Growing up in Bloomington, Indiana, Shelby Cordell was surrounded by a small-town charm that significantly shaped her journey as both a person and a musician. From a young age, Shelby had music in her heart, and her first performance at just five years old—singing Hilary Duff’s Why Not at the Monroe County Fair—was a glimpse of the talent and passion that would define her career. Over the years, she honed her craft by performing at local talent shows, collecting blue ribbons from competitions across Indiana, including the prestigious Indiana State Fair.

The Foundations of a Dream

Middle and high school provided Shelby with even more opportunities to grow. She joined the choir and musical theater groups, experiences that deepened her love for music and performing. Those formative years in Bloomington laid the groundwork for what would become her calling.

Her defining moment came during a sophomore year career planning assembly, where Shelby made the bold decision to pursue music as a career—a non-traditional path in her small-town environment. She taught herself how to produce and mix tracks from her bedroom, uploading covers to SoundCloud. This period marked the birth of her first EP, Aspiring, and led to performances at local venues like Rhino’s in Bloomington, where she began to carve out a space for herself in the local music scene.

Breaking Out of Indiana

As Shelby continued to hone her skills, her performances at benefit concerts around Indianapolis caught attention. She gained wider recognition as a semifinalist on the TV show Indiana’s Talent. It was during her freshman year of college that she released her debut single Somehow on streaming platforms, marking her first step into the broader music industry.

Signing with a label run by Indiana State University alumni gave Shelby the tools to expand her reach even further. A major highlight of this time was her performance at The Bluebird, an iconic venue in her hometown of Bloomington, where she shared the stage with Juke Box Luke. Performing at The Bluebird, a stage graced by many successful artists, was a dream come true, inspiring Shelby to keep pushing forward.

Building a Discography

During her college years, Shelby didn’t just stop at performances. She kept releasing original music, collaborating with local artists, and expanding her reach. She developed strong connections with producers and engineers, especially SPIDEYCOOLZ, who became a key figure in her creative process. Between 2017 and 2021, Shelby released two albums, an EP, and several music videos, further establishing her as an artist on the rise.

The Big Move: Los Angeles

In 2021, Shelby decided to take the leap and move to Los Angeles, a bold move that opened new doors and gave her fresh inspiration. She spent time meeting new people and immersing herself in the LA music scene, allowing her artistry to evolve. Over the last six months, she’s released a new single each month and is now preparing to drop her third EP, Midwest Barbie, in late November.

“Cuntry”: A Bold, Playful Anthem

One of the most exciting releases from Shelby’s latest project is the song Cuntry, a bold and playful track that fuses traditional country elements with modern, edgy themes. Released on September 13th, Cuntry is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms. Shelby describes the track as an expression of her LA side, mixing rebellion, sass, and humor to flip the country genre on its head. The carefree, confident tone of Cuntry celebrates individuality and a wild, unapologetic spirit—qualities that have become synonymous with Shelby Cordell’s music.

The Songwriting Process: A Gemini Girl with Big Emotions

Shelby’s songwriting process is both personal and dynamic. While she used to start with a beat and build her lyrics around it, she has recently started journaling her thoughts into poems, reversing her previous method. This approach has challenged her to enhance her lyricism, and her best songs come to her within minutes when the inspiration hits. She often draws from themes like love, loss, confidence, and the big emotions that come with being a Gemini, crafting songs that resonate deeply with her listeners.

What’s Next for Shelby Cordell?

With her upcoming EP Midwest Barbie set to release in late November, Shelby Cordell continues to evolve as an artist, blending her small-town roots with the inspiration she’s found in LA. Her music remains a reflection of her journey—bold, honest, and unapologetic. Whether you’re a fan of country, pop, or indie, Shelby’s music offers something unique, empowering listeners with every track.

Shelby Cordell’s journey from Bloomington to LA is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and staying true to yourself, and her music is a reflection of that journey. Keep an eye out for Midwest Barbie—it’s bound to be her most exciting release yet!