In the vibrant heart of Philadelphia’s Norris Square neighborhood, singer and vocal coach Shannon Turner is redefining the local music landscape with her dynamic band, Glitter, and Garbage. She empowers aspiring artists through her award-winning vocal coaching and overcomes personal challenges with unwavering resilience.
Turner is making a significant impact on the local music scene with a unique blend of sound and style. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she shares her knowledge of vocal performance through vocal coaching. Her talent and expertise have earned her recognition as the Best Vocal Coach by Philly Magazine in 2023, highlighting her dedication to nurturing aspiring musicians. Shannon's journey into the music industry began at a young age. Throughout her journey, she has faced challenges due to being partially paralyzed and having several autoimmune diseases that affect her mobility. Her determination to continue on despite her challenges has helped fuel her passion for performing.
Turner’s distinct voice allows her to adapt her sound across a variety of genres, from jazz and metal to classic rock and classical. Her unique ability to connect with audiences, drawing from her experiences in cabaret and performance art, enhances the emotional depth of her work.
In 2015, Shannon participated in a cabaret competition that marked the beginning of her journey with Glitter and Garbage. After winning the competition, she initially performed with an accompanist but later partnered with her current collaborator, Lili St Queer, who brought a fresh dynamic to the project. Together, they launched the current incarnation of Glitter and Garbage in 2017.
Through her artistic endeavors and commitment to advocacy, Turner embodies a spirit of resilience and creativity that resonates. She encourages people of all abilities and identities to pursue their passions while navigating their own challenges. She is also dedicated to empowering aspiring artists by providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive in the industry, which led to her vocal coach recognition last year.
Kensington Voice spoke with Turner prior to upcoming performances on October 26th, “Very Pure and Filthy,” inspired by filmmaker David Lynch, and guest performer during the sold-out Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret On November 2nd at Franky Bradley’s in Center City.
Turner met with Kensington Voice to have a conversation about her music career and talent. Read the full interview below:
What got you started in music and performing?
It's something that came very naturally to me when I was younger. I spent a lot of time in my own world and made up songs. And just sort of like echolalia, repeated whatever music I was hearing and listening to. I got really hyper-fixated and focused on specific singers, and specific music, and would just sing alone in my room for hours. I did choir, of course. I did all the theater kid stuff in high school, and then that followed me to college, where I went to a conservatory, and then I just graduated from there and started working. I've had setbacks from chronic illness and disability, but I've been a working performer since 2007.
In your words, What makes your performances and music unique?
I think I have a very distinct voice. I think my phrasing is distinct, and I can adapt my sound to fit a variety of styles. I can sing jazz, metal, classic rock, and classical if I need to. I'm able to adjust and adapt my voice to fit various styles, and I have a unique connection with an audience that comes based in, like cabaret crowd work.
How did you begin vocal coaching and teaching music?
I started coaching for Halloween nights at Eastern State Penitentiary in 2018 when I was theatrically managing their “Speakeasy” attraction. Naturally, I was giving a lot of vocal notes. People were asking me for advice, and I always had friends who were asking me for vocal advice. At first, I would say, “No, no, I'm not going to do this. I'm not qualified to do this.”
In 2021, I started doing more light coaching for friends who asked and a lot more coaching at the event where I was working. In 2022, I was between a rock and a hard place. I had some bills that needed to be met, and I had no choice but to say, “ Listen, I'm offering these coachings.” And it's just, it's something that took off. Now I have at least three clients a week. I mean, there are still times when the season change affects things, such as when going back to school affects things, such as Christmas break or spring break. You never know how many people are going to be coaching with you at any given week. Some weeks it's seven. Some weeks it could be zero. But my goal is to eventually have my own studio.
What are some challenges that you face as a musician?
Well, I think every musician has different challenges that might stem from the same place. For me, my disability is a challenge, right? Because I have a dynamic disability. That means that some days I need a walker. I really need assistance getting around and doing various things. Other days I get around really well, and I'm operating with limited pain. I live with a brain injury. There are some days it really affects me, and others it doesn’t. I never know what's going to set me off to put me in the hospital for a week, a month, or three months. So it's a big challenge now. It's something that all musicians and performers feel was not possible, but it's my specific challenge. But I think I have the same imposter syndrome and fear of not being good enough, whatever that means. not being able to top myself, low sales, that kind of stuff. I don't know if that ever really goes away unless you get to a certain echelon.
How did your band Glitter and Garbage come to be?
I am one of the creators, producers, and performers of glitter and garbage. In 2015, I did a cabaret competition that was based on the late Taj, and I won that competition. The show began with me and another accompanist, and then My current accompanist, Lili St Queer, sort of said, “You should hire me. I'm a better fit.” And they were a better fit. So we started this incarnation of glitter and garbage in 2017, if you can believe it. And we just get along well together. We work well together. We write great arrangements, really. St Queer is an absolute genius, a brilliant arranger, a fabulous composer, and a wonderful musician. They have a fantastic voice. They're hilarious. And they do solo work and drag work as well. So I'm just really inspired by them. So it's very easy for me to have a good working relationship.
