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Epic’s Shaylan Steeley Pursues Country Music Dream One Show At A Time

Jericho Warner


Shaylan Steeley performs at the OKC Block Party (Photo Provided).
Shaylan Steeley performs at the OKC Block Party (Photo Provided).

Shaylan Steeley was born to perform. The Wauhillau resident and Epic ninth-grader began her journey to becoming a singer at a very young age. 


She really liked to sing and listen to people on the radio and began to become more invested in improving her vocals and learning to play instruments. She discovered an interest in country music and labeled the ‘80s and ‘90s her favorite country music eras. 


“I love that kind of music, and my dad has always listened to it my entire life. And that’s what I grew up listening to, hearing, especially Wynonna Judd and Reba McEntire. I like the sound of their voices and the beat, just pretty much everything about it,” she said.


Although others in her family also sing, they don’t necessarily enjoy singing in front of people, Steeley said. She would go on to break this chain, performing in front of crowds frequently. 


Steeley started her singing journey at church singing Christian music. She started to participate in contests and competitions as her singing ability grew. 


She found out about the Stilwell’s Strawberry festival and Sallisaw Diamond Days and performed in both. 


Her successful finishes stoked a competitive fire.


She then entered Stillwell’s Got Talent, where she really hit her stride musically. She got first place three times, fourth place one time, and fifth place one time. She stated that the first time she won first place was the first time she performed a country song in the competition. 


She said that while she loves singing Christian music, she has a passion for country and gospel, and the crowd responded enthusiastically. 


“It kind of lights a smile in your heart, and then the thrill of it is what I really like,” she said. 


She has continued to make strides in learning guitar. She plays piano as well but said she prefers guitar. 


While performing karaoke, She found out about a worldwide organization of female singers called Sweet Adelines. Performing with the group has propelled her singing, as has being part of the Epic choir.


Steeley credited Epic choir teacher Andrea Crain for helping her get where she is today. She said Crain points out what she needs to work on and helps her improve. She particularly lauds Crain for helping her increase her vocal range and control. 


Crain recalled how she felt when she first heard Steeley sing. 


“There’s no way this girl’s in the eighth grade. I did not sound like this in the eighth grade. She was just already so developed with her voice. She just had this presence like she’s ready to take a stage, and with no fear,” Crain said. 


Steeley gets nervous but has learned to control it. 


“Right before I go on stage, I have, like, the butterflies and stuff, but whenever I get on stage and start performing, that’s whenever it kind of goes more out, and I can be a little bit more free,” she said.


Crain said Steeley understands that singing isn’t just about bettering her voice but also knowing the music, learning music theory and understanding how the music industry works. 


“She’s just on the right track, doing all the great things to better herself as a performer,” Crain said.


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