Shanaya Fastje to Release New Singles in January

Sixteen-year-old author/singer Shanaya Fastje is preparing to release new singles in January (Courtesy photo).

LOS ANGELES – Acclaimed teenage author/singer Shanaya Fastje is preparing to release three new singles in January.

The 16-year-old Texas native, who is known for her popular web series "M.D. Squared," and a string of hit singles, has been keeping a low profile these days and while she records new music in Nashville. The new tracks, she said, mix rock, folk, and contemporary genres into a sound that is uniquely her own.

“I am ecstatic to record new music that exhibits my evolution as a songwriter. Each new song is written as a story that may resonate differently within whomever listens,” Shanaya said. “They are dreamy but grounded, mystical but eloquent, still keeping with a theme of symbolism and metaphorical phrasing that will always be a part of who I am as an artist.”

Alongside her interest in music, Shanaya has recently finished writing a science fiction/fantasy novel that is scheduled to be published in 2016. “My new book pieces together three idiosyncratic characters who use otherworldly powers, naivety, and their obsession to be momentous in order to save not only themselves but the world,” she said.

Earlier this month, Shanaya earned second place at the 2015 Latino Books Into Movies Awards for her anti-bullying book “Bully in the Mirror.” The awards ceremony, presented by Latino Literacy Now, was held on Nov. 7 at the Los Angeles Latino Book & Family Festival at Mount San Antonio College, Walnut, Calif.

“When I first learned about my nomination for Books Into Movies, I felt a sense of excitement because the more ‘Bully in the Mirror’ – or messages alike – promulgates, the more opportunity there is for people to seek and receive help,” Shanaya said. “Latino Literacy Now International has changed my life. They believed in me, and that is most important to me – knowing you're not alone, because it gives you a powerful mindset to keep moving on and keep changing the world.”

The young artist, who has been featured on shows such as “The Jeff Probst Show” and many others has earned much acclaim for her books, including the highly touted “Bully in the Mirror” which offers teens, teachers, parents and schools a comprehensive program aimed at effectively combatting bullying.

Shanaya is known for her impassioned motivational speaking nationwide, where she covers issues of bullying, self-esteem building, and the problems teens face daily in society today. Despite her youth, she has become a highly-sought speaker and has won many awards - including from President Obama - and much acclaim for her advocacy.

For more, please visit www.ShanayaFastje.com.