With her smile and beautiful flowing dreads, Shevonne Philidor walks out with her electric guitar, bringing along a presence and energy that lets you know right off that something special is about to happen. Then she begins to play, opens her mouth to sing and her raw soul commands the stage. You are blown away.
She writes and performs her own original music, but the first time I saw her perform was at Funk Fest and she had just started to sing a Whitney Houston song. I sighed and thought, there’s no way anyone can pull this off. Well, not only did she do it, her performance was utterly phenomenal. Immediately after this tender ballad, she ripped into a heavy guitar rock song. To say that she does it all is an understatement. Her band, Shevonne and the Force, bring it with a powerful mix of funk, soul, rock and reggae.
Also known as Shevizzle, she was born in Philadelphia, but says she was a military brat who lived everywhere. “I started singing when I was 5 years old and I performed in my first talent show in kindergarten. I told my mom I wanted to sing and she had no idea that I could sing,” Shevonne said. “She helped me with my song and made me a costume. I just kept singing from then on.”
“My biggest influences growing up were Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Prince, Bob Marley, My Chemical Romance, Queen, M83 and so many more.” With a one of a kind voice, Shevonne took all of these elements and created her own eclectic alchemy. “I love my band! They are a bunch of extremely talented guys.” Band members are Devon Gilbert on bass, Julian Carrington on keys, Andrew Warren on guitar and Davon Emannuel on drums.
Shevonne has an incredible musical history. She appeared on America’s Got Talent and performed on American Idol three times. “It was an interesting experience. I sang for a bunch of celebrity judges and I learned a lot about the TV industry. LOL! It’s not what they make it look like, but it was fun! The main thing I took from Idol was – ALWAYS BE YOURSELF.” She was also awarded the NFAA National Scholarship in musical theatre, and toured the country as part of Todrick Hall’s National Tour of OZ the Musical.
“My song, Someday, is about my father not being in my life and my struggle with my own identity because of that. It was produced by myself and my friend Timothy Bloom, a two-time Grammy winner. I’ve already released two new songs on my EP/Album, so I’m excited to release the rest of the music! Coming soon will be lots of music, visuals and then definitely a tour!”
Her band performs locally and can be seen often at Sparkman Wharf in Channelside. “At the moment, most of my shows are festivals so we could be anywhere! Check out my calendar on my website.
Shevonne shared some fun facts about herself. “I am also a visual artist and sell my art. It’s really colorful and creepy and funny cartoons! If you want to check it out, I have an art Instagram account @shevizzle. I have 10 cats, 1 dog, 1 bird and a skink. I absolutely love all animals and all bugs -including roaches! I’m also self-taught on all of my instruments. And I love videos games, puzzles, escape rooms and I can solve a Rubik’s cube! LOL!”
“In light of everything going on in the world, I just want to say one thing. Be the change you want to see in the world. Real change starts from within. Love yourself.”
For more information about Shevonne and her band, visit www.shevonnephilidor.com.
Shevonne
Wide Open!
“Everyone tells me I don’t talk my shit enough! Lol. Truth is, I’ve never felt the need to prove myself to anyone. But what I will say is that I haven’t gotten where I am today just off talent or a pretty face. This shit hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved, the places I’ve been, and the fact that I get to bring my band along for the ride.To name a few milestones: I’ve been on American Idol three times and America’s Got Talent. I’ve played with Gary Clark Jr. at Austin City Limits and performed on some of the biggest stages and festivals. I’ve opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thundercat, Stephen Marley, T.I., The Dip, Domani, and many more. I’ve sung the national anthem for the Bucs, the Lightning, the Rays, and countless other events.
I’m starring in an Amazon Prime TV series. I have a movie coming out soon! I’ve done commercials, modeled for big brands like OGX and Nike, and recorded voiceovers for a bunch of radio commercials. I also have two guitar endorsements with Luna Guitars and Seymour Duncan.
I’m a songwriter and producer—I’ve been in rooms with some serious industry, writing and producing my own music, playing live everywhere, and now traveling the world with my band. Independent. No management. No contracts.
This has not been overnight. After America’s Got Talent, I said fuck it—I quit my job in 2010 and became a full-time musician. I’ve put in years of work, and I’m still grinding, still pushing toward my goals every single day.
Success isn’t handed to you, and you can’t build a career off just being talented or looking good. It takes work, resilience, and a relentless drive to keep going—no matter what. Overnight success does not exist. Amazing things take time! Patience.
