Subject to Change: India Shawn on Growth, Boundaries & Spirituality
In this episode of Artivism, I sit down with singer-songwriter India Shawn for an honest conversation about what it means to evolve—not just as an artist, but as a human being.
We talk about growing up singing in church, unexpectedly finding her path into music, navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, and why protecting your peace has become non-negotiable. India opens up about spirituality, community, meditation, boundaries, creative collaboration, and learning that not every song has to carry an obvious message to change someone's life.
We also dive into social media burnout, the pressure to constantly create, why artists don't owe the algorithm everything, and how surrendering to your own creative process can become one of your greatest strengths.
Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply trying to stay grounded in a noisy world, this conversation is a reminder that your greatest work comes from becoming more of yourself—not less.
In this episode we discuss:
- Growing up in church and discovering music
- Becoming a songwriter before becoming an artist
- Surviving the music industry without losing yourself
- Meditation, wellness and community
- The spiritual side of creativity
- Why "conscious art" isn't always obvious
- Collaboration and creative chemistry
- Social media, algorithms and protecting your peace
- Why artists need boundaries
- The story behind Subject to Change
Creators and Guests
Host
Iman Jordan
Iman Jordan is a 2025 Grammy Award–winning artist, songwriter, and cultural organizer whose work bridges soul, pop, and alternative R&B with social consciousness and emotional depth. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Jordan received the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change honor for “Deliver,” and has written for artists including Rihanna (“Desperado”), Jazmine Sullivan, and Alicia Keys, with music featured across major film, television, and cultural platforms. Jordan is also the founder of The ArtWell Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to healing the artist through community, wellness-centered songwriting retreats, and The Artivism Podcast, which explores creativity as a tool for liberation and social change.
Designer
Carlos Anthony Lopez
Carlos Anthony Lopez is a self-taught designer, builder, and production designer based in Los Angeles and the creative force behind Winston Studios, where he transforms interior, exterior, and set environments through hands-on fabrication and visual storytelling. His work spans celebrated LA hospitality spaces, major brands, Coachella stages for artists including Lizzo and Jon Batiste, and community initiatives that fuse design, culture, and civic impact.
Guest
India Shawn
India Shawn is a Los Angeles-born singer-songwriter celebrated for her soulful voice, introspective songwriting, and emotionally rich storytelling. As both a recording artist and acclaimed songwriter, she has written for artists including Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, and Monica, while earning praise from NPR, Billboard, and other leading music outlets for her own work. Her music blends R&B, spirituality, and vulnerability, exploring themes of healing, growth, love, and self-discovery.
Producer
Winston Studios
Winston Studios is a creative agency based in Los Angeles. We’re masters in our craft, focusing on interior/exterior space design, art direction, set design and stage scenic. As visual storytellers, we transform spaces through our unique experience in conceptualization, fabrication, and artisanal design in order to transform each unique project into an elevated visual experience.
