Neo Soul

It’s always been about the voice for Shanice. She can boast of a five-octave range, which she handles with beauty and ease. It’s good to know that she is back on the music scene after a 5-year hiatus, over which she did a lot of writing, performing and also started a family of her own. Her new album, “Every Woman Dreams,” encapsulates the spirit of the whole project.

Shanice is no longer the innocent 18 year old that stole our hearts with the wildly addictive “I Love Your Smile,” she brings a more adult flavor to this new set of sexy songs. “Every Woman Dreams” also serves as the first single and tells the story of a woman who has been through hardships with past relationships but now touts the confidence to demand the kinds of things from a man that her heart truly desires.

“Every Woman Dreams is based one hundred percent on my life experience”, Shanice explains “Sometimes in life we get a little insecure, not only with our relationship with a man, but in general, life. I want women to stop settling and to start feeling good about themselves — Lovin’ ourselves.” Shanice soulfully brings it home vocally on this song and eerily evokes the spirit of soul and blues diva Betty Wright. For fans longing for her return, she will delightfully satisfy their hunger, her voice having gotten even tastier with time. She is now able to soar to new heights music and all. “She’s free from the record company; and free as a woman. She just feels free in so many ways,” she exclaims happily when asked about being an independent artist.

NSN: Describe your earliest musical experience.

Shanice: I started singing melodies at 7 months. At 3 years old I sang on stage for the very first time with my mom dad and aunt. I remember enjoying it so much that the stage felt like home and its funny because I was just 3 but I knew at an early age that singing was for me.

NSN: Where did you grow up?

Shanice: I was born in Pittsburgh, but I moved to California when I was 8.

NSN: Name 3 of your biggest influences in life.

Shanice: First, God because he blessed me with my biggest influences …. I would have to say,
My Mom, My Children & My Husband

NSN: When did you realize you had a vocal range that could so easily handle those high notes in Minnie Riperton’s “Loving You”?

Shanice: When I was a kid I use to try and hit those notes in Minnie Riperton’s song and at first the note sounded like a squeak but, I kept trying and trying and then little-by-little I could hit the notes. I also studied with a vocal coach, Seth Riggs, and he helped with my range.

NSN: What was it like to star in a commercial with the great Ella Fitzgerald, as a child?

Shanice: I was excited to work with Ella - she is a legend. To be honest at first I didn’t know about Ella. I was only 8 but, I remember my mom being extremely excited that I was going to be working with her (that I got the part) but I must say, after we shot the commercial, I listened to her music and I was blown away.

NSN: How do you feel about your current album “Every Woman Dreams” and what would you like listeners to take from it?

Shanice: I’m very happy with this album. A lot of my songs, of course, are about my husband. I also wanted to encourage women because I had a friend who lost her life. She was murdered by her boyfriend . . . she was with the wrong man. Her story inspired me to write a song letting women know not to settle for less because we deserve the best. I want women to have more confidence and to love themselves.

NSN: Is there a particular theme that seems to dominate your songs?

Shanice: No certain theme, most of my songs are from my heart, personal experiences and just real life.

NSN: How have you grown as an artist since your last release, self-titled, “Shanice”?

Shanice: I’ve grown tremendously. I think a lot has to do with my experiences. I am a mother of
two, I have a wonderful husband and my music has matured a whole lot. I’ve grown a lot as a
business woman too. My husband and I started our own label (a joint venture) along with Play
Tyme Entertainment and I’ve learned much more about the business than I knew before.

NSN: What sets you apart from most other artists?

Shanice: I don’t feel set apart from any other artist. We all have our own gifts and talents that God has blessed us with.

NSN: Who do you most admire in today’s music scene?

Shanice: I love Karen Clark-Sheard, Mariah Carey, Beyonce and that’s just to name a few.

NSN: Which artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?

Shanice: If I could, I would love to collaborate with all three [of the artists named]. There are things I enjoy about each. Karen has a range that is out of this world as well as Mariah and I love Beyonce’s voice and what she is doing (she is a great song writer and so am I, so I would love to collaborate with her).

NSN: How do you feel about the internet music world?

Shanice: I feel like it’s helped tremendously because people that are not with a major label can actually make an album and sell it on the internet. It’s easier to market, faster for word of mouth and it’s not just limited to one certain market (you can reach all genres).

NSN: (Here’s that deserted island question) If you were sent to live alone on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you need to survive?

Shanice: Karen Clark-Sheard – Finally Karen, Michael Jackson- Invincible,
The Emotions-Love Songs

NSN: If you made a list of places you’ve visited, which would be your favorite? Why?

Shanice: Japan, because the people are so genuine and they treat me so nice. They are giving, loyal and very polite. Once they like you they always like you, you don’t have to prove yourself over and over again.

NSN: How well do marriage, motherhood and your music career get along?

Shanice: By the Grace of God I‘ve been able to mange all three at one time and enjoy them all.

NSN: What is your favorite color and how does it make you feel?

Shanice: I don’t have a favorite color. I don’t let a color make my mood, I love every color and I wear them all.

NSN: What has been your designated mantra throughout your life?

Shanice: God is good all the time and all the time God is good. He is what keeps me going.

NSN: What does your life look like 5 years from now?

Shanice: I pray that 5 years from now, I’m still making music and that our label Imajah Records will do well so we can begin to sign other artists and we can be part of making dreams come true.

Checkout Shanice’s profile on buySOUL for more info and music samples!