Sheba Interview

How  influential has your upbringing been to your music?

The fact that we moved around and travelled a lot as a family and that New York, which is known as a "melting pot" was my home base a kid definitely shapes my music; not just in terms of what I have to say as an Artist but what also in terms of what I sound like as an Artist.

You can hear the diversity of my life in my sound, in the production style. It's something I've learned to embrace and incorporate into my music, and it gives me a lot of inspiration. I'm interested in making sense of all that culture and translating it into something that other people can experience sonically and inside of the context of good songs.

Was  this always what you wanted to do?

Yes. Without a shadow of a doubt. I knew very soon after I first started talking that I wanted to sing. And not long after that I knew I wanted to be a person that wrote the stuff coming out of the radio. The reality is I didn't come from an environment where music was seen as a viable profession, so even though I had naturally honed my singing and songwriting skills on my own as a child, I was not encouraged to sing out or pursue it professionally. I waited until after I got a degree in something "safe", to pursue my dreams... but it was what I always wanted to do.

Has  your emergence as a recording artist been all plain sailing or have you faced  obstacles? If so can you explain what you hurdles you have faced and how you  overcame them.

The truth is, I don't know of anyone in this industry that does not face obstacles. It's not as easy as it looks no matter how glamorous it is made to appear; you have to be prepared to work hard, face set-backs, and hit a few speed bumps. Nothing worth having comes without a price. The best advice I can give anyone is; if you truly are meant to be doing something there will be signs- follow them. But don't expect the Universe to do all the work for you: put the hours in and make your own luck. No one can take hard work away from you. That plus talent will open a door or two. If there is a dream in your heart, it's there for a reason, have faith and never give it up.

Being  a female in any industry can be quite a challenge, do you think you have to be  of a certain mindset to get ahead regardless of what industry you are  in?

I think the only mindset to ever have is to have single-minded faith in all that you do. Honor yourself and your integrity. Know  who you are, because people and life will test you just to be sure! If you know who you are and you operate with integrity you will get ahead regardless of what industry you're in. Being a woman can be an asset, but I'm not talking about being sexy. Woman have certain natural strengths like attention to detail and the ability to multi-task. We are also great at gathering and retaining detailed information. Use those things to help you get more done. Never think of yourself as being at a disadvantage, no matter what your circumstances; if you see yourself as on equal footing with people around you, they will see you the same way.

Who  have been your influences?

My greatest influences are my family; they are just extraordinary. We left Ethiopia with little in hand, with family in prison and in dire straights. My Parents refused to let their circumstances define them and started over quickly, making an excellent life for our family. When I think of how courageous they were in the face of the unknown I am inspired to do my best.There are extraordinary people who walk the world over; all I have to do is turn on the TV and hear about people in Haiti surviving after weeks in rubble. These are the things that influence me; the unbreakable human spirit. If you are talking about my influences in the music world: I would say- the musicians that made music to uplift people like Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, U2, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana- probably not coincidently- they also happen inspire me not just as people but as musicians as well.

You  have secured a great buzz here in the UK with your single, did you know when  writing that track it was going to be a hit?

I kind of had feeling it would connect with people; I felt a little tingle when I was writing it. I was honestly speaking to someone I cared about; I  meant every line of the song. It was really simple and when I was done, I felt like I really got something off my chest.

I  believe you are working on a mixtape, when will that be  available?

The mixtape will be coming very soon. In the next two months. It's called "The Lion of Sheba...Soon Forward" and it will be a mix of songs from my upcoming album mashed up with some other popular songs that I think will work well.

What  are your long term plans?

My long term plans are just to keep making music no matter what and to spread it as far and as wide as I possibly can around the planet earth!

You  have a great sense of style, do you have a stylist or does that just come  naturally to you?

Thank you:) I have sort an innate attraction to what I like so I'm always on the look out for things that I can wear in shoots and in videos. I've been collecting all sorts of pieces for years. I buy all my own clothes, so everything you've seen me in came from my own closet. In the last few weeks I've started working with a stylist to help me put together my looks- before that I never had one- but now I understand why they are necessary!

What  makes Sheba happy?

Seeing kindness and goodness in the world makes me happy:) Spending time with my loved ones also makes me happy.

Melanie Cornish