Spect-secular Shelley

The name Segal translates into something like ‘assistant to the priest’. In the case of this Segal it is something of an irony, because at this moment in time Shelley Segal is a young Melbourne singer whose world view happens to profess atheism and Humanism. I spoke to Shelley earlier this week.

Shelley Segal visited Tasmania when she was 12 years old and has a Tassie connection with her partner’s sister once living in Launceston. Shelley had planned to discover some of Tasmania with them both but this visit won’t allow much time for extra curricular activities not even a much desired visit to Tasmania’s forests and to MONA, although Shelley would love to perform at the latter sometime soon.

Shelley grew up in a Jewish home in a musical family. Her dad is the president of a local synagogue and often at home, as an eleven year old, between doing her homework; Shelly would be involved in singing in preparation for Jewish celebrations that the family would perform at. Her brother also sings, her dad plays the violin and her grandfather, the cello. Mum was manager of the troupe.

Shelley, in spite of losing her religion, at this point in her life, still enjoys being part of these celebrations because she realises the profound meaning to those involved.

It was as a 16 year old, in biology class and learning about evolution that developed Shelley’s present world view.

Shelley filmed her video clip of her single ‘saved’, referring ironically in this case to not being religiously ‘saved’, but saved from religion, at some beautiful churches in Camden, England. Dressed as an angel Shelley explores her way around the church, guitar in hand. The church becomes a personification as she questions, to her, its seemingly archaic beliefs, rules and regulations.

Shelley said there was ‘strong anger’ when she did this song after a preacher who should have known better, inappropriately and very unchristian-like told her she ‘would go to hell’ for her beliefs.

Shelley is above all a young woman with an open mind and with respect for other peoples beliefs and just wants to represent like-minded individuals, giving them a voice and at the same time maybe shaking up believers to question their faiths and encourage critical thinking.

Shelley believes sometimes people look to an otherworldly source when we can learn much about morality in our interaction with others.

Shelley still has a sense of wonder for the world but she just has a different explanation for that wonder. She knows that some of the subject matter of her music might alienate some people but Shelley is prepared to take that risk.

Shelley’s family now accept her present beliefs and although arguments do ensue they are friendly or fun ones. She tells me that it’s probably her dad’s wish would be that she marry a good Jewish boy! Shelley remains open to continue to grow in her knowledge and understanding of the world and to the evidence of a supreme being. As a friend said Shelley is ‘spiritual beside herself’.

Shelley’s music doesn’t totally revolve around her world view. The second part of her dual release is her recently completed jazz album with Adam Levy in LA. Adam has worked with among others, Tracy Chapman and Norah Jones. Shelley says working with Adam has improved her guitar playing immeasurably. Shelley is ultimately a storyteller and the songs on the album include love songs and songs about her strong relationship with her father.

Shelley will be performing at Irish Murphys on February 1st and will return in June to play a date at The Royal Oak Launceston (the venue was too heavily booked out for inclusion this tour), ironically one side of The Royal Oak building has emblazoned on it the words ‘communications and spirit!’ maybe Shelley might smile at that! Don’t be surprised either if you see this secular angel appearing at Mona in the not too distant future.

Shelley’s dual album release, her humanist album ‘An Atheist Album’ and her jazz one ‘Little March’ will both be out on February 22
Paula Xiberras