Re:Definition Meets... ShezAr
In the lead-up to her performance at RE:Definition (BUY TICKETS HERE) Courtney Buck caught up with the vocal powerhouse (and resident Urban Development vocal tutor!) that is, ShezAr to talk music…
Can you give me three words to describe your sound?
I’d call my sound strong, colourful and wild.
What musical styles and artists have influenced your music?
Well, I come from a gospel background, so gospel is definitely one of my biggest influences. It’s very apparent in my vocal, there’s no way of hiding that. Moving away from that, when I started to work in school choirs, I started to learn more about jazz, Motown soul, that kind of funk/groove sound, so artists like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan definitely influence me. I think they still had that gospel element to their sound, so I think that’s what attracted them to me. Recently, I’ve been influenced by more rock/indie sounds. Pink springs to mind. I’ve always liked Robbie Williams. His stage presence is incredible. Even Lady GaGa influences me, even though she’s absolutely crazy! A bit of everything influences me. I just love music and can appreciate all types.
If you could remix any song, what would it be?
The song I was actually planning to remix not too long ago was Aretha Frankin – Respect or possibly Chaka Khan’s Ain’t Nobody.
What’s your favourite remix, ever?
I think I’ll go for Sia – Little Man (Wookie Mix). I always grew up just listening to the remix, the garage mix everyone knows. Then one of my friends told me to listen to the original, and when I did, I was blown away. I started to listen to more of her stuff and I realised how great she really is. It allowed me to appreciate the remix a little more.
If you could cover any song with any two artists on the Re:Def line-up, what
would it be, who with and why?
I think Robbie
Williams – Angel. There’s something
about Robbie I just love. I love that song. It would be quite a crazy remix,
but maybe have Kano and RoxXxan rapping on it. In terms of singers, I’d have
MPHO. I’ve heard about Jay Norton, but I haven’t had the chance to listen to
his stuff as yet, but why not? He must be big if he’s going to be a part of
Re:Definition!
If you had to choose a song that describes your personality, what would it be?
[Bursts into
Chaka Khan’s Ain’t Nobody] That’s the
song I always get asked to sing when I go to karaoke with my friends. So “…
Ain’t nobody, does it better [than me!]” I think the way I perform it shows my
personality. It brings out ShezAr.
What are your most memorable/favourite lyrics from a song?
The song that comes to mind is a song my mum taught me. Sometimes I start my shows with this song, it’s called Let me have a Dream by Danielle Hall. There’s a part in the song that says “… Lord, let me have a dream, without being a dreamer, let me have a vision without being consumed of it…”. There’s another bit that goes “… Lord teach me how to love, for so many are in need of it, and Lord, teach me how to forgive.” It’s almost a message, it helps to uplift you and speak to people at the same time. I think all the lyrics in this song you can relate to in some sort of way even if you’re religious or not.
What’s the most random idea for a song / lyric you have thought up?
You’re probably talking to the craziest person for that! I’m always talking some sort of nonsense. It’s not a song, but it’s something me and my siblings used to do when we were recording. Sometimes on a track you need to double the vocals, so before we did that, we’d always sing this little jingle like “double it, double it, doub-double it, double it” or if we’re editing songs we used to sing in three part melodies “edit and undo, edit and undo.” It’s really random. Sometimes you hear me singing “ask somebody” or “bal-ance” that’s just from every day life. I’m always coming up with stupid lyrics.
If you could refix a TV show theme tune, which programme would you choose?
Neighbours came
to mind first because it’s a real ‘singy’ theme tune. For some reason now I’m
thinking of Baywatch. I don’t really watch TV, except for the kids’ shows with
my little nieces and nephews. Maybe I’d switch up one of those!
If you had the chance to own any artist’s back catalogue, whose would it be?
I think Marvin Gaye because he tells stories in just the sound of his voice and then his words; they’re not just standard sentences, it’s almost like he sings in riddles and you need to work it out - you have to take a moment to listen to the words. I’ve heard some of his unreleased stuff and he’s just phenomenal.
For updates on ShezAr, check out:
Catch ShezAr performing at Re:Definition taking place on Thursday 7th July at Hackney Empire, E8 1EJ. Make sure you don't miss out and get your tickets now by calling box office on 020 8985 2424 or BUY ONLINE HERE.