Exposed Vocals Interviews Shimei Empress

Kenyan-born rapper Shimei Empress brings out her unique identity and raw personality by meshing English and Swahili in her music. Shimei Empress began her music career in 2005 in Nairobi, Kenya as a Hip-Hop /Rap artist. This Michigan-based rapper is boring on promoting her newly recorded 5-song EP. Shimei is currently featured on episode #352 of the Women of Substance Music Podcast, an online radio that features the best new music by Female Indie Artists in all genres, handpicked by Bree Noble.  
Shimei connects with her fans on a personal level as she expresses her personal life experiences, as well as general day to day  relatable issues.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 Shimei Empress: I was born in Mombasa town in Kenya. Am the youngest of six children, and was raised by a single parent. At age 12, I moved to a small rural town called Mumias, to live my elder sister, following my late mother’s demise.

Initially, I turned to music as a coping mechanism after losing my mother, and two siblings to HIV/Aids. Then in 2005, I met a Kenyan female rapper (whose now late) who inspired me to make a career out of music.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Shimei Empress: Shimei is my late grandpa’s name; I decided to call myself Shimei in remembrance of him. My American friends call me African queen, while my Kenyan friends call me Empress; so I thought it would be cool to name myself Shimei Empress.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Shimei Empress:  Online music sharing is a way for potential fans to get familiar with an artist’s work. By letting potential fans hear your music, they buy other releases in the future

Yes I give away my music for free because as an emerging artist, a free track can be an effective marketing tool. Though I don’t give everything away for free. Giving away samples creates demand in places an artist has not been.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Shimei Empress: It takes time to secure and promote good gigs. An artist, or band should research venues that cater to their style of music; always start with your own town. Also, networking with other artists, or bands in your genre helps to open up opportunities. Attending shows in one’s local area could help an artist, or band explore the music scene which in return helps to find out where to gig and whom to gig with.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Shimei Empress: For the most part I get my inspiration from listening to conscious music, especially reggae music. Though different moments inspire my creative process;for example it could be a sound I heard and liked, or something I saw.

I get into a different mood each time I write. Most times, I get an idea and the lyrics just slip out. Because am writing my songs in English for the time time, once I write down my lyrics, I always use my phone to record myself.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Shimei Empress: Yes. I do have a website; the link is www.shimeiempress.com . I share my music on my band website, Soundcloud, Reverbnation, and My Space,

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 Shimei Empress: First thing I would do is draft a music business plan outlining my goals. Then I would spend the half a million dollars to do the following: Write more songs and pay to record best songs professionally; Demo my best compositions and get feedback; Book live performances and build database of fans; Hire marketing and promotional services; Manufacture recordings and merchandise; Attend and showcase at music conferences and conventions; Collaborate with established musicians in the industry; Hire a music business consultant to assess my career direction.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

 Shimei Empress: When it comes to online promotion, social media is effective in getting my music to fans, as well as marketing and promotion services. As for offline promotion, I attend music conferences, I watch for places to gig like open mic, colleges, or outdoor events, and also working with a street team.

So far, I find that both online and offline promotion work well for me because each play an essential role.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Shimei Empress: I just finished my new 5-song EP. Currently am working on marketing and promotion. I plan to start working on my full album come June 2016.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Shimei Empress: Honestly, I don’t see myself doing anything else. But if I had to, I would probably be stuck working some job I hated just so I could save money to record my music haha!

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Shimei Empress: I keep a schedule that allows for room to work on my music. As far as my priorities go, music is my first love, so I make time.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

Shimei Empress: Great works are in process. I will start working a full album in June 2016.