Shevon Stoddart is a 2x Olympian that didn’t advance for the 2012 Olympics in London. Shevon finds herself in London for the Olympics on a new “track” in performing her song “Go” and “Hot Girl” tonight after the closing of the Olympics. Athletes have so many talents a very few get to express them especially in front of their peers.
She will start preparing for Worlds next year but will enjoy getting to express another side of herself in front of an audience.
If you not in London have a listen: Go Mix
Shevon is not your typical rising Pop sensation, but then again, she’s not your typical anything. Possessing beauty, confidence, poise and a melodically sophisticated yet accessible sound, few debut artists will make an impression quite like the Jamaican-birthed and New York-raised singer, who also happens to be an Olympic track star.
Since she was a kid, singing has been one of her two passions. At age 7, her mom enrolled her into voice lessons and from there the stars began to align themselves for her future success. Much like the childhood of another famous R&B/Pop singer, Shevon’s mother was a hairstylist in a popular salon, which provided the perfect backdrop for the young crooner to showcase her lyrical and dance skills in front of waiting patrons. She quickly garnered a buzz around town and eventually found her way onto a bona fide stage where she performed at numerous talent shows, often taking top honors, which led to her being tapped to sing at events, including weddings.
After spending years mastering her artistic craft, the ambitious singer turned her attention to her other love- athletics, specifically track and field. However, she still continued to write and record music throughout her training, never losing focus or her desire to create. Upon graduating from the University of South Carolina on a full scholarship, Shevon became a professional athlete and made her first Jamaican Olympic team in 2004 and her second in 2008. Ranked 1 of the top 10 400-meter hurdlers, Shevon definitely believes in pushing boundaries, even though she doesn’t set them. “I figured now was the time to combine both dreams after college and now I’m focused on acquiring a Grammy and an Olympic medal, simultaneously. I’m not afraid to do what no one else has done. I believe anything is possible.”
Shevon incorporates that same fearlessness into everything she does, including the type of music she creates. With her primary musical influences being Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton, it is evident that her new sound is rooted from an old soul. “Growing up, I would practice and study those 3 artists non-stop until I started to emulate them,” recalls Shevon. “However, as I grew as an artist, I knew I had to develop my own sound and style to set me apart from everyone else.” And she has certainly achieved her goal.
The first single from her yet-untitled debut album, “Hot Girl,” finds the sexy singer strutting with bravado between Pop and Reggaeton melodies, which deliver the perfect mix to keep the bouncy track dance floor-friendly. The contagious “go-girl” anthem packs plenty of sonic heat and was crafted to keep a crowd moving. “I want ‘Hot Girl’ to teach young girls and women to embrace the beauty and strength that lies within them. Being hot isn’t just about your body, it’s about respecting yourself.” “Around You,” a breezy, mid-tempo banger reveals Shevon’s sassy brilliance at applying a range of styles while retaining her identity. “I like to write songs that make people smile and inspire them, while maintaining a fun and upbeat sound.”