Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Shay Lewis, born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1990, began performing in neighbourhood talent shows at age 8. After committing to music full-time at 18, she traded college applications for studio hours (approximately 2008). Her upbringing included:
| Year | Age | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 8 | First public performance at local festival |
| 2006 | 16 | Began writing original R&B/pop compositions |
| 2008 | 18 | Professional music career launch |
From garage recordings to open-mic nights in Detroit suburbs, Shay spent 3 years honing her art before releasing anything public. Her early Motown tribute band mentors taught her “soul with a side of swagger.”
DIY Ethos and Self‑Released Tracks
Indie Shay Lewis released 5 self-produced singles on SoundCloud and Bandcamp from 2014 to 2017, showcasing variety and hustle.
| Track Title | Release Date | Duration | Co‑producers |
|---|---|---|---|
| “The Love Song” | Apr 15, 2014 | 3:45 | Solo |
| “Vegas (Interlude)” | Aug 02, 2015 | 1:12 | G‑3 |
| “PERFECT ft. G‑3” | Nov 20, 2015 | 4:05 | G‑3 |
| “Not Now” | Feb 10, 2016 | 3:30 | Solo |
| “Do You & Go” | Jul 22, 2017 | 3:58 | Solo |
- Total tracks: 5
- Average length: 3 minutes 46 seconds
- Collaborations: 1 featured—producer/rapper G‑3
Despite being mixed and mastered for about $500, each release reached over 25,000 SoundCloud plays by mid-2018. In these years, Shay said, “If it’s not authentic, it’s not mine.”
Live Performances and Collaborations
Shay Lewis performed nearly 50 independent gigs in Michigan from 2014 to 2018. Highlights are:
| Year | Venue | City | Audience Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | House of Blues (Opening Act) | Detroit, MI | 400 |
| 2015 | The Crofoot | Pontiac, MI | 250 |
| 2016 | Meadow Brook Amphitheatre | Rochester, MI | 1,200 |
| 2017 | DIY Showcase at Ann Arbor DIY | Ann Arbor, MI | 150 |
- Total audience reached: ~10,000
- Supporting acts for: local rappers, neo‑soul duos, alt‑pop bands
- Notable moments: Live mashup of “Do You & Go” with a classic Motown riff, earning viral clips on Instagram (3K shares).
Using vintage sounds in R&B songs led to unexpected jam sessions with touring jazz bands, cementing her whimsical and versatile image.
Online Presence and Fan Engagement
Indie Shay Lewis established a grassroots following of 12,000 admirers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by December 2017. Important metrics:
| Platform | Followers | Engagement Rate* |
|---|---|---|
| 4,500 | 6.2% | |
| 5,200 | 7.8% | |
| 2,300 | 5.1% |
The engagement rate is the average likes/comments per post divided by total followers.
From 2015 to 2017, she hosted weekly “Studio Sunday” live feeds on:
- Behind‑the‑scenes riffs
- Sneak peeks of unreleased hooks
- Averaging 200 live viewers, Q&A sessions
Her DIY approach resulted in hand-designed T-shirts (50 per drop) and limited-edition lyric zines (100 copies each) selling out in 48 hours.
Discography at a Glance
Shay’s brief yet focused catalogue showcases her R&B/pop and experimental side:
| Track | Platform | Plays (as of 2018) | Charted? |
|---|---|---|---|
| “The Love Song” | SoundCloud | 9,800 | No |
| “Vegas (Interlude)” | SoundCloud | 3,600 | No |
| “PERFECT ft. G‑3” | SoundCloud | 6,300 | No |
| “Not Now” | SoundCloud | 2,100 | No |
| “Do You & Go” | SoundCloud | 3,500 | No |
Despite no mainstream chart entries, independent streams reached 25,300 by January 1, 2018.
Press Features and Accolades
Local press covered Shay even though she never signed with a major label.
| Outlet | Date | Coverage Type |
|---|---|---|
| VoyageLA | Jun 12, 2017 | Feature interview |
| Detroit Music Magazine | Sep 03, 2016 | Album preview spotlight |
| “Local Beats” Podcast | Nov 20, 2015 | Guest performer segment |
Her famous quote—“I like my soul with a side of pop, hold the pretension”—became a meme among Michigan fans.
Future Prospects and Upcoming Projects
Shay’s latest release was “Do You & Go” on July 22, 2017, but early 2025 studio time suggests a comeback. Plans reportedly include:
- EP release: slated for Q4 2025 (5–7 tracks)
- Collaborations: potential pairing with Detroit DJs for a “Nu‑Soul Nights” compilation
- Tour dates: tentative bookings at 4 Michigan venues in Spring 2026
Her eight-year absence without a paid single has created a cult following anxious for the next chapter.
FAQ
Who is Indie Shay Lewis?
Detroit-born R&B/pop singer-songwriter Indie Shay Lewis began her DIY music career at 18 and self-released five singles from 2014-2017.
How many songs has she released?
Her five official singles, produced on a sub-$500 budget, have been streamed over 25,000 times.
Where can I listen to her music?
All tracks are on SoundCloud and Bandcamp under “shaylewismusic.”
Has she ever charted on Billboard?
She has no mainstream hits despite a loyal fanbase and local press.
Is she currently active?
She last released music in July 2017, but early 2025 studio activity suggests new music could be released by Q4 2025.
Does she perform live?
Shay performed approximately 50 Michigan performances from 2014 to 2018, including at House of Blues Detroit and Meadow Brook Amphitheatre.
How can I follow her updates?
Her Facebook and Instagram accounts, which had 4,500 and 5,200 followers in 2017, post fan updates.