Shannon Bex, has a great journey from Dancer with NBA Portland Trailblazers, to a Member of Danity Kane, Now a Solo Artist.
Recently Shannon has teamed up with Pledge Music. A platform that gives independent artists creative control while raising funds to complete their projects by pre-selling digital downloads, merchandise and exclusives. Pledgers receive access to blogs, never before seen footage, studio sessions and demos of songs written for the EP. Once 100% of the projects funds are met 8% of anything raised past the goal is donated to Shannon’s charity Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. <courtest of shannonbex.com
TRM:Hello Shannon, Thank you so much for this interview. We definitely loved you in Danity Kane.
A. Thank you! I’m very excited to be talking with you!
TRM:Let’s get this interview started.
TRM:Who are some of your music influences?
A. Being a dancer I have so many musical influences. However as a singer there are only a few who I can always find joy & inspiration listening to. Whitney Houston, Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera, The Eagles, Shania Twain & Garth Brooks to name a few. A very wide spectrum!
TRM: When did you discover your ability to sing and dance ?
A. I started dancing when I was 6. I fell in love with performing! The costumes, back stage, the preparation and adrenaline you feel before a show. I honestly can’t say I had a just one moment where I knew I could sing and dance, I just truly enjoyed it. At age 8 I remember asking my mom how I could make money singing and dancing. She laughed and said, “well you could go into the entertainment field” and here I am.
I didn’t start singing in public till I was in high school. I would always rock out in my room to Paula Abdul and Mariah Carey, but not in public. I knew I had the desire to sing and perform, but the opportunities didn’t come my way till I sought them out or created them.
TRM: Before auditioning for “Making The Band 3” back in 2004, what were you doing?
A. After high school I was living in Portland Oregon and was a dancer for the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. I would sing the national anthem and perform on the court singing and dancing during time outs. It didn’t cover the bills so I worked as a Leasing agent for an apartment complex in addition to singing with a great cover band in town called 5 Guys Names Moe.
In 2003 I auditioned for NBC’s Fame with Debbie Allen. It was a triple threat competition similar to American Idol where America voted. I was named runner up and offered a recording contract by Johnny Wright, one of the judges on the show, who also ended up on Making The Band as a judge. Interesting right?
When people first found that out they said Johnny got me into DK. I would respond with, “you really think Diddy would let someone tell him what to do and who to pick?”
The year before I tried out for Making The Band. I was sitting at home waiting to hear from my label and eagerly waiting to work on my CD. When it didn’t happen, I decided to stop waiting for other people to help me accomplish my dreams, my first lesson in the biz, be self-motivated!I ended up watching the first season of Making the Band, I was intrigued. When Diddy didn’t pick a group I bought myself a ticket to San Francisco, stood in line for 7 hours like everyone else, made my way into the house and made the band.
TRM: How was the Danity Kane / Bad Boy experience?
A. This was my second recording contract, so the fact we actually made an album was a huge step up from the last one. Not very many people realize that just because you get signed it does not mean you’re guaranteed an album. You can be shelved and tied down. It’s a very demanding job being an artist. Don’t let the facade of the glamorous life style fool you. Many sleepless nights, business, life decisions missing big family events are sacrificed. If you want to succeed in this industry there is no part time positions. You’re either committed or not.
Aside from the hard work there was/are many inspiring & joyful moments. From being on the red carpet standing next to someone you’ve admired as an artist, only to have them say hi to you or performing at Madison Square Garden. To meeting a fan that waited in line to see you for a fleeting 2 minutes, knowing a smile and picture meant the world to them at that moment in time.
There are many beautiful memories!
TRM:How was it working Diddy? What did you learn from working with him?
A. As difficult as it looks 🙂
He is not one to take it easy on you or give you a free pass if you’re having an off day. If he see’s potential in you he’ll just keep pushing. I can’t say I was fond of the crazy tests and stressful situations we were put in, but now I feel if I can make it in NY working for Diddy…I can make it any where lol!
He knew what he was doing and I respect a lot of his guidance. This is not an easy road and he put us through many scenarios to prepare us. There are no day’s off when you work in this industry.
TRM: So, we heard that you’re coming out with an EP. Could you tell us a little bit about it?
A. Yes I am finally putting out my EP. I feel like the timing is right! I’ve been writing and working very hard. Trying to find the right sound to help me reveal another side to me.
I grew up listening to my dad blasting country music from his work van, spending summers with my cousin’s arrowhead hunting, camping and riding horses. Combined that with my love for dance that has exposed me to the pop culture you have a very unique individual who has a love for two worlds.
Currently I’ve teamed up with Pledge Music. It’s a great site for independent artists to take control and raise funds for their projects by pre-selling digital download, merchandise and exclusives. Only pledgers have access to blogs, footage, songs I’m writing for my EP etc. I want to take the fans along on this next journey. Its not just about putting good music out but giving everyone an experience 🙂
TRM: What’s the inspiration behind your EP?
A. I’m continually thinking about how to honestly reveal another layer to everyone who knew me in DK. Though that was a big piece of me there is even more that you all haven’t seen. I want to make sure that anyone who listens to my new songs will have a clearer picture of the artist and performer I am.
TRM: What’s the name of your current single from the EP?
A. “I’m Out”
TRM: What’s the concept of your song, “I’m Out”?
A. We had our DK finale in April ’09. I left New York and headed straight to Nashville, ready to start the next chapter. I wrote “I’m Out” with my Producer Ty Smith. I had so many emotions from the DK break up. If you take a listen to some of the lyrics I think you’ll understand what I was going through. And why when it came down to it all I can say is “I’m Out.”
TRM: What makes your music different than the music you created with Danity Kane?
A. I don’t have to sing in a “soft sexy voice” or as I call it my DK voice….lol!
The mood of my EP will be a little more raw, less produced, but full of honesty and soul. Soul being an organic emotion that people can connect to. Lyrically I’m coming from a woman’s heart. Its classy, sexy & sassy, like a real Woman right?
TRM: How was the transition from being in a group to a solo artist?
A. The hardest thing as a solo artist is when you are at an interview, or performing and you may be sick or tired there is nobody there to help pick up the energy. It’s completely up to you to carry the show.
TRM: What are three words to describe your music as a solo artist?
A. Rhythmic Country/Pop/Soul
TRM: What advice do you have for people who want to break out in the entertainment industry?
A. Refine your gift. What do you bring to the table that is unique? What will help you stand above the crowd? Don’t try and be the next person, you can only be you. Be determined, but listen to the critiques to strengthen your talent. Know you are so others can’t define you. But don’t be too proud, always stay humble and remember what has been given can also be taken. Not many people get to have success in this business, so be grateful for the opportunities you get to experience. Don’t loose the wonder, drive and admission that you started with. Be willing to share with others you knowledge, with out fear they’ll take it from you.
TRM: What’s the best way for fans to stay connected with you?
A. shannonbex.com has links to my twitter/facebook/youtube channel. I’m on my twitter a lot and try to reply and connect when I can. I appreciate all the support I have and I want show that!
I’m starting a webisode with in the next month that will show this next adventure. I loved being apart of Making the Band and letting the fans in on the process. It will be on my youtube channel ShannonBexOfficial. I will be saving a few special clips and moments just for my Pledger’s who pledge at http://www.pledgemusic.com/shannonbex
TRM: Any final remarks?
A. Thank you to everyone who has been there through the ups and downs. I have so much support for which I’m grateful! I’m very excited to finally start this next step. I invite all of you to come along. We are going to have a lot of fun! This is only the beginning!
TRM: Thank you again Shannon for this interview. We’re looking to hearing your EP when it comes and out. We’ll be supporting you full force without a doubt.
Thank you! I truly appreciate it!
xo bex
Shannon’s Links:
Twitter: @ShannonBex
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonbex
http://www.shannonbexofficial.com/
