Richmond, Virginia’s music scene is a melting pot of culture, innovation, and deep creative energy — from jazz grooves to world-beat fusion to experimental hip-hop. Among the city’s freshest voices pushing genre boundaries is Enjoli Freeman, better known as Shawty E, a music producer and audio engineer crafting bold, vibey sounds that resonate far beyond RVA.
We sat down (virtually) with Shawty E to talk about her journey, creative process, and what it means to build an authentic artistic identity in a city that’s rapidly gaining recognition as a musical hotspot.
🎙️ Q: Tell us about your musical journey — how did you get into creating music?
Shawty E:
Music has always been my heartbeat. I started recording and engineering tracks in 2015, and over time I found that I wasn’t just mixing — I was shaping worlds. I studied audio production at Full Sail University, but really, it was the drive to feel sound and make people feel my work that pushed me forward.
🎶 Q: How would you describe your sound? Do you feel it reflects Richmond’s vibe?
Shawty E:
I’d say my sound is emotional texture — bold R&B grooves, vibey Trap beats, and immersive layers that pull people into a feeling, not just a rhythm. Richmond’s scene is eclectic; you’ve got jazz, hip-hop, world music, indie rock — that diversity inspires me. RVA’s culture of blending authenticity with experimentation encourages me to stretch beyond conventional beats.
đź’» Q: What tools and techniques are you using right now in your production?
Shawty E:
I move between Pro Tools, FL Studio, UADx, and FabFilter — the trick is letting technical precision serve the emotion of the track. I build custom templates and vocal chains that feel alive, then twist them into something unexpected. It’s about balance — structure plus mystery.
🧠Q: Richmond’s music community is known for its DIY ethic. How has that shaped your path?
Shawty E:
Absolutely — the DIY energy here is real. You don’t wait for doors to open; you build your own. Richmond’s artists collaborate, experiment, and support each other. That’s why you hear sounds here you don’t hear in other cities — it’s fearless. Whether it’s jazz fusion, post-punk atmospherics, or hip-hop with an avant edge, RVA is all about bridging worlds.
🌍 Q: What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or performances?
Shawty E:
I’m focusing on new production work and artist collaborations that push emotional depth. I want to bring more female engineers and producers into the spotlight, and I’m planning a few events in early 2026 to showcase voices that might otherwise go unheard. Richmond’s scene deserves diversity on the stage and behind the boards.
🎤 Final Thought for Aspiring Creators
Shawty E:
Don’t shy away from the weird or the uncomfortable — that’s where the magic lives. Music isn’t just sound; it’s connection. Let your truth be loud.
