Meet Darbi Shaun! She’s a singer-songwriter, a Texas native, and a proud Aggie! Darbi has done everything from performing in Nashville to opening for country superstar Mike Eli to making a viral video with her twin sisters singing about 5 Seconds of Summer with over 50,000 views! Keep an eye out for this Ag. She’s going places.
HC: When did you fall in love with music?
DS: I have been completely in love with music for as long as I can remember. I grew up wanting to sing. I’ve always known it was something I was passionate about.
HC: What’s your favorite genre of music? Is that the kind of music you make?
DS: My favorite genre probably changes every few hours, but rock and country would have to be the top two. I play country music.
HC: Who are some of the most influential musicians to you?
DS: Martina McBride and Shania Twain were my heroes growing up. I find a lot of inspiration in Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves. They are all strong, bold, and not afraid to do something different or unique.
HC: When and why did you decide you would pursue music as a serious passion?
DS: I decided to pursue music seriously near the end of my freshman year in High School. That was when I got my first opportunities to start performing outside of school or church and was able to record for the first time. Those things just fueled the passion that I had all along and I’ve been doing it ever since.
HC: What was your first live show in front of an audience like?
DS: The first time I ever played guitar and sang a song that I wrote, I was 14 at the Bluebird Café in Nashville and I was absolutely terrified. To this day I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous about anything. My mom was apparently just as nervous because I’m not even in part of the video of that night, due to the video camera shaking so much. I survived and everything went fine, but let’s just say it’s a really good thing my live performance has improved since then.
HC: What’s the best part about performing?
DS: The absolute best part would have to be when someone tells me after a show that one of my songs meant something to them. That is the coolest thing ever.
HC: How did you parents react to your decision to do the ‘music thing?‘
DS: They have been nothing but supportive and are probably the biggest reason that I’ve been able to do so much with music so far. The deal was that if I kept my grades up they would support me in whatever I wanted to do, and they’ve more than held up their end. My parents and sisters have been there for me every step and I definitely couldn’t do it without their help.
HC: Why did you decide to attend Texas A&M?
DS: Honestly, I applied to A&M without a whole lot of intention to end up here. Then that all changed when I decided to take a day to tour the campus. I fell in love with the atmosphere and the sense of community found here. I loved the traditions and the pride everyone seemed to have for this place. Everyone’s excitement was contagious. It’s also close to home, so I can drive in on the weekends and play shows there, which is a nice bonus. Becoming a part of the Aggie family has been a huge blessing. I definitely made a good choice.
HC: What has been the best part of your music career so far?
DS: One of the coolest moments to happen so far was getting to open for Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band at an acoustic show at Main Street Crossing in Tomball. That was the first time I had ever gotten the opportunity to be an opening act for anyone and being a huge fan of the Eli Young Band, I was beside myself excited. It was one of those teary eyed, want to jump up and down moments getting that news. I’ll never forget it.
HC: What’s your ultimate dream in music?
DS: My ultimate dream is to get the chance to make a living creating music that touches people and means a lot to them. The best part about music is that it relates to people and speaks to them and I hope my music can do that and make a difference to someone. Hopefully I can get to the point where I’m playing bigger shows to more people. The most important thing is that God stays at the center of my dreams and all glory goes to Him.
Check out more Darbi Shaun at www.darbishaun.com
And see her viral 5SOS video here!