Interview with Emma Shade (lead vocals)

Hello Emma. First of all, I would like to tell you I like your album, and I have to say: more and more each time. In my opinion, the song "It's Alright" could be a potential pop hit if there was enough money behind you to promote it.

Have you tried to sell your album to major labels first, before deciding to release it yourself?
Emma: No, we didn't even bother to send the album to any major labels as the music scene in the UK is dominated by reality TV pop stars and Indie bands. We felt our style of music wouldn't fit in with the fickle market here in the UK.

My first impression by discovering the purity and the sensuality of your voice was to wonder why I didn't hear about you before. What have you done musically, before founding SHADE?
I have been involved in lots of bands over the years, (although no big or known bands), but meeting Simon, and then Andy, I felt we had the same vision and the same goals to form a band that would be able to go to the next level. We all share similar tastes in music and the chemistry between us was right.

Can you tell us the way you met your partners Andrew Moore and Simon Gardner, who are essentially known for their work with DARE, a much respected band for the most part of our readers.
I first met Simon in London when he was auditioning singers for some vocal productions he was doing at the time with a top ten songwriter. Afterwards I met Andy through Simon's connection with Dare. It all fell into place after that.

Did you know this “80's melodic rock” scene before working with them?
No, not a lot. With being mid-twenties now I was born too late for that scene but my brother loved the melodic rock scene and so I eventually picked it up too.

Musically, I think SHADE is more “modern pop/rock” oriented than Dare. How would you describe your music? Do you feel close to some artists or bands?
I feel our music is bordering on pop/rock to modern country, which is essentially melodic rock but without the big guitars!! One of our ballads "Save Me" has been compared to the band Heart, so that's a very big compliment. We all basically love big melodies with well produced guitar/keyboard based music.

Regarding the writing, how have you worked on the songs? What is the role of each member in the writing process?
The music is mainly done by Simon & Andy, Simon mainly on the melodies, Andy mainly on the music and I do most of the lyrics. But it doesn't always fall that way; it's a very collaborative band. The recording and production is done by the guys.

You're releasing the cd with a new structure called Artists Service which is not really a label, I think. Can you tell us more about this way to release an album?
Well, for us, Artists Service is more of a Distribution/Promotion outlet. Andy has known Sebastian for some time now through Dare, which led to the connection with Oliver. Being from the UK, and with melodic rock predominately doing better outside of England, we wanted someone who knew the scene and genuinely liked our music. We have this with Sebastian and Oliver at Artist Service!!

Is it more comfortable for a band like Shade than working with a traditional label?
With working with a traditional label, a lot of control is lost from the band. We decided to release it on our own label so we had complete control over all aspects of the band; direction, production, image, etc. It's often that a label can spoil creativity in a band. The process was also made much easier by Simon having his own recording studio.

Have you already planned to add a second chapter to the Shade discography?
Yes, we have. We have songs already on the go and are looking forward to getting them out to you guys soon.

Are you playing the songs on stage or have you booked some dates for the upcoming months?
We are planning, with some luck, some European dates in the New Year.

And finally, the question that many readers are probably nervously waiting for from the beginning of this interview is: are you married? Sorry... just kidding, no need to answer. ;-)
No, I'm not, but I do like a man who makes me laugh! ? xxx

Hum... ;-)

Thanks a lot, Emma. Hope to hear from you soon, with a new cd as fresh and pleasant as this one. Take care.
Thank you very much Cédric. It was a pleasure, very glad you like our album! xxx