Country singer Shelly Starks grew up in Clovis, New Mexico but now calls the Tampa Bay area home, where she lives with her husband and daughter. Her love for music, particularly country music, can be seen in everything she does, including co-writing and singing for her debut album "You're Gonna Fly." Here's what she had to tell Metromix about her songs and her favorite spots.

 

At what point in your life did you decide that you wanted to make this a career? Most people stop at shower singing, but you've actually turned this into something big. 

I knew that I loved to sing from a very early age. I would perform in church, for weddings, at pageants, anything you could imagine, just for the love of performing. But my decision to become a well known artist and writer, only recently became my passion. I think that if I were not a singer, I would still love my life. I enjoy being around people, and music is such a great way to connect. I think it is difficult to think what my life would be like without it.

 

I know you've had the chance to sing the National Anthem at  several sporting events. How is it going to be singing at Freedom Fest on July 4th with such a large crowd? What are you looking forward to the most?

 

I am really looking forward to singing at Freedom Fest. Its a great opportunity for people to hear our original music and enjoy the live band. I think I am looking forward to meeting new people the most.  Building a fan base is incredibly exciting!

 

Where can we find Shelly when she's not on stage?  Where are your favorite places to grab a bite or just hang?

 

I enjoy going down to Clearwater Beach for a nice sunset or heading over to Tampa to eat at my favorite restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory. I also love catching a live Indie band at a festival or small venue in the Tampa area.

 
There's often controversy about Florida being considered the "south" (even though it's southern by location, most people are transplants to the area). Nonetheless, you've dwelled in the southern portion of the U.S. for all of you life. How has where you've lived inspired your music?

I think inspiration comes from real life experiences or experiences of those around you. Being in the south, I feel I am more connected to my roots and who I am. That can't help but transfer into my music.

 

Tell us a little about your album, "You're Gonna Fly."

 

This is my debut album which was released in May of 2009 and it has 10 original songs on it. I co-wrote the entire album with Heather Wainscott, my keyboardist and friend of 10 years. "You're Gonna Fly," has a wide variety of contempory country music, including a tribute to my daughter, Abagail.

 

What can we expect to see from you in the future? Any forthcoming projects? Do you hope to be on tour one day?

 

Well, my band will be preforming July 4th at Freedom Fest at 1pm in Pinellas Park, and I will be a featured guest on Studio 10 on July 9th at 9am. You can look for me in Nyte Lytes Magazine, the July edition, as the featured artist and The Ovarian Cancer Group, Ovacome, has asked me to take part in their celebration in September, performing my song "The Race." I do encourage people to visit my official website for more details on my up and coming calendar events. Touring with my band is definitely a goal for me, and I look forward to going out to meet the fans on the road!

 

What has been your favorite event/venue to perform at and why? 

Performing the National Anthem has been such an privilege for me. I am very patriotic and feel that the men and women that gave their lives so that I could follow my dreams deserve every bit of respect and honor I can give them.

 

Do you prefer performing solo or as a band?

 

I prefer performing as a band because I feel I have a wonderful group of talented artists working with me. We blend well on stage and really enjoy playing together.

 

We all have favorites. Mine happens to be "Love Remains." Which song on your album means the most to you?

 

That is hands down, "Fairytales." I co-wrote this song for my daughter. It's a song that will touch anyone that has ever been loved by a child. It reminds you of the important things in life. And how you cannot let a moment slip away. Its a story about raising a child; giving them roots and giving them wings.