Diversity Rules Magazine

The incomparable Shea Diamond has released her new song, "Smile," via Facet House. Co-wri en with superstar songwriter, producer, and ac vist Jus n Tranter (Imagine Dragons, Selena Gomez, Jus n Bieber), Eren Can- nata (Demi Lovato, Fi h Harmo- ny), and Dan Crean (Gwen Stefani, Bebe Rexha, Anne-Marie) and co- produced by Cannata and Crean, the upbeat tune has arrived just in me to soundtrack the la er half of Pride month. The combi- na on of the grandiose horn sec- on and Shea's powerful vocal amplifies the sen ment that not only can you overcome anything, but you should celebrate life even more when you do. The visual takes us to the iconic Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale, CA. Directed by Devyn Galindo, we watch as the disco ball catches the light of every spot of gli er it can find, while following Shea and each rollerskater as they move effortlessly to the beat. Between making out in the bathroom stall to danc- ing while on a work break, we can tell that everyone feels free to express themselves wholeheartedly and without fear of judgement. More than anything, it visualizes the jubila on that's felt when you've over- come hardship, smiling with each new step forward. Watch "Smile" video. "This song reminds me that I'm not the vic m soci- ety deemed me; I'm a survivor." Shea said. "When I was at my lowest and my life's journey became too much to bare, I felt defeated. It reminds me of all the things I thought would break me or that I'd nev- er get through. For all the things I've been through, I've learned to embrace my struggles, understanding they too shall pass. I remember so many mes I felt alone, disposable, and wanted to give up, life threw so much at me all at once. Now I look back on my life with a smile I never thought possible! I've moved so far from my night- mare and closer to living the American dream they said would not be accessible to me while living my truth. It reminds me they were wrong. They don't control my narra ve, it belongs to me, and it reminds you as a listener that if someone like me can smile a er every- thing I've been through maybe you can too! I wanted a song that captured the roller coaster of emo ons and experiences we go through in life. With the pandemic mostly over I wanted a song of triumph and celebra- on, one that encourages you to get up, get out, and dance!" Most recently, Shea released "Presence Of A Legend" the orig- inal track to filmmaker Luchina Fisher's documentary, Mama Gloria, which tells the life story of Chicago's Black transgender icon, Gloria Allen. The documen- tary kicked off the 13th season of AfroPoP: The Ul - mate Cultural Exchange documentary series, show- casing stories from all facets of the African Diaspora. About Shea Diamond Shea Diamond is a singer and song- writer who makes soul-rooted music of resistance and liberation. Based in New York City, she was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and spent portions of her upbringing in Memphis, Tennes- see and Flint, Michigan. Repressed and marginalized throughout her childhood for not accepting her gen- der role, she ran away at the age of 14 and entered foster care. Upon her emancipation, she lacked the means to pay for gender confirmation Diamond - Con't on page 20 Diversity Rules Magazine|July 2021 | 19 Smile New Song Released by Shea Diamond

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