Sheena


Debut signing to Bright Star Records

 

With her new single ‘MOVING ON’ launched on 18 SEPTEMBER, Sheena reveals how music is in her blood and how Western Rnb/pop/soul was the route she felt compelled to follow.  

You have a really exciting past, what made you choose music over football? 

Well I loved the thrill of being on the pitch and being a part of an amazing team but the happiness and sense of feeling complete when I sing is incomparable to anything else. In the end it proved to be an easy choice for me to make.

 

And why didn’t you decide to follow the same path as your famous father?

You mean Bollywood? Well because that style of music isn’t in my blood, it’s not what makes me tick! And yeah I could’ve chosen the easy path but I’ve never been one for that, so I worked hard and decided to go for what I really wanted… even if it did take a bit longer to achieve my dreams.

 

Tell us about Bright Star Music, it’s a new label, how did you become their first signing? 

 What sort of sound can we expect to hear from Bright Star? Bright Star is an interesting story. I met my manager at the time when I was almost signed to someone else with plans to move to LA, however, as with many so called opportunities in music, that didn’t quite work out. Several months later my now manager and I connected again, and as they say the rest is history. It’s really important to have a shared vision with everyone on your team, particularly as an artist because when everyone can visualise it, that’s when the excitement and magic happens.  I have a great team.                      

The sound from Bright Star is very much a ‘something for everyone’ kind of sound. Bright Star has some really talented artists but all with very different sounds, I’m excited about the future of this label.

 

You’re the ambassador for Ultimate Artists – can you tell us what that is and how you became their ambassador?                                                                                

 Ultimate Artists helps young people realise their musical potential within a 360 degree 8 day residential development programme. The 2 founders of the company are vocal coaches for the BBC’s The Voice and it is all about offering aspiring artists a real insight into what todays music industry requires from them, at a time when the internet is saturated with hopeful wannabes. Not just from a practical, talent perspective but also getting them to think about their character, so respect for their own talent as well as others regardless of varying levels of talent, confidence building, performance anxiety, branding and marketing. It lasts for 8 days in August and these attendees will work with some of the best mentors in the industry. Joshua Alamu - vocal coach on The Voice. X Factor, Beverly Knight etc. Ali Tennant - songwriter and vocal coach on The Voice, Jessie J, Nathan Sykes etc. Musical Theatre by one of the original Phantoms from ‘Phantom of the Opera.’ All leading up to a finale showcase in front of a carefully selected industry panel. Our main aim is to approach music through the power of education and the right guidance/mentorship. Our byline is actually ‘ It’s More Than Music.’ I became their ambassador because having been vocal trained by Joshua, and seeing the amazing potential that UA has, I brought my skills, contacts and background to help them take it to the next level. I was already mentoring up and coming artists so there was already synergy, and the timing just felt right.

 

You’re a singer / songwriter.  Describe your sound and where you get your lyrical inspiration from?

 My sound can be described as an irresistible pop/soul/funk/RnB fusion which blends into one melodic melting-pot to produce a sound that’s fresh, current and impossible to ignore with catchy melodies and lyrics to keep you enticed through each song. You’ll hear the song once, and be singing it for the rest of the day ;) Everything is my inspiration and to be honest, I just want to write and create music that has a positive, uplifting feel about it. As they say 10% of life is what happens to you, 90% is your reaction. 

 

Who are your main musical influences?

 Wow! Do we have all day? ;) This is such a big answer but I’ll narrow it down to this.. Vocally, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion are two of my all-time favourites. Gospel vocalists have also blown my mind, people like Kim Burrell & Jessica Reedy. Gosh! These women can sing! I usually start my day by listening to my gospel playlist. From a writing perspective Joni Mitchell, Ryan Tedder, Stevie Wonder, & Leonard Cohen…these are some of the greats and their work will be around for a very long time to come.  I love country music too, Rascal Flatts - Bless The Broken Road is definitely one of my favourites, so much so that I’m thinking of doing a cover of it for my album. And of course Bollywood music, some of the greatest legends on the Bollywood scene have taught me about discipline with the voice and how consistent hard work truly pays dividends.

 

‘Moving On’ is your debut single – what’s that about?

 The song is about me being grateful for the lessons and experiences learnt, and to the people who taught me them. I’m quite a positive person so I wanted to take this negative and turn it into something that anyone who had experienced something similar could draw strength from and not feel alone. Which is reflected in the feel and lyrics of Moving On. I just want people to feel empowered when they listen to it, rather than bound by a past that quite frankly, no one can change.

 

We’ve heard that ‘Moving On’ is dedicated to International Youth Day, how did that come about, what’s the link?

 Well the link is that I wanted to inspire the youth and encourage them to do what they’re capable of, but sometimes don’t even start out of fear. We all have self doubt and confidence issues but you just never know what you’re capable of until you actually try. We all have a past that’s full of ups and downs, but every experience is what makes you the person that you are so rather than be bound by a past that no longer serves you, MOVE ON! Realise and fulfil your potential. We began talks with UNESCO who are behind IYD and performed at several youth events encouraging and spreading this message through song. 

 

What are you currently doing on the ‘live’ circuit – any tours planned?

 Indeed I will be touring. The band are already rehearsing and I’m looking forward to taking my sound on the road and leaving postcards of my life wherever I go. Look out for tour dates and venues by going to my website www.sheenamusicofficial.com

 

What’s next for Sheena?

 World domination! haha! Finishing the album for sure, the follow up single to Moving On and getting out on this tour. I’m so ready, I can’t wait! 

July 27, 2015 1:16pm ET by The PR Stable   Comments (0)

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