I'm a one woman band for now. The only setback to this is when I have a hot melody stuck in my head I don't have 2 other people to give the parts to so I can hear how the harmony sounds. Back in the day I used what they call a replacement mic, its a small microphone I'm guessing for presentations, and I would plug it into the headphones jack on my stereo. I'd record one note then put that tape in the playback deck and put a new blank in the dubbin deck. I'd playback the note I already recorded and harmonize with it. Boom 2 part harmony just like that. THEN I would put that tape into the playback deck and a new blank into the dubbing so I can harmonize and have 3 part harmony. THANK GOD FOR PROTOOLS.lol U know how many cassette tapes I went through? Actually I still have them, but if I let you hear it i'd have to kill you.lol I always got the question "Who's that singin with you?" it was my lil secret....well not anymore. Now all I have to say is "Next Track" and do what I do. I love working in the studio. I know a lil something in protools too.
Influences
Some people that I keep in my cd rotation are Eric Roberson, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige, Minnie Riperton, Michael Jackson, United Soul, Jill Scott, Atlantic Star, Evelyn "Champagne" King just to name a few. I am most influenced by people who have a passion for what they do and you can tell that they are truelly singing from their soul. To be honest it can be a stranger stepping up at an open mic doing their thing that makes me want to go into the studio. I feed off of the energy I get from people who share the same love for music as I do.
ERIC ROBERSON AND ME SINGING BACKUP AT SOL VILLAGE JULY 07
WALKIN CONTRADICTION FEATURING FEMI SHIRI
LUXLAND "HOME ALONE" WITH FEMI ON THE TRACK.......
Entering the music scene with soulful beats and beautiful vocals like a latter-day Billie Holliday, singer/songwriter Femi Shiri is rebirthing the movement of soul music. Having been described as “one woman band,” this Linden, New Jersey native developed a passion for singing at a very young age.
After spending many nights in the studio honing her writing skills, Femi decided to venture out as a solo artist and bring you what she likes to call “simply soulful feel good music.” She’s worked with many notable producers including Jersey City native Shea Taylor, who has produced such hits as "When You’re Mad" by Ne-Yo and "Beautiful" by Ruben Studdard.
Aside from writing, you can catch Femi’s vocal performance at such hotspots as SOB’s Sol Village in New York City or singing background for several independent R&B artists. She’s also currently working on her first solo album. Her first single “Personal” produced by Shea Taylor and written by hers truly, is a smooth midtempo with vocals reminding you of 90’s group Zhané. What comes through most when you listen to Femi is what a fine songwriter she is. Her tunes are memorable and her lyrics thematically cover topics of love and relationships.
Another beautiful melody “Open Up Your Heart” is getting regular spins on www.4dasoul.com and holds the 3 spot on their “Top Ten” countdown. Jazz Syndicate Radio, planetsoul.com, and warriorfm.uk are regularly spinning Femi’s hits as well.
When asked what she would like listeners to take away from her music, Femi says, “I want to create honest soul music that’s soothing to your ears and makes you feel good.”
Any producers can reach me at femishiri@gmail.com
SCREEN NAME femishiri- aim and yahoo
Cool I appreciate the response. How's the music coming? I just finished setting up my studio the other day with the extra screen. i'll prolly upgrade in about another 5 years or so. It becomes addictive...LOL!
Thanks for supporting the independent artist by promoting their music! If you know of any artist interested in having their music aired on radio stations in London, Chicago, Manchester & New York, please refer them to the Soulchoonz Crew. Again, many thanks!!
The Soulchoonz Show with DJ Gary Spence Programmed by Di-Lee May 2008 Playlist
New & Upfront 1. The Rebirth - Love Issue (radio edit) 2. Scott Grimaldi ft Joe Thompson - Turn Your Love Around 3. The Chestnut Brothers - Whole Lotta You In Me 4. Blak Ice - Next To You 5. Nhojj - Dream 6. Nhojj - Peace & Blessings 7. Lalah Hathaway - Let Go 8. Gina Green - My Journey 9. Mary J Blige - Hello It's Me 10. Black Gold Massive - Snow In April (Mr Gone remix)
Flashback Section 11. Allure - Head Over Heals (remix) 12. Barry White - Staying Power 13. Trina & Tamara - What's Come Here For 14. Al Green - Waiting On You (C&J Extended Version) 15. BeBe Winans - What About It 16. Kenny 'Dope' Gonzalez - High - Skyy (Kenny Dope Mix) 17. Direct Drive Ft Helen Rogers - Anything
New & Upfront Cont. 18. Helen Rogers - My Eternal Love 19. Gregory R Coleman - Smooth Like You Like It 20. The Embers - The Last Time Saying Goodbye 21. The Embers - You're The Reason 22. Amber Ojeda - Don't Rush 23. E. Bland - Necessary 24. Ashanti Munir - I'm Staying Home Tonight 25. Glen Anthony Henry - I Don't Know 26. LeMar Mundane - Love Fantasy 27. William Demp - Everything 28. Temple Of Soul - Love Me Tonight 29. Skalp - Back 2 U 30. Skalp - Chanana
The source magazine is looking to give back to the underground community that started it all. Do you think you have what it takes? The Source magazine is hosting a live online voting show called "SPIT 16". The public will be able to log onto the official source magazine website view your profile, and vote on who has the best 16 bars in the underground community. The winner will recieve radio promotion, an honorable mention in the source, free studio time among other prizes to be annouced. To enter please respond to thesourcespit16@gmail.com for further information audition times, terms and conditions. GOOD LUCK !!! And lets see who's really ready to spit 16.
Brought to you by THE SOURCE MAGAZINE......William Street ent, CheckMate NY, Soundbar Studios, and Thisrespekwear
