Today, we’d like to introduce you to Shad Fer.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas.
I’m a part of this magnificent crossroad generation that rode bikes and played tag and wrote letters in class like “Do you like me? Check ‘yes’ or ‘no’” but I also spent a lot of time staring at glowing screens as they evolved into their own version of reality. So I’ve registered for more than enough MMORPGs and saw the transition from being “poked” on Facebook to staying “woke” on Facebook, lol.
Being raised in The Bahamas meant that I could be influenced by both the rest of the Caribbean and America, so those influences determined all of the media and art I consumed. Most parts of my stories are extremely specific to being a Bahamian. But the internet and television were my main modes of seeing the rest of the world for a long time. My most noteworthy musical influences in terms of the brand I hope to build have been Michael Jackson and as of late, Kendrick Lamar.
Those are the two spectrums that I find myself operating within the most. But I consume music deeply from all genres and eras, from Led Zeppelin to The Pharcyde to Vybz Kartel to Carly Rae Jepson to Gil Scott Heron to Prince. There are no restrictions. So one can say I’m influenced by many, many artists but MJ and Kendrick are two that I can humbly and shamelessly say that I “stan” lol. As far as acting and creating films go, I’m deeply inspired by directors like Stanley Kubrick, James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino.
As of late Jordan Peele and Donald Glover. I’m inspired by actors like the late Chadwick Boseman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leo DiCaprio, Viola Davis, John Boyega, etc. I love stand-up comics like Dave Chapelle, Bill Burr, John Mulaney, Patrice O’Neal, Daniel Tosh, Anthony Jeselnik, Chris Rock etc. I aim to be the first Bahamian to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. I want to go down as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. And I guess that sentence is really all most people need to know about me.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some noteworthy struggles in my path have been trying to forge my way in a very small country that is mostly third-world aside from a small number of our islands. It’s interesting growing up in a place that everyone dreams of visiting but being able to see the show from behind the curtains as well. I love The Bahamas with all my heart, and this will always be my home base.
My entertainment career would probably be a lot further if I had moved by now, but the difficulty of gaining acceptance and recognition here is what hardened me into the confident performer that I am today. I’ve had personal issues with self-image. I still do. I have known that I wanted to be an entertainer since I was 9. That was the same age that I was first filmed performing on stage. I’ve always known that it’s a superficial world and so looks really do matter a lot to me.
My immune system is a bit sensitive and so certain decisions can almost immediately affect how I look, so I’m very particular about what I put in my body and the kinds of environments I choose to exist in. My family is also extremely Christian in their beliefs. My father and both of my grandfathers (both deceased) all went on to become bishops in their churches. I most likely won’t. My stand-up comedy routines are raunchy, dark, and explicit. My music can be both radio-friendly but also extremely alternative and explicit as well.
The same can be said for the films I create and the things I choose to act in. So, a part of advancing as an entertainer has been isolating myself from the religious and philosophical expectations of my family in order to express myself fully. The last struggle I’m willing to share at the moment is also that I am deeply obsessed with my craft. I care about it so much that sometimes it can be to the detriment of my family and friends who would just like to “chill” or “hang out.” I’m not good at just chilling. I always feel like that could be time spent hustling harder.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create music in all genres. I act on stage and on camera. I write and produce films, shows, musicals, jingles, etc. I do stand-up comedy. My specialty is knowing how to turn an idea into what we call in the industry a “HIT.” Especially musically. I’m proud of my persistence. I’m proud of the fact that I have failed so many times at this that it’s helped me to constantly narrow down what works for me and what doesn’t.
I’m also proud that I took the time to study the parts of the industry that people consider “boring,” like cash flows and contract stipulations. Now, this particular phase in my life is about doing everything I can to live and thrive solely off the strength of my favorite talents. Once a nice slice of the world knows who I am, then I can move on to the next phase.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me is when my name becomes a part of the cultural lexicon. To be “the SHAD FER” of something should be synonymous with greatness. In the same way, you can be “The Michael Jordan” of this or the “Pablo Picasso” of that. I want to be responsible for some of the greatest entertainment moments in my lifetime.
Things that truly made people feel something deeply. And most importantly, things that make the time we spend consuming them feel undeniably worth it. The staying power of Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, SpongeBob SquarePants, DragonBall Z, etc. An eternal life on earth because my art’s relevance remains… that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shad_fer?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShadistheBest/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShadFer
- Youtube: YouTube.com/ShadFer
- TikTok: Tiktok.com/shad_fer
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/
artist/4DzTkxaSbjwD7qyEbZnUAS? si=N9Ws7lA2TCCu7bE8hFicHg
Image Credits
Allan Clare Media, Cam T, Delton B., and Ranique Forbes
