Hip-Hop Artist Shane Eli Experiments With “The Push”
Musician Shane Eli is truly one of a kind. He’s what you would call a trailblazer in his prime; a world-class traveler with ten times the charm. Yet, he’s got the music to back to it up! His diverse sound overshadows today’s generic, SoundScan artists. The breakthrough hip-hop artist/producer from Canada and Los Angeles thirsts for music, knowledge and success as he embarks on a new album titled, “The Push” due out Spring 2010. The solo project was inspired by old and new school influences and it includes Shane Eli’s signature eclectic beats and powerful lyrics. Songs like “Grey Area” on the 15-track album, introduce listeners to the artist’s personal life. With that, his travels in the music business have not only redefined him as an artist, but the person he is today.
MN: Can you tell us a little about your debut album, “The Push” and the new single that’s coming out?
SE: “The Push” is my first track (which was written and produced by me) and gives an accurate portrayal of myself as possible. I’m letting people know who I am with the most personal record, “Grey Area.” It talks about my identity issues growing up as a kid and upbringing. People would make me aware that I was different in a way, so it’s about me coming to terms with that.
MN: How would you describe your style of music to the unfamiliar crowd?
SE: I would try to be honest as possible with the themes of the songs. What I say in the record is not about fantasy stories. I’m sharing real, truth or human stories. And the beats I made them myself. It was inspired by old/new school rock, hip-hop, and West Coast music mainly.
MN: Did you work with Jermaine Dupri’s production team on the album? Can you talk about the experience?
SE: Jermaine Dupri wasn’t involved with the project, but his mastering engineer Johnny Horesco worked with me on the album.
MN: What was your purpose of the album and what professional/personal elements did you want to incorporate on this debut?
SE: Everyone sets their sights on something. Whether or not they’re dedicated to the dream, it’s up to them to do the job. I named this album, “The Push” because it’s me sharing the moment to finally live out my dream. I sacrificed a lot – I saved my money instead of going out to clubs and hanging with friends. I was in my room making beats, so I knew if I kept doing it, I could make a career for myself. There are people who give you a million reasons why they love something and don’t put the work in.
MN: How did you get into the music industry and how long have you been producing music?
SE: I’ve been writing music for 10 years, and producing for five years. I’ve been writing since high school and entered into a couple of big acts and it didn’t happen because I wasn’t putting all the work in like I needed to. And then I decided to buckle down. I’m still trying to get that lucrative deal to take me to the next level. Success is a long road and the minute you make it at one thing, the next thing comes along and you just keep going, quit or die.
MN: Did you collaborate with anyone on your new album?
SE: There was one feature and her name was Kamilah Gibson on track #6 called “Happiest Regret.” I’m also producing on her solo album. She’s got a beautiful voice, really talented kind of like India Arie. She has that singer/songwriter vibe where she plays the guitar.
MN: Are you tapping into independent or mainstream music or is it both? Do you have a preference for who you want to work for?
SE: I’ve produced songs for Diggy Simmons, so that’s one mainstream. I feel like there’s a lot of talent in independent music that it’s tough to stand out. Of course, unless you’re behind someone whose established or can get you noticed. I’ve just hit a dent in mainstream, but it’ll take a lot to collaborate for the Commons’ and Kanyes’ to leverage their relationships to put my own brand up.
MN: What unique traits/abilities do you bring to the music scene that hasn’t been tried before? There are so many people stepping in as the next Trey Songz, Chris Brown or Mary J. Blige? What do you personally bring to the table?
SE: Right off the bat, it’s tough as an artist. It takes time for people to settle on what you’re saying. When Trey Songz came out, people compared him to Usher. Everyone gets lumped into a category when they first start out, until they get a chance to figure out their own identity. So what sets me apart is that I’ve produced all these tracks and honing these skills by engineering my own sessions. Once it starts to spread, it can go in so many directions, and I’m a one-man band! People will identify with the warm, personal stories I’m telling in my music.
*You can follow Shane Eli on tour starting in November, and check him out via Facebook, Twitter and his direct website, www.shaneeli.com.
