By DAN ARMONAITIS
Spartanburg-based singer-songwriter Shannon Ferguson has reinvented herself as Rhea Deléo and is poised to take her music career to a new level in 2020.
“I chose the artist name Rhea Deléo because I have always resonated with the first name Rhea since I was a child, and Deléo is a play on words for ‘the Leo,'” said Ferguson, who noted that Leo is her zodiac sign. “I’ve embraced this name because, to me, it embodies the creativity, strength and passion that I want to continue communicating through my music.”
Ferguson recently released her debut single under her new artist name. A dramatic video for the song, “Walk Away,” premiered on Friday, Feb. 14 and features Los Angeles-based actor and social media influencer Jamie Costa in the male lead.
“I have been a fan of Jamie since I first saw his online videos and was incredibly honored when he expressed interest in being in my music video when I reached out to him,” said Ferguson, henceforth referred to as Deléo. “He was an absolute pleasure to work with on set and a wonderful person. I highly recommend you follow him and see all of his creative content.”
Deléo said the song tells the story of being told by the one you love that you are not “enough” and how hard it is to walk away from such a relationship because of how emotionally invested you are.
“That you would’ve sacrificed your own happiness to have been truly accepted and loved by them,” explained Deléo, who added that it was inspired by an unrequited, unhappy love relationship from her own past. “I chose to release the music video for this single on Valentine’s Day to show that romantic relationships are not always beautiful and rewarding (and) to show the darker side of how they can be when love is not mutual.”
The single, “Walk Away,” was recorded and produced by Kaleb Alexander at Melodic Mess Studio in Greenville.
“Initially, I had written it as a soft acoustic ballad, but (Alexander) was able to transform it into a cinematic, atmospheric and emotionally powerful electronic song,” Deléo said. “I have him to thank for really making this song come alive and for helping me envision the direction of where I want my future solo music to go.”
Deléo noted that the video project would not have been possible without the support of those who contributed to a crowd-funding campaign via GoFundMe. “I’m beyond grateful,” she added.
A native of Cleveland, Georgia, who moved to Spartanburg in 2015 to attend Converse College (now University), Deléo graduated last May with a bachelor’s degree in contemporary music and media applications.
“I had already had a burning passion for music before attending school, but my education at Converse really added to this fire and fueled my ambition to pursue a career in the music industry,” Deléo said.
In addition to her burgeoning career as a solo artist, Deléo continues to serve as the lead vocalist for the regionally popular dance/party band Hot as a Pepper. She can next be seen on stage with that group on Friday, Feb. 21 at The Brass Monkey in Greenville with additional upcoming shows in Greenville scheduled for Feb. 28 at Craft & Barrel, March 7 at St. Mary’s Gala and March 13 again at The Brass Monkey.
As for her solo work, Deléo said she’s already begun pre-production for her next single, “Smoke Screen,” which she plans to release later this year.
“I have also already released two new songs this past month that are collaborations with up-and-coming producers from around the world,” Deléo said.
Those songs, which are available on Spotify, include “Rise Above” with EDM producer Timmy Caden and “Lights” with producer BRIXOL.
You are a STAR in my eyes and ears.
Love your new vidio !