SHONTELLE
(August 2008) | Interview By:
Jonathan Hay
Sugar, spice and everything nice describe this tropical mama, who grew up, per
se, with megastar Rihanna in the beautiful island of Barbados. Shontelle, in
eager anticipation of her next album Shontelligence (slated to be released
fall of 2008), throws everything into the mix -- from Reggae-soul to pop dance
and hip-hop -- as well as highlighting on some major features, such as fellow
islander Rihanna in the album’s smash hit “Roll.”
Signed to hip hop mogul and pioneer Steve Rifkin’s SRC Records, Shontelle
exemplifies a woman’s strength, being only twenty-three years old and having
already left a splash in the Caribbean by writing hit songs for several top
artists and somehow managing to maintain straight A’s while pursuing her
degree in entertainment law at the University of the West Indies.
Wow! Beauty, brains and Bajan blood…Jonathan Hay and Sabrina sit down with
Shontelle, who sprinkles a little of her eclectic knowledge – ahem,
Shontelligence -- on Dubcnn in this special series shining light on some key
players of the female gender who have shaken our world of hip hop and made it
a better place, appropriately dubbed “A Woman’s Touch.”
As ever, you can read this exclusive interview below and we urge you to leave
feedback on our forums or email them to
haywire@dubcnn.com.
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Interview was done in August 2008
Questions Asked
By:
Jonathan Hay
&
Sabrina
Shontelle Gave Dubcnn.com A Special Shoutout! Check That
Here
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The Shontelle Inteview
A Woman’s Touch
(The Special Dubcnn Series)
By: Jonathan Hay
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Dubcnn: Dubcnn: How did you get signed?
Together, SRP Records and I compiled a demo after they sought me out when
they heard a song I wrote called "Roll." That song is now on my album. We went
to a few label meetings with my package and SRC/Universal Motown is now my
home.
Dubcnn: Being that you are signed with SRC Records have you had the
opportunity to work with Sean C?
Not yet!
Dubcnn: How much is Steve Rifkin involved with your career?
Steve is a very busy guy but he's definitely been very instrumental along
with the rest of my team in moving things forward.
Dubcnn: Good or bad, is Madonna an inspiration for your career?
Madonna and "bad" should never go together in the same sentence! I love
her music and she has managed to stay relevant for so long in a game where
women especially don't often have a very long shelf life. I am definitely
inspired by her. She is also a brilliant and dynamic performer and she is
great! I aspire to be as successful and influential as she has been.
Dubcnn: Tell us about your relationship with the lovely Rihanna. Now that
you are both doing well in this industry, is there sort of a friendly
competition between you two at all?
We go way back! Her schedule is crazy as you can imagine so we usually
connect under work conditions but we are always happy to see each other and
she is very supportive. We're fans of each other's music! As Bajans we are
very proud of each other and together with our teams we are like family.
Dubcnn: Do you have a favorite Rihanna song, verse, lyric or melody? Is
there a dress or outfit she has worn in one of her videos that you would've
fought her for - if she hadn't worn it first, of course?
Honestly I love all of her music and this last album is definitely my
favorite! All of Ri's clothes are worth fighting for! Hahaha! She always looks
incredible!
Dubcnn: Have you been asked to compromise your integrity yet for the sake
of your music?
That is something I never intend to do, whether I am asked to or not! I
value my integrity.
Dubcnn: In your opinion, is cosmetic surgery out of control?
People have the right to choose how they want to live and I'm not a
medical expert. I guess it's just like any fad. Some fads are more popular and
spread faster than others. It's not really my thing though. I like tattoos
better *laughs*
Dubcnn: Your SRC label mate Asher Roth is quickly on the rise; what is your
personal opinion of him?
Everyone on my label is dope!! Everyone is unique. I like Asher and what
he represents. Call me dude, we got work to do!
Dubcnn: Do you think that Jay-Z and Beyonce can truly stay together
forever? Obviously marriage is a two-person game, but in general, what do you
think a woman can do to help keep her marriage solid?
Of course they can! I love them both individually and as a couple. I look
up to them. Communication, understanding, honesty, respect, confidence,
affection and generosity are the key to surviving any relationship. Being able
to cook seems to be a big plus! *laughs*
Dubcnn: Have your friends or family changed much since you signed your
major deal?
They're all the same! I'm still just Shontelle to them and they keep me
grounded. The ones who have changed aren't my friends...
Dubcnn: Where do you envision yourself ten years from now?
On top of the world! Grammy’s, TV, Film, Books, my own record label,
giving back to Barbados and the underprivileged at large.
Dubcnn: Favorite scent or perfume right now?
Damn that's hard! I have one for like everyday of the month! It’s a toss
up between Hanae Mori, Coco Chanel, Gucci Rush II and Miss Dior Cherie – a
gift from my mom. My favorite body spray is Victoria's Secret Love Spell and
everything from Carol's Daughter smells like heaven! I'm obsessed with
fragrance. I got that from my dad...he has more than I do!
Dubcnn: Describe what a day of shopping would be like for you…how do you
shop? Do you have a favorite designer or brand?
I'm like a kid in a candy store when I go shopping. Especially for shoes,
accessories and little dresses! I make my friends sick *laughs* If I named all
my favorites it would take up this whole interview! I can't afford Herve
Ledger yet. I'm weak for Jimmy Choos and Christian Louboutin shoes. Louis
Vuitton, Fendi, Balenciaga and Tory Burch have great bags and purses and Marc
Jacobs, D&G and Michael Kors never fail me! But I'm having an affair with
DSquared as of late! See, I'm already getting out of control here man!! I also
like shopping in Guess, AX, Bebe, Gap, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Forever 21,
Havana Jeans and anywhere in Soho especially the cool vintage stores. LA is
great for shopping too!
Dubcnn: When you are in the recording or writing process, how do you drown
out the chaos around you - and in your mind - and totally focus on the music?
Does it sometime take you a while to get into a vibe?
Sometimes the chaos inspires the music. Some days are easier than others
but I never have to think too hard about it. It's like breathing for me. I
just do it. I have to do it!
Dubcnn: Do you have a name for your album and when can we expect it to
drop?
Look for Shontelligence in stores October 2008!
Dubcnn: Would you like to give a message to any female readers, young or
old, who may be reading this interview?
Respect and love yourself and the world will respect and love you! Listen
to my songs "Roll" and "Superwoman."
Dubcnn: Is there anything else in general that you would like to talk about
in this special Dubcnn interview?
I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me along the
way and I really appreciate the continued love. I hope to keep making great
music for you guys and being a positive force of inspiration and motivation.
My first single “T-Shirt” is out now and doing well thanks to you! It's also
available for download on iTunes. Check me at my
website or on
MySpace. Thank you
Dubcnn.com for taking the time out to learn about me and share it with
everyone. Nuff Luv!
Check out Shontelle on
MySpace
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Shontelle Gave Dubcnn.com A Special Shoutout! Check That
Here
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