Music Review and Interview with Shereka Shabang – I just Wanna Run

‘I just want to run’ has a really brilliant melody, a hook that kicks in right from the start, with a joyfully retro sounding backing track breathing extra life into the whole thing. The melody line of ‘I Just want to run’ is one that captures your attention immediately, the vocal pause after this line is so well placed, it has the effect of really letting that melody and that hook sink in. You don’t forget it any time soon after listening. The leading vocal has a genuine sound of joy within the expression of each of the lines, a sort of true soul, a believable voice, really well suited to the melody and this kind of music.

The overall track has, as mentioned, quite a retro feel to it – those keys and vintage synth sounds give it a fairly nostalgic atmosphere. Later on, the additional vocals come in, some harmonies, some softer vocals performing very delicate and soothing notes. The track and the music on the whole is unlike anything you’re likely to have heard in recent months, perhaps years. In some ways, the music is reminiscent of the time around which the Sister Act soundtrack came out. That’s the wonderful feeling of nostalgia that you get from it. But in terms of song writing, this sounds completely new, that melody line is top notch and really a huge strong point for the song – it’s something that will definitely reach out and pull people in if they’re first time listeners.

The positivity and optimism that is touched on throughout, lyrically, is also a real strong point for this song. It’s something that is always needed in modern music, but not often found. Anything spreading a good message, a loving message, is more important than ever at the moment.

By Rebecca Cullen

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

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

Shereka ShaBang: I grew up in Bastrop, Louisiana a small city in the Northeast part of the state. I first realized my gift in singing around the age of 5 while substituting a broom for a microphone. I sung in choirs but never really explored taking lead. In fact over the past 2 years I auditioned twice to sing and didn’t make the cut. It took a lot of faith and courage for me to pursue being a published singer/songwriter. I have always had a passion for signing and writing but never discovered that it was my destiny or gave it genuine focus until November of 2015. I was delivering a sermon at church and closed with the cover song “I Pray We’ll All Be Ready”, when a pastor in the audience discovered me. This pastor was Marcella Elliot my current project manager. Since then I have recorded/ released my first single “I Just Wanna Run”, and I’m working on three more singles for my album.

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

Shereka ShaBang: ShaBang is to have the whole shabang, to be complete in God, wanting for nothing. I used the name as a nickname when I first started to inquire about destiny because my heart desires to live my dreams to the fullest. Years later God spoke to me and told me to use the name ShaBang for my ministry. He confirmed that through him I would find a life of joy and fullness.

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

Shereka ShaBang: I love online music sharing to connect with fans and show them what’s in my heart, and what they can expect from me as an artist. It’s a necessity to produce income from music because it cost money to produce music; nevertheless I uploaded my first song “I Just Wanna Run” to YouTube free to viewers so they can bond with me as an artist.  Free music is an awesome way to connect with your fun base.

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?

Shereka ShaBang:  Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Network, and Faith are my recipe for exposure. I trust in God completely so I put my all into my career. I invest time to learn the industry and understand the process. I work on becoming a better artist daily which is a reflection of my wisdom. Study to improve your marketability, make wise decisions, and pray that God send you the people connected to your destiny. Your music ministry is not a one man’s show it is a team’s mission. Just like myself and exposed vocals are united within this interview in order to promote myself while inspiring more artists to blossom. It’s never all about you; relationships are an exchange of agendas.

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

Shereka ShaBang: God sends me music a lot when I’m around water. The shower and bathtub are my hotspots for inspiration. Hooks are my area of strength. Once I get the hook the rest is just filling in the bubbles.

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

 Shereka ShaBang: I share my music on my YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe to receive updates and giveaways.

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

 Shereka ShaBang: I would invest it all in my ministry in such a way to produce residual income for continuation.

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

 Shereka ShaBang: Personal connections and YouTube are my bread and butter. I build connections with people who in return invest interest in my music. YouTube allows fans to connect and stay in touch by subscribing .

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

 Shereka ShaBang: I’m working on releasing 3 more singles for my album. I have many genres of Christian music such as country, jazz, blues, Praise & Worship, and show tunes. I want to give my fans a sample of the whole ShaBang before I release my album.

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

Shereka ShaBang: I would still be doing ministry just in another form of the arts.

 

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

 Shereka ShaBang: I have a booking manager that keeps up with my schedule and I organize my time strategically.

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

 Shereka ShaBang:  Three of The four singles will be released this year. I’m currently working on “Live” is a blend of classical and praise and worship. “Live” is a song dedicated to anyone who ever suffered with depression or struggled with purpose. This precious master piece will be available for sale and display on ITunes, Google play, Amazon and other digital markets in early August.