Get Excited by Shelia Moore Piper – Music Review
Christian Soul Artist- Shelia Moore Piper returns with her new album entitled “Are You Ready Chapter 2” from the Bdm/Ugroove Music label.
Shelia Moore Piper is a vocalist who describes herself as a Christian Soul Artist, hailing from Houston, Texas. Her faith is central to her music and she has drawn inspiration from contemporary gospel singers like Yolanda Adams and Cece Winans. After setting up a record label with her husband in 2004, she released her debut album Tha Story Told Twice in 2009.
This track, Get Excited, is from her second album Are You Ready Chapter 2 and has already debuted in the Top 50 Independent and Adult Contemporary Charts. Starting with synth and horn lines, it leads to an infectious soul/funk sound with a Stevie Wonder vibe. The first verse features Sheila’s distinctive voice doubled an octave lower which creates a thick, layered sound.
After a short bridge, it builds to the super catchy chorus based around the title hook, interspersed with brass melodies and backing vocals. Lyrically, it will be inspiring to anyone of the Christian faith, but works simply as a very uplifting track that anyone can enjoy. I loved the brass solo at the three minute mark, and the overall high quality of the musicianship should also be mentioned, with a funky slap bassline and some great synth playing.
Overall, this is a seriously addictive soul/funk/gospel hybrid that you’ll soon find yourself humming the melody to, and a great showcase for Sheila’s fantastic singing and inspirational message. The quality of the musical arrangement, playing and production are all first class, so it’s no surprise to learn this track is already proving hugely popular and it augurs well for the success of her second album.
By Alex Faulkner
I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.
Exclusive Interview:
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
A: I heard about Exposed Vocals from the 2015 Indie Bible. I saw all the great things Exposed Vocals were doing and decided to sign up. So glad I did.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
A: I grew up in North Texas plus North Louisiana but Houston is my home. I always dreamed of becoming a Recording Artist as a kid, God didn’t call me to step into fulltime Recording Ministry until 2013.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
A: My name is my Birth name. I added my married name to it. Its very unique.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
A: I am ok with online music sharing. It is a way to expand our brand when it is done the right way with our authorization of whom we share it with. Giving away music is a great promotional strategy as well as a blessing. I believe you should do both sell your music and give it away. It’s great being a blessing.
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?
A: Artists looking to get gigs and airplay should stay on your grind! Keep moving, develop relationships, learning and working. Don’t depend on someone to make you a success. You make your own success and doors will open! Keep Grinding!!
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
A: Yes I’ve made mistakes in performances sometimes. I never make it obvious to the audience. You have to keep on doing what you do. The more you do it the better you become.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
A: Working a tour means you have to deal people. You have to be ready to deal with all types of people, keep your attitude pleasant if possible. Character will sometimes take you places your gifts and talents won’t.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
A: My songwriting inspiration comes from situations I may be dealing with or going through at the time. God is my usual process. He allows me to write the songs for his glory! I’m grateful for his help everyday, hour and moment!
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
A: Yes I have a website. My website is: www.sheliamoorepiper.com. The online platforms we are on are many. Here are some of the platforms we are on: Amazon.com, Target.com, Bestbuy.com, Itunes, Spotify, sound cloud, Youtube, Dailymotion, Vevo, New Release Tuesday, Ugospel, Musikface, Vimeo, Gospel Guru, Muzu, Houston Talent Magazine, MTV artists to name a few and of course Exposed Vocals now.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
A: Before I stepped into the music business fulltime, I was a fulltime classroom teacher for years, so I have some children songs on my mp3 player that may raise some eyebrows lol, I used them to teach though.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
A: If I were given a half a million dollars and a year off, I would travel the world (especially the Caribbean), meeting people and enjoying God’s awesome creation, the beauty of it all! I really want to visit Hawaii soon.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
A: We plan to upgrade software, hardware to keep out sound fresh, We currently work with Pro tools, Logic, Reasons and various native instruments, Outboard equipment: MPC 5000, Voice Channel Preamp, Control 24, Event Studio 8 monitors. Apple G5 Dual Core Tower. The microphone varies on what sound we’re looking for, but the tone and clearness comes from the preamp that we use not necessarily the microphone.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
A: We search out many ways to promote our music, developing relationships, going to music conferences, contacting radio DJ’s, TV producers etc. God gives us people to connect with that help us also. It’s a continuous grind.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
A: I would love to perform with Israel Houghton, Mary Mary, Take 6, Kenny Lattimore, Kirk Franklin, and Michael Jackson because they are some of my favorite top musical influences.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
A: Yes I am Staying on the grind working, Summer block party in Houston, Conferences, Galas, Events, working on a short film which consist of live performance of a few songs from my latest release Are You Ready Chapter 2, a small view of how we prepare for our shows, marketing, travel scheduling etc. We have a lot in the works.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
A: I would be teaching! I love to teach also! Not in a general classroom, I already did that but at a college level.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
A: I have bought many records/albums but, I remember buying Take 6’s first album. I was told how great they were by a Frat brother and I have been a fan ever since for sure.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
A: I live a balanced life so I try to balance every responsibility with God’s help.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
A: Fans/Supporters be on the look out. Shelia Moore Piper is on the move, going where I suppose to be and when God allows me to be there. I am enjoying the journey! Learning a lot! Stay tuned.
