I wish I had been told to stand up for myself. To not feel as though I “should” or that “it’s just part of the gig,” and that it’s acceptable to tolerate any form of sexual harassment or abuse of any kind. As someone who got signed by record labels and producers at 16, there were more incidents than I can count that were indeed inappropriate. No one deserves to participate in something that is uncomfortable. This is about art, respect, and showing up for oneself. Setting clear boundaries while creating space for self-love and a safe environment to prioritise mental health is essential in this industry and in life.
As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing Shana Halligan.
After a decade-long hiatus, Shana Halligan, the frontwoman and remaining member of Bitter:Sweet is stepping back into the spotlight with renewed confidence, creativity, and a sense of self-discovery. Since their critically acclaimed debut, Bitter:Sweet has masterfully blended bold beats with lush melodies, carving out a signature cosmopolitan fusion that captivates listeners. Their genre-defying style draws inspiration from Portishead’s cinematic drama, Gilberto Gil’s tropical rhythms, Morcheeba’s downtempo elegance, and Serge Gainsbourg’s lyrical sophistication. Having sold over half a million albums worldwide and with current streaming numbers exceeding 315 million plays across Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, Bitter:Sweet’s upcoming album represents a new chapter and a reaffirmation of their legacy.
Bitter:Sweet returns with emotionally charged new single, ‘Rise’, set to be released on March 21 — PRE-SAVE HERE. Alongside the track, the group unveil the album PRE-ORDER link, set for release on April 25.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in a house overflowing with musicians. There were always jam sessions, always a party. My dad was a brilliant rock star, so the number of people coming in and out, playing music and vibing, was plentiful. I kind of took care of myself from a young age. I figured out how to get to school, how to get lunch money, and all the basics. I did get to sing a lot, though. I was often in the studio with my dad, bossing him around the piano and making up songs. He showered me with incredible music and was my biggest inspiration.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
Since I was a little girl, I have been singing and working professionally. It started with me being the voice of Barbie for many years. From there, I went on to do the oh-so-famous Herbal Essence commercial moaning away in glory. However, I did have this pivotal moment when I was in college. I realized I did not want to sing what I was told to sing any longer. There was a very successful session singer with whom I had worked numerous times. She could sing anything that was put in front of her. I distinctly remember the producer asking her to be herself, “Just give it your own flavor,” he said.
She asked numerous times if it should sound like this or like this. “How do you want me to sing?” she really didn’t know what it meant to sound like her. She had only done what others told her to do. I knew right then, I could no longer do this type of work. I must be my own artist. My own writer, my own sound. That was the last job like that I ever did. I felt deeply for her that day. This woman I had always looked up to seemed lost. That being said, I learned so much from those years, and they have helped shape my musical muscles and my ears today. But I’m so grateful for taking that chance and finding my own artistic lane.
Now, if I ever go back to doing Barbie, I would write a song for the next film!
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
My goodness, there are so many!! Where do I start? One interesting story I’ve never told was when I was asked to do a very low-budget recording session for a small independent film. It happened to be at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, which I had recorded multiple times. It’s one of the most high-end and magical studios out there. Upon arrival, I was told to sign papers for a minimal flat fee. I agreed. I was there for a couple of days. I doubled much of Nicole Kidman’s voice along with multiple harmony tracks and did loads of singing all over this very “indie” film. Baz Luhrmann came into the recording booth with me extremely animated, yelling “Imagine, you’re riding an elephant! YOU ARE RIDING AN ELEPHANT”! I was very shy at the time and didn’t know what to make of all of this.
When I was leaving the session, they asked me how I would like to be credited for the film. At the time, much of my living was made as a session singer (and as a cocktail waitress), and I was terrified that someone would find out that I did a non union project since I was in the union. I was sure once they did, I would never work again. Since it was such a small film, I figured this would just come and go. So, out of fear of being thrown to the wolves, I asked them not to put my name in the credits.
This low-budget film was Moulin Rouge.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Right now is an incredibly exciting time as I am releasing a new album with my band Bitter:Sweet! Bitter:Sweet was a project I had started many years ago that ended up selling half a million albums, and getting a record amount of placements in film, TV, fashion, and was pretty much everywhere. After my partner in the band and I had parted ways, I went on to tour and write with many other projects taking a much needed break from all things Bitter:Sweet. Coming back full circle to the sound that really was my heart, the timing couldn’t be better. To be able to release this album with so many talented and wonderful people supporting it, taking my power back in a way, feels truly amazing. I’m so proud of this work and look forward to sharing it with the world. ‘Baby Is Back’ is the first single, which is out now. The full album will be released on 25 April. It’s very cinematic, Bond-esque and the limitless creativity I’m feeling right now has lit me up.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Do I have stories?! Let’s start with Jam Master Jay. When I was about 18 I met him at a night club in Hollywood. He, my girlfriend and I came into his ride and he bumped some music. The next day he invited me to go to his office and wanted to talk about a big music opportunity. He said he had a song that would be perfect for me. “Don’t Treat Me Like A Centerfold” He said let’s do this. I can see the video now.
Needless to say, I didn’t do the song. Another person who truly surprised me was Serj Tankian. He is the lead singer for System Of A Down. He asked Bitter:Sweet to open a show for him. I was honored, of course, but also a bit terrified. We had such a different audience. He was Serj, a rock god and we were a swanky little martini band on a sheepskin rug with a fluffy chaise lounge.
When the curtain opened and we began playing The Mating Game, everyone looked perplexed. At that moment, I wanted to run. But on the next song, Serj came out on stage in his street clothes before his own huge ass show, grabbed the mic and he joined me on a song called “Drama”. Everyone went nuts. He was so grounded. He had a very calm power without having to do too much which really moved me. From that moment on, the show was awesome. I’ve also had a lot of fun with Rob Garza on the road with Thievery Corporation. That man can remember anything, no matter how many cocktails were served. A genius in his own right.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
I draw inspiration from everything around me. It could be a meal, a glance at a stranger, alone time, my own relationships, my fantasies, or something I’ve read or watched. But often, the beat or simply the mood of the music tells me what to write about. At times, I feel like a vessel, and I’m truly just the messenger.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I think one of the most rewarding and important things I’ve done to date is teach kids. I was asked to teach songwriting and vocal performance at an international music and art boarding school in California called Idyllwild Arts. I had never taught before, and it felt very daunting. However, I quickly realized that sharing my knowledge and years of experience in a meaningful way felt more significant than anything I had ever done. I wish someone had told me and taught me many of the things that I share with my students. Not to mention how wholly inspiring and talented they are! Being a woman who has been subjected to many unpleasantries in this industry, and being able to be a mama bear to some of these kids by giving them the support and confidence they need to be their best selves, feels incredibly important.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- I wish I had been told to stand up for myself. To not feel as though I “should” or that “it’s just part of the gig,” and that it’s acceptable to tolerate any form of sexual harassment or abuse of any kind. As someone who got signed by record labels and producers at 16, there were more incidents than I can count that were indeed inappropriate. No one deserves to participate in something that is uncomfortable. This is about art, respect, and showing up for oneself. Setting clear boundaries while creating space for self-love and a safe environment to prioritise mental health is essential in this industry and in life.
- I wish I was told to trust the process. So many times, I’ve felt let down that things were not happening in the way or at the speed I had hoped for. That feeling kept me from believing that things really do happen when you’re ready for them. This is all part of the journey. This has been proven to me time and time again. Everything we participate in is a building block for what will come next. So, just trust the process. If you feel you are working so hard and not seeing the results you want fast enough, take a breath, practice gratitude for what it is that you DO have right now, and believe in what is in store next.
- I wish someone had told me never to give up on my dream or goal. It always blows my mind how quickly we can give up on ourselves. Maybe we have been around others who don’t believe in us, or likely themselves for that matter, as a result of their own trauma and that can be an influence. It could be the little voice in our heads that casts self-doubt. One thing I know is that when we shift and re-engage, things start to materialize again. There have been so many times when I thought to myself, why am I still doing this? I have almost given up on it for good. Well, here I am several decades later, having yet another wave of magic reminding me once again that if I keep going, I will continue to have a fulfilling career. 🙂
- I wish someone had told me how unglamorous tour life really is. Between the stinky bus, the stinky band, the crusty clothes, the lugging suitcases from room to room, the lack of sleep and the lack of hygiene I’ve witnessed, you really have to love being on the road. I do love it, regardless.
- I wish someone had told me how important it is to hold on to your publishing. Owning your work is everything. The value in your catalogue can continue for years to come. Many of the songs I wrote years ago are still being streamed and used in a show; you name it. Having ownership of my publishing ensures that I have the potential to earn for the rest of my life. When starting out broke, it is so common to accept what may seem like a nice chunk of change in exchange for a huge chunk of your publishing. Not only do you have to pay that advance back, but you then have to split everything that comes your way in the future.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would love to figure out a way to end all of this hate I’m seeing right now. It’s heartbreaking. We need a way to bring every race and religion together. Every human deserves the right to love any human they want, no more hate. Perhaps we need another “We Are The World” type moment where thousands of celebrity musicians from all across the world hold hands and sing something beautiful together. Every country holds hands singing. Allowing us all to remember we really are all one.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? They just might see this.
I would love to have breakfast, but preferably dinner, with Martha Stewart and Snoop. Cooking is my other deep passion, and nothing would be more fun to me than having a cocktail or three with those two while throwing down a meal. Then, I would write a smooth little hook on a Snoop diddy, and Martha and I could obsess together about how best to garnish our meal.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
@shanahalligan
@bittersweetmusicofficial
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Shana Halligan of Bitter:Sweet: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.