SHIRÉ  (August 2008) | Interview By: Jonathan Hay

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Interview was done in August 2008

Questions Asked By: Jonathan Hay & Sabrina

Shire Gave Dubcnn.com A Special Shoutout! Check That Here
 

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The Shiré Inteview
A Woman’s Touch (The Special Dubcnn Series)
By: Jonathan Hay
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Dubcnn: What are your personal expectations for your music?

My personal expectations are to sell records, build my core fan base, tour and to create classic albums.


Dubcnn: Do you worry that you will ever completely lose yourself to what the public wants?

I hope the demands of the public and media do not cause me to feel like I have to change so much that I don’t know who I am anymore. I understand that when you are creating music that you do make music for the people. But you can’t let everyone dictate what you should be because you can’t please everybody. And what makes [an] artist special is being unique.


Dubcnn: What all-star collaborations are you working on?

I would love to collaborate with Philly's own Gillie. We actually sent him a version of "Used to Lovher" for him to jump on. Since I'm still recording, we are looking at getting other features as well; hopefully, some of the other hot artist under the Universal umbrella.


Dubcnn: Being that you are label mates (SRC Records), do you know Akon on a personal level?

No, I don’t know Akon personally, but he is somebody I can’t wait to work with. He is an amazing artist and I think we could make magic in the studio!


Dubcnn: How important is your image to your music?

Image is everything, especially for me. When I sing, sometimes people never think such a big voice could come out of a petite body. Also, I believe when you have a hot image you are more marketable in the sense of merchandising, commercials, endorsements, etc.


Dubcnn: Do you ever consider how the lyrics, message and image you portray will affect younger woman and little girls who are fans of your music? In other words, are you sensitive to the influence you may be having on the little sisters?

Yes, I am sensitive about how younger growing women view me and my music. But I am an expression of life, struggle and hunger. I have learned from my mistakes, and believe I am correcting them in the songs that I write. I speak on experiences, whether it’s viewed as negative or positive, to enlighten people that I am human and I learned from it. It's no different than a good movie. There's going to be bad scenes and good scenes. You just apply what you feel works for your life.


Dubcnn: When writing a song, who do you tend to gear your message toward?

When I write, I gear my music to everybody. I speak on what I see and how I've lived it


Dubcnn: What do you think is the biggest difference between women and men as far as a professional executive role?

The difference between men and women in the professional executive role is emotions. As women, we tend to wear our emotions on our sleeves; men know how to brush things off their sleeves.

Dubcnn: Have you experienced any uncomfortable situations involving men in the industry?

I have been in plenty of uncomfortable situations with men in the industry. From producers to record execs, people are human. And if that person feels attracted to me, they either admit it or they don’t. But some go as far as showing it and that’s when I have to draw the line.


Dubcnn: One of my colleagues is working on a book about publicity stunts; have you ever had someone in the industry suggest you do be involved with one?

No, I haven't had anyone suggest I do a publicity stunt yet, but I feel like it’s just good entertainment!


Dubcnn: What female artists, past and present, do you admire and why?

I strongly admire Mary J Blige, Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Keyshia Cole. I feel the passion in their voices and commend them for their strong work ethics.


Dubcnn: Do you think it would be hard to balance professional life and being a mother in this business?

It will be challenging balancing being a mother and doing music, but I've already overcome so much adversity. You just have to make it happen.


Dubcnn: Do you feel men are becoming more aware of their responsibilities in general to the whole baby mama drama stigma?

I believe men understand that when you decide to have a baby by someone that’s a responsibility that requires love, attention and guidance. And if it was drama before the baby, then it damn sure will be baby mama drama afterwards.


Dubcnn: Besides music, what are some of your other personal and career goals?

My goals are to write a few books, produce a few movies, design my own line of bags and get back to my other passion, acting.


Dubcnn: How would you describe your fashion? Does your personal taste differ from your professional image?

I wear whatever I feel is comfortable to me. I love hot new clothes and shoes. I'm pretty much urban, but I can be daring when I want to be.


Dubcnn: Do you work with a stylist and have a specific designer or brand you lean toward?
I'm not opposed to any clothes as long as they are HOT!!! I don’t get all crazy over who made it.


Dubcnn: When can we expect your album to drop?

My album, titled Pickin’ up Da Pieces, will be out early 2009. Unless we blow people so much with this "Used to Lovher" record that they have to put it out [earlier]. But of course everything has to be ready first.


Dubcnn: Is there anything you would like to say to the females reading this interview?

I would like to say to all the female readers that I appreciate your interest in my article and that I hope that when you listen to my music that you don’t prejudge, but learn from me.


Dubcnn: Any other thoughts or messages for Dubcnn?

I would like to thank my team Midi Mafia, Hot City Music Group, My A&R Reality, Steve Rifkind, SRC/Universal Motown and thank you for this interview! Vote for "Used to Lovher" at your local radio station and check me out online