What is the best thing that I love about my work?

Inspiration, creativity, access to any sound or instrument, creating whatever music I want from home without depending on anyone. The results of several hours of determination, making visuals become more alive with music and sound. Making people think and feel, stop time, and listen.

What is my idea of happiness?

Unconditional Love, good health, making a decent living doing what I love the most, Freedom of Expression with no judgement

What is my greatest fear?

Failing my goals as a singer and composer, loss of senses, loss of loved ones, death, my children getting hurt.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

Procrastination, and when I get scatterbrained or overly sensitive Which living people in my profession do I most admire?

That is very difficult to answer because I am inspired by and admire so many composers, singers, songwriters and music producers. I feel the need to constantly seek inspiration and research a huge amount of music to accomplish my own. To name a few I would say: Thom Yorke, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Bjork, Chelsea Wolfe & David Albarne

What is my greatest extravagance?

Any musical instruments and midis I can get my hand’s on & I am quite the clothe’s horse, unfortunately.

On what occasion would I lie?

I have lied in the past about my age and family situation because I was severely judged by conductors, directors when I was primarily a professional opera singer.

I would lie if it would help save a life or for a special surprise.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Politics, have to know some one to get a good contract. Also, the fact that 96% of soundtrack composers and music producers are men. I am hoping to make a difference as a woman in this field.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

I was a professional opera singer and vocal mentor for many years before I took up composing and music production. In terms of my happiest moment as a singer it would have to be my closing night of singing Brunhilde in the opera, Siegfried by Richard Wagner in San Francisco. As a composer/music producer I would say it’s an ongoing process that always brings me happiness because I never thought I would be able to do my own music 100% on my own.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I wish I could change my age and my health issues, but all I can do is get rid of negative habits and keep improving with positive habits. I am a late bloomer, but I always felt a lifetime is not enough for any journey.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

As an opera singer, I would say singing composers like Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. As a composer, I would say when I entered the. “Die By The Blade” video game composing competition: This was a detailed intro. to a Japanese video game with an old battle scene which turned into a futuristic industrial factory, then into a modern day fighting scene. I started it with ancient Japanese instruments, wrote and sang traditional Japanese vocals, then transitioned into more electronic sounds and beats. This was the most layers of music and instruments I have worked with so far, and was the most time consuming, but worth every minute of the learning process.

Where would I most like to live?

England, where I am now.

What is my most treasured possession?

Photographs of loved ones & relatives from pre-digital camera days

What is my most marked characteristic?

Sassy

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

I am originally from Los Angeles, California so for me it is the Getty Center: An Art Gallery of amazing architecture with the most amazing views in the mountains.

In Southampton, England where I am now I would say the New Forest: A huge English forest of imaginative adventures and the art of nature.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

I’m a big foodie, so this is quite difficult to answer. I’m going to have to go for Benihana (Japanese) & Flame (Persian Cuisine) in Los Angeles, California. I haven’t found my favorite restaurant in Southampton, England yet because I cook better than most of the places I have tried (lol)

What books influenced my life and how?

I have always been the most influenced by Art Books and Poetry Books. I would look at the photographs, and read about several artists from different eras like Davinci, Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, John Waterhouse, Tim Burton….. I would read poetry by William Blake, Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickenson, Robert Frost, John Keats, Langston Hughes. I think the combination of visual arts and the creativity of words in rhythmic, flowing formats manifested into soundtrack composing, songwriting and music production.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day?

Four Last Songs of Richard Strauss sung by Kirsten Flagstad, Darkside of The Moon (by Pink Floyd, “Casta Diva” from Norma by Bellini sung by Maria Callas, “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven, Ella Fitzgerald singing the best of Duke Ellington, “Amnesiac” by Radiohead, “Plastic Beach” by The Gorillaz, “Innerspeaker” by Tame Impala and throw in some Otis Redding at the end.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Princess Leah, John Wick, Bilbo Baggins

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Helen Keller, Anne Frank & Amelia Earhart

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

This is extremely difficult to answer, but it is a toss up between, “The Crow” starring the late Brandon Lee or “The Dark Knight” starring the late Heath Ledger. Both movies were artistic masterpieces with amazing soundtracks.

What role play stories in my life and work?

I suppose it is important to have a story as an artist to be more distinct. My story is a bit unique because I was a professional opera singer and recording artist who taught myself music production during Covid so that I could compose and produce my own music. I was in California at the time and we had many restrictions, so it was as if I was trapped in my house with my piano and computer. I was foreign to music software, midis, audio interfaces and professional microphones, but once I learned the basics of the technology I felt like I was set free and limitless to what I could create with sounds, any instruments or percussion and my own voice.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to mean to you?

No one can take away your own thoughts and ideas, take control of your own life and do not let anyone control what you want to do in your life

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

I would say my partner Steve. He is the one who told me to take up music production and truly believes in me. He also bought me a lumi midi with Roli Studio which gave me an immense amount of creative freedom. He listens to everything I produce/compose, and his work ethic as a professional 3D artist inspires me to push myself more. We even have the same dream: To work on Star Wars, but he wants to create characters, and I want to compose the music.

Which people or companies would I like to work with ?

Netflix, Disney, Hans Zimmer, Scott Buckley, Riot Games, Warner Brothers, David Lynch, Tim Burton, Blizzard Entertainment

What project am I looking forward to working on?

Byliff Game project, which is a video game in the making and I have been chosen to be one of the composers. This is so exciting for me as a relatively new composer, and avid gamer.

Where can you see me or my work?

Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Soundcloud, Band Camp all in my name,

“Shayne Dalva.”

Here is a link to my current Multi-Media Demo Reel: https://youtu.be/xXGNAF1HIX4

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

Our inner fire never stops burning when it’s in our hearts

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?

I would like my close friend Adeline Arjad Cook otoshare her story. She created an amazing Tennis Clothing line with original designs and recently opened a gorgeous boutique in Beverly Hills, California. She is a huge positive influence to women and a huge tennis advocate. She worked so hard on this baby for YEARS. She has a great story to share. I would also love to read the story of Natalie Holt, the only woman composer who has ever created a soundtrack for Star Wars. She did the music for the Obi-wan series ❤

How can you contact me?

Instagram, Facebook or my e-mail: Globalvocalsdalva@gmail.com