Soundvillage T&T rep Paxx recently had the opportunity to sit down with Trinidadian born, pop/dance sensation Shazelle for an exclusive interview. Check it out!
10 Questions with Shazelle
What is the genre of music that you sing?
I sing Pop-Dance music
Is that the only genre(s) you do, or are you willing to/have you tried other genres of music, and what are they?
I’ve done other genres before and will incorporate elements or blend other genres of music into what I’m currently doing. It’s really important though that it all fits into my brand and intended direction as an artist. With regards to my current single, “State of Emergency”, that definitely has a more Caribbean and urban vibe than the rest of my previous singles which are more pop and dance.
Concerning other genres I’ve done, I sang Indian songs in my primary school choir, hymns and gospel music in my church choir, alternative, rock, pop and adult contemporary songs in a pop rock band I was in. Actually, my first ever studio recording was a soca jingle. Some of my favourite songs are reggae and dancehall so those are my shower songs along with some funk. I really am a lover of all kinds of music thus that will be reflected in some my songs.
What artists have you been, and currently are, influenced by?
There are so many of them and all across the music spectrum. At different times of my life, certain artists made such a huge impact on me. They have all shaped what I love in music and they have certain elements in their style and sound I would like to incorporate in songs I write and sing.
Sharlene Boodram from Trinidad was my earliest influence when I was a little girl. She was a young East Indian girl with fun popular songs and videos at that time. It was easy to see myself like that when I grew up since I always desired to be a singer even back then.
During my childhood, I was influenced by what some my elder cousins were listening to and that included a lot of adult contemporary and dancehall music so bands and singers like Roxette, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Super Cat, Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton and Patra got under my skin. In my teenage years it was all about Bob Marley and Damian Marley, No Doubt and Gwen Stefani, The Cranberries, Alanis Morsette, Sarah McLachlan, Metallica, U2, Orange Sky, Aaliyah, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Alison Hinds, Nadia Ali. I’ve discovered older artists and bands in my later years and realized that I really love funk and disco so I’m totally into music from The Mary Janes, The SOS band, Midnight Star and Kool and the Gang.
Presently, I am influenced by Kelly Rowland, Jessie J, Andrea Balaan and Candy Gloster. Besides their music and success, they each have something; whether it’s their story, style or confidence; which I really admire and draw from.
Who are some of the artists you have already worked with, and which ones would you like to work with in your career? (Nationality is a non-factor)
So far in the studio, I’ve worked with Shurwayne Winchester and Beenie Man. Shurwayne is featured in one of my mixes for my first single “Elevator”. Beenie Man is featured in a remix for my single “ I Need Love” and my current single “State of Emergency”. I have a long list of artists I’d love to work with and some of them include Shabba Ranks, Damian Marley, U2, Andrea Baalan, Nadia Ali and Nicki Minaj.
Who are some of your favourite producers to work with thus far, and why? Also, which producers interest you that you haven’t had the opportunity to work with as yet?
I’m so fortunate that all the producers I’ve worked with thus far are people I truly admire and respect and most definitely want to work with again. I’ve had the great opportunity to work with Rob Wells (Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, N’Sync), Damon Elliot (Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, P!nk, Destiny’s Child), Alex Greggs (Britney Spears, M.I.A, Michael Jackson) to name a few.
However, my two favourites are the ones I have the best relationship with and I feel that they know me well enough to know what kind of music represents what I’m all about. To me they are some of the world’s best songwriters and producers that are versatile, patient, musically superb and amazing at vocal arrangement. Justin Forsley from Canada has been on this journey with me from the start and he has really pushed me to be the best I could be. I’ve written and recorded so many songs with him and most of my songs with deeper lyrics I’ve done with him. Mark Cyrus from St. Vincent has real straight up good vibes. We could experiment with many different sounds and ideas and there’s no right or wrong or over thinking it. I really love that.
It would a dream come true to work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. They’ve done amazing work for Janet Jackson and The SOS Band and tons of other artists mainly back in the day. Their stuff stands the test of time. David Guetta has produced some amazing music mixing elements of dance, pop and urban sounds. He has produced some of my favourite songs done by some of my favourite artists. He mixes it all up without losing that dance vibe. will.i.am, Swedish House Mafia and Afrojack are also on my list.
At what age did you begin to take an interest in music?
I always had an interest in music and knew since I was a little girl that I wanted to be a singer. Though I was always involved in singing, I wasn’t focused on it entirely as a career at first. I really wasn’t sure how to do that successfully, and though my parents are supportive, the idea of being a singer for a profession didn’t seem wise. I pursued a degree in marketing management and also sang in a band for a short while in between my studies. It was while performing on stage with the band that I felt it in my soul that this was what I needed to do. Thank God I met the right people at the right time and it has all led me to where I am today.
What part of Trinidad are you from, and how much (if at all) did that influence your music?
I am from Chaguanas, which is in central Trinidad. Though it is predominantly an East Indian area and there is a lot of Indian music, people listen to everything. Where I am from has not influenced the music I write and sing. I would say that it’s probably the people I grew up around who influenced what I listened to at that point and that has certainly had an impact on me. However, being of East Indian descent and coming from Chaguanas lead most people who haven’t heard my music to automatically assume that I sing Indian music. It’s funny to see their confused reaction when I tell them what I sing.
When you write your songs, where does the inspiration come from usually?
I am very much inspired by the things that are happening all around me and by my experiences, feelings and reactions. Other people’s experiences and behaviour equally inspire me.
For instance, my single “ I Need Love” was written after a night out at a club in LA and noticing how the women behaved, while the concept for “State of Emergency” was born when Trinidad was under a state of emergency last year and that was the only thing that people were talking about.
What has been, in your opinion, your greatest moment as an artist thus far?
Performing in Egypt was incredible. That whole trip was amazing. I performed there to an audience of more than ten thousand people who were so excited and full of high energy. When I came on and while performing, I felt like I was Michael Jackson or a larger-than-life artist. It is so fulfilling to feel people appreciate and love what you are giving to them. While in Egypt, I also got to the opportunity to visit the Pyramids of Giza riding a camel. That was one of the things on my wish list.
Are there any upcoming projects (music or otherwise) that you’re working on that you’d like to share with the public?
I’m in the process of compiling my first album. We’ve done so many songs and I’m still working on new stuff but now it’s time to pick the songs for the album. This is harder than I expected as I’ve grown attached to so many of my songs. I also have a few major projects I would like to start in 2012 and they include working with the deaf community and also with orphanages in Trinidad. I’m still in the planning process but I have faith that they will turn out fantastic.
In relation to your song “Elevator”, if you could be stuck in an elevator with any celebrity (Local, regional or international) who would you choose and how would you spend your time?
Hmmm… If I could choose to get stuck in an elevator with anybody, it would be with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Kamla Persad- Bissessar. Mentioned previously, I have a few projects that I would like to start this year and a lot of ideas concerning the homeless, underprivileged children and women in our country. I’d use this time get her full attention on these issues. I’d also like to find out what it is like for her being the first female PM for our country.
In relation to your song “Pick Me Up”, what’s the best and worst pick up line you’ve ever heard?
Truthfully, I’ve never had a pick up line that was good. I find men can be very disrespectful or just plain out corny with their pick up lines, so I really don’t remember any of them. I’m not moved by guys who throw sweet talk at me to get my attention or to try to get with me. Nothing is wrong with respectful genuine compliments but that is uncommon these days. I usually get in ‘switch off’ mode when anyone who doesn’t know me starts filling my ear with sweet (or not so sweet) nothings.
Check out some of Shazelle’s music below!
Happy Fridays hunnies. Check out my interview with @soundvillage and get to know more about me up close and personal.. http://t.co/VK0NVH87
http://t.co/emD11qHU