Unlocking
SORAYA
We handed the keys to Shelby Pinckard, who seems to be wearing just about every hat there is to wear in the music industry, to unlock how she balances it all and her ever expanding vision.
What brought you to San Diego?
I was originally born and lived in San Diego until I was seventeen, when I moved to O'ahu, Hawaii. I recently moved back here to work in music. I think that San Diego, or California in general, has much more opportunity in every facet of the entertainment industry.
What inspired you to enter the music space?
I have been going to shows since I was fourteen and looked up to friends working full time in the music industry over the years. I found an internship at a music PR agency while still in college and switched my major to focus on finding the right job in the music scene. Music has always been my passion and a safe space for me since I was pretty young.
How did you decide on your stage name, SORAYA?
I thought of it in the shower one day in college, and when I looked it up it meant 'star cluster' or 'princess' in a few languages, so I thought it was fun. It just stuck.
You just held your first fundraiser event, RECLAIM CTRL, what were your biggest takeaways?
The first lesson I learned was how incredibly difficult it is to run an event, on top of billing, selling tickets, and finding a way to raise the most money for our charities. Over 450 people showed up for our cause, which was absolutely amazing. I think the dance music space needs more events fueled by intention and a way to give back to the world.
We're so impressed that you're simultaneously a tour manager, model, head of a music PR agency, DJ and event organizer. How do you balance all of these roles?
I put my eggs in a lot of different baskets and it's never really been that difficult for me until recently. I've been learning how to say no more often. Over the past year I launched a music PR agency, Simply Gigantic, that I run full time alongside DJing, tour managing, modeling, and throwing RECLAIM CTRL.
I believe the dance music space definitely needs more events that are fueled by intention.
Who are your ones to watch from the San Diego dance music scene?
The Drake Brothers, who I met in San Diego, are doing really well for themselves. My friend Bailey Carter is the most talented producer I know. And I just became friends with AMZEL, who completely tore up my event.
What are your future plans, what should we look out for from you?
I'm working on my debut track with my friend Julian. I'd like to move into playing more LA shows and shows outside of Southern California, and I'm playing the official Portola afters, which I'm pretty stoked about.
In what ways can the San Diego dance community support you and your events or collaborate with you?
I would love to see people show up for the other female artists in San Diego as much as people have shown up for me. Dance music is based on no boundary of gender, race, or who you know, even though it feels like that sometimes.
SORAYA