this with everything handed to me — I had to figure things out, balance school, work, and life while chasing a passion that doesn’t always come with a clear roadmap. Music became my outlet early on. It was the one place I could take whatever I was going through — the pressure, the setbacks, even the wins — and flip it into something creative.
Over time, that grind built my confidence. I started recording, performing, and sharing pieces of myself that people could actually relate to. That connection — knowing my story could motivate or move somebody else — kept me going. Now I’m in a place where I’m not just making music for me, but for everyone who feels like their voice doesn’t always get heard. And I’m still growing, still pushing, but everything I’ve been through up to now is part of what gives my music its weight.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had to deal with a lot of ups and downs — from losing jobs, to balancing school, to trying to keep my passion alive when life was pushing me in a hundred different directions. There were times I felt the pressure heavy, like when I got laid off and had to figure out how to keep moving forward without losing focus on my music.
On top of that, I was still finishing school, working on my medical certifications, and stepping into bigger leadership roles outside of music. Juggling all of that while trying to find my sound and stay consistent hasn’t been easy. But those struggles shaped me. They taught me discipline, patience, and how to create even when things aren’t perfect.
I think that’s why my music has the energy it does — because it comes from real experiences, real challenges, and pushing through when quitting might have been the easier option.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is all about making music that feels real. I specialize in taking what I’ve been through — the highs, the struggles, the grind — and turning it into sound. People know me for keeping it raw and authentic, whether I’m dropping something with heavy energy or more reflective vibes.
What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve been able to stay consistent and true to myself, even when life threw obstacles at me. The music never stopped, and I think that perseverance shows in my sound.
What sets me apart is the honesty in my approach. I don’t just make songs to chase trends — I make music that carries my story, my hustle, and my perspective. When people hear me, I want them to feel both the hunger and the resilience. That authenticity is what makes my work stand out.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is patience and consistency. In music, it’s easy to get caught up comparing yourself to others or wanting instant results, but the truth is growth takes time. Every song, every performance, every late night in the studio — it all adds up.
I also learned that setbacks aren’t the end, they’re part of the process. The times I felt stuck or overlooked actually forced me to dig deeper, refine my sound, and keep going. That’s why I put so much focus on authenticity now. If you stay true to your voice and keep showing up, the right people will connect with it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccymusic/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mccymusic
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5J8LNVXsYVTktjVXN6YBEi
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/shalena-mccoy/1713553040
Image Credits
Pictures takes @4kfrey_visuals
