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Interview with DTP recording artist Shareefa.
Her current single is "I Need a Boss," and her
debut album "Point of No Return" arrives this
October.
I interviewed you before and you told me about how
you were once involved in a situation with Teddy Riley
and an album never materialized. Was there ever a time
during this project where you were like "My album
is not going to drop?" or you had any concerns.
Shareefa-You never
really know when your album is going to drop. I just knew
right then and there, it was a lot of things that needed
to be done as far as artist development. I'm kind of glad
that it played out like this.
What things have you learned as a part
of your artist development?
Shareefa-Just how
to be more business minded and to know that everything
is business.
I have your Point of No Return album sampler. What led
you to name your album "Point of No Return?"
Shareefa-I feel like
that is where I am at in my life. I can't go backwards.
The only way to move is forward.
I saw a lot of the promotional pictures and the video
and you look awesome. Did you have to work hard to get
into shape for the video and the album?
Shareefa-Yes, I did.
I am so glad that you asked that question. I was eating
like a rabbit. That was so hard. No carbs, water, Crystal
Light, chicken breasts, spinach, tuna out the can, Chicken
of the Sea.
The video for "Need a Boss" is crazy. How
long did the shoot last?
Shareefa-All day and
all night. I think the call time was eight in the morning
and we finished at six in the morning.
Are you pleased with the final result of the video?
Shareefa-Yes, I was.
My back was burnt. So you know they had no choice but
to make that video hot because my back paid the price.
The single has really taken off. Are you surprised
at how the single has taken off or did you always know
this was the one?
Shareefa-I kinda knew
it was the one but of course I am overwhelmed by the success.
Its good for a new artist. Some new artists don't get
breaks like this and I'm extremely thankful.
I really like the album sampler songs like "Cry
No More," "I'll Be Around," I like most of
the songs. Did you do any writing on the album?
Shareefa-Yes, I did.
I did writing on "I'll Be Around," and the Bobby
Valentino record and 90% of the album.
Are there any songs that are you particular favorite?
Shareefa-Every single
one.
Do you have a release date yet?
Shareefa-October 24th.
Are you doing any touring this fall?
Shareefa-Its in the
works as we speak. I'm finishing up the Cingular Tour this
week. I did a college run with Megan Rochelle and Bobby
Valentino. That ends Thursday in Delaware. (9/28)
How did you spend your summer for the most part?
Shareefa-Working, traveling.
Back and forth to New York, Miami, everywhere.
I ask all the DTP artists this because I've interviewed
most all of them except Ludacris. What's it like being a
member of the DTP family?
Shareefa-It's cool.
Just like being signed anywhere else with a lot of people
who are like family to you.
What's the best part about being an artist in this industry
for you so far?
Shareefa-Just being
able to be myself and being accepted for who I am.
What's the hardest part?
Shareefa-Being yourself.
It is. Of course in this industry they want you to act a
certain way. They want you to look a certain way. So to
me being yourself is the hardest thing. But I'm going to
do it, I'm going to be the one to do it.
You mentioned look a certain way and you mentioned the regime
you had to go through to get ready for the album. Have you
had a chance to do the Smooth and the King magazines and
those kind of magazines?
Shareefa-Not yet baby
but I'm ready.
I talked to another female artist and she said it's important
for new female artists to be able to do those kinds of spreads
if the opportunity arises. Do you ever have a chance to
get on the Internet and do the whole Myspace thing?
Shareefa-Yeah, I'm on
there.
Do you get a chance to see the messages that your fans
leave?
Shareefa-Yeah. I respond
to a lot.
Related Links
Shareefa
at Myspace
Shareefa Interview Thabiz
2005
Shareefa-interview
copyright Dorrie Williams-Wheeler, and Thabiz.com 2006
Dorrie Williams-Wheeler is the author of Be
My Sorority Sister Under Pressure and the Unplanned
Pregnancy Book for Teens and College Students. She is
the founder of Thabiz.com
and Imissthe80s.com
and writes for the Rap,
Teen, and 1980s
section at Bellaonline.com. She is an ASCAP member as a
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inquiries, lyric writing inquiries, reprint rights,
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entertainment jobs, or general comments.
Visit Dorrie on the web at www.sparkledoll.com
or add her as a friend at MYSPACE.
Shareefa-interview
may not be reprinted, copied or distribute without permission.
You may link to this interview.Interview copyright Dorrie
Williams-Wheeler, thabiz.com September 2006.
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