SHANICE: Every Woman Dreams
Interviewed by Kenyatta D. Pious

Many of us remember the sultry chanteuse, Shanice, for her infectious hit, “I Love Your Smile,” which came out when Shanice was 18 years old.  After a 5-year hiatus, Shanice is back with a new album, “Every Woman Dreams,” which is also the first single off the album.  Her depth as a singer has matured, which is saying a lot since Shanice boasts a five-octave range.  I had the great honor of speaking with Shanice about her latest project.

Fashion Ledge: How difficult is it being an independent artist?  What is the hardest part?

Shanice: I think the hardest part is getting the record to be heard.  Without a lot of the money that major companies throw behind an album to be heard, it can be difficult.  But we are speaking with a few investors and we are confident that we will have some of that money shortly.

Fashion Ledge: In my opinion “Every Woman Dreams” flirts with a gospel undertone especially because it speaks about the uplifting of women.  How religious are you?

Shanice: Oh, I am very religious.  I grew up with the Church.  I love gospel music such as Yolanda Adams.

Fashion Ledge: I am always curious about how much the music mirrors the musician.  Do you care to comment?

Shanice:  The song “Every Woman Dreams” is completely true and based on my life experiences.  I had a man who asked me to marry him and took the ring back and another who used my credit card to pay for another woman’s items.  I want women to stop settling and to go after the things they deserve.

Fashion Ledge: When you were discussing “Every Woman Dreams,” you were quoted as saying that “women need to love themselves.”  How did you learn to love yourself?

Shanice: There was a time when I just decided to be by myself and enjoy myself.  Many women grow up thinking that without a man they are incomplete.  I took time away from all of that and I actually got scared because I became too comfortable and happy alone.  I prayed to God that should the right man come along, I wouldn’t pass on him and shortly thereafter the perfect man came along (Flex Alexander from the hit show One on One).

Fashion Ledge: From a male perspective, “Take Care of You” is my favorite song.  I noticed that in the last few years, there has been this movement with female artists from being independent and not needing a man to being independent and being able to be with the “right” man.  What makes a man “right?”

Shanice: When I prayed on a soul mate, I wanted someone incredibly funny, but not [goofy].  I wanted a spiritual man and I wanted someone that I could be best friends with.  Sometimes I find myself laughing with Flex and I don’t realize that I am laughing with my husband. We are really best friends and I can talk to him about anything.

Fashion Ledge: What is your favorite song on the album?

Shanice: [Hesitates, probably because the whole album is hot].  The first single, “Every Woman Dreams” was directed to women.  I was talking to women.  I then wanted to have something that spoke to men and that is where “Take Care of You” came from.  I would probably say “Take Care of You” and “So Sexy.”

Fashion Ledge: I understand that Sheila E is on this album.

Shanice: Yes, she is.  Sheila E. is amazing!  When I was younger I wanted to be like her because she was so cool in Crush Groove.  I did my hair like and everything!  When we met to work on the album I was so happy to learn that she is spiritual because the first thing she wanted to do was to pray first.

Fashion Ledge: When you look at your career, what are you most proud of?

Shanice: Longevity!  Most people come out with one hit and that is it. [I am happy to be back doing what I love to do.]

Fashion Ledge: I noticed that you and your husband have a my space page and that  you actually update it frequently.

Shanice: I did that because sometimes you see pictures of celebrities, but you don’t really know if it is the real people.  I want to interact with the fans as much as possible.

Fashion Ledge: What can we look for in the near future?
Shanice: You should be seeing the video for the single “Take Care of You,” which I just shot and which was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (New Line Cinema’s Love and Basketball and HBO’s Disappearing Act)  The video has real Hollywood couples such as me and my husband, Flex Alexander and Monique (The Parkers).  I did that so people could see that it’s possible to have healthy and happy marriages in Hollywood.

Shanice will be invading your airwaves in the upcoming weeks and her sexy video for “Take Care of You” will be on your local television channels in the upcoming weeks.  Shanice has proven to be all that we remembered: fun, sexy, intelligent, and oh yeah, she can blow!

For more information on Shanice:
http://www.myspace.com/imeshanice or www.shaniceonline.com
Ra-Fael Blanco
VP of Media Relations
2R's Entertainment & Media
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