On this day ten years ago, I had just moved to Chicago on faith and miracles. I had a rocky start in the city and almost became homeless, but on the day I thought would be my first night on the streets, I made a phone call that changed my life forever. Months earlier, I’d made some new friends (who happened to be college musicians), and on THIS unforeseeable day, they offered me a key to their home. On the same day, I was hired to become a brand ambassador for Naked Juice. Talk about timing!
L to R: Derrick, Shailaun, Kevin, Karin, Angelique - Chicago, Illinois
I made some lifelong friends in Chicago and I will always hold them dear to my heart; one of them was Karin. She and I decided to use our gifts beyond the workplace and found ourselves singing uplifting songs, giving out hugs and high fives and encouraging whomever we saw on our journey to keep going. This was the true beginning of the Spread Love movement, the project, and the album. On July 22, 2012, I learned what it means to love.
Earlier this year, I released my solo debut album Spread Love. It was written as a means for healing and uplifting myself, and it was shared as a means for inspiring others to do the same. With so much support from friends, family and new fans, I was encouraged to share the album beyond streaming platforms and decided to take the stage. Tonight, I am performing on the Bourbon Stage (the big stage) at the Free Man Cafe, one of Dallas’ most notable venues for live music. I usually never get nervous before a show, but today feels so special because I am starting to connect the dots.
The synchronization is strong. When I opened my email this a.m., I received a message that I am a semi-finalist in a music competition, and the song I am "competing” with is called Love Overflow.
L to R: Son Chau, Tony Ballard, Shailaun, Darius Wiley - The Free Man, Dallas, TX
“Maybe this is love overflow, the love that has nowhere else to go. You’ve got so much to give, it fills me up; this overflowing love.”
Shailaun, Love Overflow from the Spread Love album
The song was written to give gratitude to people who have lifted me up and to express my promise to always do the same for others. Who would have thought 10 years earlier on this exact day, I would be living my dreams as a singer-songwriter and producer, spreading love. All I can do is continue giving thanks to the creator for all that is and especially for the numerous gifts I’ve been granted. Make sure you do the same, and remember to spread love.
