Conversations with Vita Shields

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vita Shields.

Hi Vita, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Vincentia “Vita” Shields. As an emerging poet / songwriter, I consider myself a late bloomer. I’ve begun this journey midlife (over 40) after very traumatic and grief inducing moments that further awakened empathy and creativity in me. Thankfully I found poetry and music as natural mediums for self expression and joy, which kept me grounded during a difficult period of transition. I found solace in artistic areas after the loss of my mom, who was on chemo for breast cancer. Also, was entering the beginning of the end of a painful marriage. I journaled and did poetry occassionally and sang generally (i.e. in the car, shower, any free time, etc) but began crafting melodies over the past decade.

I utilize the artist name “Vitaologee” (a spelling convention on the suffix “ology” (meaning “the study of” “Vita” which means “life” in most romance languages).

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There isn’t a such thing as a “smooth” road in a journey that develops character or art.

The first album I penned was self-titled “Vitaologee.” I had so much to say. It was a feeling of bursting at the seams. I needed to get the words out to create new works and to be “heard.” I sped through that process by writing poetry and singing the lyrics until I hit a comfortable melody and then recorded the audio for use in AI assisted arrangement.

Given the controvery of AI in music industry, I’m moving along the path of recording a 2nd album of my songs with full production, musicians and my vocals. An artist’s voice needn’t be perfect if it can be emotionally and lyrically felt by the listener. I’m moving patiently in that work at the moment.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Vitaologee Poetry is the LLC i publish my music under currently. As a business professional I am focused on creating future events that spotlight regional emerging Woman-identifying artists with emphasis on Poetry, jazz, mixed-medium artists etc.

The mission is to provide exposure for arts with limited gatekeeping while providing financial support for charitable groups (e.g. domestic violence prevention, shelters, women’s health, etc) that elevate causes I have a personal journey through that many women relate to.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned a breakdown (whether mentally, emotionally, financially, maritally etc) doesn’t have to be the end of a story…it’s simply makes way for awakening to creative ways of feeling and re-imagining life
I am stronger than I ever knew and grateful for the journey thus far.

Pricing:

• Songwiting: Flat Fee + meta data / credits
• Events: pricing TBD

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vitaologee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitaologee
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fMytgA1tFLh7XHeVdslDY