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We’re super-excited to be speaking today with acclaimed pop singer-songwriting artist Shane Allenger; greetings and salutations Shane and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the proverbial Q&A mosh-pit, how is the back-half of 2024 treating you and yours thus far?
Hi, I’m doing great, always looking onward and upward. I’m sure we can all say we’ve had some bumps on this journey we’re fortunate to take.
Major congratulations on your freshly-minted new single A Sweet Dream! Starting at the tip-top, can you talk about what inspired this infectious toe-tapper of a tune?
Truth be known, it started from just waking up early one morning and seeing social media, to the news speaking about all the struggles we face today in the world. It just got to me, I mean I never ignored it, however, I just had enough. I then turned around and saw my wife lying beside me still asleep and I felt blessed, however, how many don’t have what I had. It was my responsibility and obligation to say something about some hope and change through the struggles we deal with day in and day out. With my Caribbean background mixed with the love of Pop music, I guess the rhythm came together like magic.
As the producer – among other things! – of the duo Hi Tide, you’re noted and rightly lauded for your producing skills. Is it a safe bet that you did the producing honors on A Sweet Dream as well? And, if so, what are the pros to serving as your own producer versus outsourcing that particular job?
A Sweet Dream is my baby, it’s been a dream of mine to do a solo project, however, writing and producing with my cousin Sean of Hi Tide, I felt an obligation and honor to let Hi Tide be first. I had a particular vision I didn’t think anyone else could have captured for me, I’m not saying it could not have been done to my liking, but I was the Chef in this kitchen, and it had to be right. I found amazing musicians to work with me, that understood and helped my vision come to light.
In your humble opinion, what differentiates A Sweet Dream from the Distinguished Competition on the 2024 music scene?
For me, music isn’t a competition. I wasn’t trying to compete with anyone, I was just trying to make sure that world understood that “We are in trouble, and we need to change and be more loving to one another”. I’m sure we all feel like we need A Sweet Dream, a place where we have all dreamed about. I’m so appreciative at how it is being received by many, and I hope we can share this word and love to achieve A Sweet Dream.
Musically-speaking, who inspires you?
Wowww, there are so many inspirations in my life. From a vocal point of view Michael McDonald as a male vocalist, and Annie Lennox for a female vocalist. However, there are so many artists that have shared their gift to the world that has brought me a smile, made me dance like no one’s business, taken me to tears and lifted me up when I was down. How can you choose?
In the wake of the recent release of A Sweet Dream, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?
The Duo Hi Tide is still performing almost 3 shows a week and we’ve also just released the new single and cover “Daydream” however, looking forward to sharing the solo project with you soon, it’s all in the works. I’ll keep you posted…
The companion music video for A Sweet Dream is a thing of beauty and evokes some of the very best of what it means to yearn for a particular place and time in one’s life. Was that the primary goal which you were attempting to convey with this gem of a video?
You’ve hit the nail right on the head and thank you so much for getting that. Through all the things we face or may face on the outside world, we always strive to get back home or to that special place to the one or one’s we love. However, it can symbolize whatever you want it to mean to you, that’s A Sweet Dream.
What do you have coming up musically after A Sweet Dream, either as a solo or with the ever-popular duo Hi-Tide? Might an EP or LP release be in your near future?
This project is definitely going to be an LP release, the follow-up to A Sweet Dream is huge. I’ve dug into my soul, and I’ve pulled out all the tricks I’ve learnt throughout the years, it’s all so exciting, I can’t wait for you to hear them all.
As a singer-songwriter, which generally comes first for you: The lyrics or the music?
Hmmmm, that depends on how I’m feeling. It usually comes to me all at the same time, even the production. I say I can write a song within minutes of the inspiration.
At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin to your rousing gem of a ditty A Sweet Dream?
If anything, I would like them to know that there are more people out there if not all who in some ways feel the way they do, and we are all looking for A Sweet Dream and hopefully, we can all come together as one on it.
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