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Matthew: When recording ‘Every Woman Dreams’, what creative ideas did
you have in mind? How did the collaborations go about? Why did you
choose the producers you chose? Tell us about the behind the scenes of
the record.
Shanice: When I went to write the album I didn’t go in with a
concept, I just started to write from the heart. But as I started
writing I felt there was a need to reach out to women this time
because I lost one of my best friends. She was with the wrong man and
when she decided to leave him, he murdered her. I felt like if she
would have waited for the right man, she would still be alive today.
So I felt like it is important to encourage women this time and of
course the rest of the album is a love letter to my husband. I was
blessed to work with some wonderful song writers and producers. Sheila
E played percussion on ‘Get Up’ and Regina Carter played violin
on ‘Chocolate’. My cousin Tahir introduced me to a producing team
called PMG and helped produced half of the album. I worked with Jamie
Jaz on half of the album. I was blessed to work with the legendary
John Barnes on Minnie Ripperton’s song ‘Loving You’. I worked with a
producer named Budda on a song called ‘Things in the Movies’. I met
Budda through Narada Michael Walden and last but not least I worked
with Mike City on a song called ‘That’s Why I Love You’. It’s a great
song that you can step to…it’s a feel good song.
Matthew: What are your career plans after the release of this music
another break or another record?
Shanice: My plans after this album is to definitely come back with
more music. My husband along with Playtime Entertainment started a
label and I want to sign other artists.
Matthew: What do you like about the new album? Where there any bad
periods during the recording?
Shanice: I’m very happy with the new album because I didn’t have a
major label telling me how I should sing and how I should look. This
is the first time the public will get to see who I am as an artist.
Matthew: Would you ever think of performing in London again?
Shanice: ‘I Love Your Smile’ was such a big song in London, so I have
performed in London in the past and I would love to perform again in
London. I remember performing on Top Of the Pops.
Matthew: Why do you think that you as an artist haven’t blown up,
because I know you’re known but I feel that you deserve to be in the
same ranks as the Mary J Bliges or Aaliyahs (R.I.P)?
Shanice: Thank you for the compliment. I don’t regret the way my
career has gone so far because thanks to God I’ve had longevity in
this business. I signed my first record deal in eight-five, and this
is two thousand and six, I’m still making music and I’m thankful for
that.
Matthew: Who were your musical influences as a child/and currently?
Shanice: My musical influences as a child was and still is my Mom.
When I was a kid we would sing around the house all day long. I also
grew up listening to the Emotions, Chaka Khan, Karen Clark Sheard and
Minnie Ripperton. Currently I’m listening to Karen Clark Sheard,
Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Yolanda Adams, Faith Evans and that’s just to
name a few.
Matthew: Do you care about what the critics have to say, or do you do
it because you love to?
Shanice: I sing because I love music. I can’t please everybody but
what I can do is be the best I can be. It feels good to hear positive
feed back but when I hear negative talk I don’t let it bother me
because everyone has their own opinion.
Matthew: Who would you like to work with in the future?
Shanice: I would love to work with Prince. I’m the biggest Prince fan
ever.
Matthew: What’s been the best advice you’ve been given through out
your career?
Shanice: The biggest advice giving to me was, how
important it is to know who you are as an artist and
not let anyone tell you who they think you should be
as an Artist. In my career I always had the record
labels controlling my every step, and I would listen
to the labels because I thought that they knew what
was best for me. But now I know that no one knows what
works for me better than me. But don’t get wrong I do
listen to criticism.
Matthew: What did you do during your break from the music world? Were
you worried about your comeback? What does it feel like to return?
Shanice: During my time off I got married to Flex
And we have two Beautiful kids. God is first in my
life and then family. So, I wanted to take time off to start my own
family.
I’m sooooooo excited about coming back and I am also
nervous at the same time because anytime you put a
record out you are taking a chance. You never know how
or what it’s going to do.
Matthew: Do you have anything to say to your fans?
Shanice: I want to say to all my fans thank you for
supporting me over the years and supporting my new
project. I love you all.
Matthew: Are you satisfied with how things are at the
moment? Do feel that you have any other career ambitions? Are you
happy with life?
Shanice: Yes I am very happy couldn’t be any happier.
I am looking forward to signing and adding other
artist to our label. I can’t wait to make others dreams come true.
Matthew: Thanks for this interview, good luck with
your personal/and
musical life, I hope to meet when you are in London
possibly.
Shanice: Thank you and I hope to meet you too soon.
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