& More 2015
The Garrison, St. Michael
BETH & TRACIE ‘NINA’ TOP IN SNAKE DENIM
& SWEET LIME NECKLACE AVAILABLE AT
BETH & TRACIE.
Polo & More: How did you end up signing with Motown?
Shontelle: Motown had always been my dream label. I have always
been obsessed with Stevie and the Jacksons and Dianna Ross just
to name a few of my Motown influences. It was unreal just to walk
into that building and ride the elevator up to the 7th floor of 1755
Broadway, Motown/Universal Records. I walked in with the production
company I was signed with at the time. It was one of my first label
meetings/auditions. I saw all the plaques and posters of all my idols
and to be honest it felt like home. I had other label meetings after that
but Motown made a passionate offer I could not refuse. Days later I returned
to sign my first recording contract.
Polo & More: I imagine there are lots of comparisons between you
and Rihanna, are you two on amicable terms? Does the comparison
bother you ? Or does it inspire you to see what can be achieved?
Shontelle: Endless comparisons. Most of them unfair and ignorant.
We are two completely different people and artists. I’m past being
bothered and I see them more as compliments these days. We have
always been and still remain amicable and I’m grateful to her for the
writing and collaboration opportunities she’s shared with me.
Polo & More: Apart from being a singer, you are also a songwriter,
which art ists have you written songs for ? Any hits?
Shontelle: The biggest hits I’ve written are Roll, Man Down (Rihanna)
and Say Hello To Goodbye (yours truly). I’ve been blessed to write yet
92
to be released music for Cee Lo Green, Kelly Clarkson, R Kelly, Shakira
and a few country artists among many others including many up and
coming artists and bands.
Polo & More: Do you prefer the singing or the songwriting side of things?
Shontelle: I love them equally but I think songwriting has more value
and longevity as a career option.
Polo & More: For me travel is an education in itself, and having
covered the globe from New Zealand to Argentina, I feel that it gives
me such a breath of perspective on my life and life in general... The
travel itself is an inspiration. As an artist you have been able to travel
extensively, in a different capacity, do you feel that you have learnt
anything from these travels? Have any of the places you visited
inspired you, and has there been one place you have been to, that
really resonates with you... (btw for me that place is Bhutan :-) put it
on your bucket list)?
Shontelle: I have been all over from every state of the US and
Canada, to all of UK, to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Lebanon, Qatar, Egypt,
Turkey, Africa, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Romania, across
Scandinavia and the Caribbean and the list goes on and on. New
Zealand is on my bucket list because that is the land of my grandfather.
It changes your life whenever you experience different cultures. I have
gained so much insight and the exposure can influence your thinking
and creativity. When you are in the poorest and most corrupt countries
you truly gain perspective and more of an appreciation for what you