Shontelle recently told DigitalSpy that she was “living” the heartbreak-filled lyrics of ‘Impossible‘ and it’s safe to presume she’s not alone. A year and a half since the likeable-but-still-slightly-aggravating ‘T-Shirt’ hit the top ten, the Bajan songbird is back with a more mature sound – one that’s already paid off, as this Whitney-sized tale of heartbreak has become her biggest hit yet across the pond.

It’s not tricky to see why, with everyone involved in ‘Impossible’ delivering like they’ve got Sue Sylvester’s protein shake-scented breath warming their necks. Arnthor Birgisson’s Stargate-style production has a very appealingly restrained, Ina Wroldsen’s lyrics are blunt and utterly relatable, and Shontelle gives her strongest vocal performance yet without ever overdoing it. The result? A treat for everyone except the peeps at Greenpeace, who might not approve of a song that requires at least two Kleenex mansize every time you play it.

Impossible is due to release on UK Amazon & iTunes, September 9th.

(rated 5 stars)

Shaking off the T-Shirt tag may be as much of a struggle for Shontelle as proving that she and countrywoman Rihanna are actually friends, but with the 24-year-old’s new single ‘Impossible’ a certified hit across the pond, we gave her a call to find out how she fancies her chances of repeating the feat over here.

Congratulations on your success with ‘Impossible’ in the US.
“Thank you so much. First of all, I love Digital Spy and I check the site all the time! Oh my gosh though, the single’s success is great because it’s really challenging breaking the US. It’s probably more challenging than breaking anywhere else, so going top ten is pretty exciting for me.”

Did you know the song would be a hit when you first heard it?
“You know, I knew it had potential but there are so many things that go together to make a song work – from the artist to the timing to having some luck! There are so many different factors, but I just really hoped people would like the way I deliver the song… and luckily it seems they did!”

Have you heard rumours that it was turned down by both Leona and Rihanna’s teams?
“You know, I’ve heard those rumours, though I’ve never had them confirmed. I don’t know for sure, but I’m really glad I recorded it!”

What’s the inspiration behind the song? Can you relate to it personally?
“Yeah, I’m literally living it right now myself. Sometimes you’re in love and it doesn’t work out and it breaks your heart – especially when it’s a person you never saw that coming from, someone you thought could be The One. I think everyone has a heartbreak story and I definitely can relate.”

And the video – it tells that story really well.
“Thank you. When we were thinking about the video, we thought about how the economy’s been crap of late, labels are cutting budgets because no-one’s buying music, and lots of videos aren’t how they used to be. You know how they’d be like mini-movies and tell a full story? We wanted to accomplish that with ‘Impossible’ and I think the director, TAJ Stansberry, did a great job.”

Of course, Lady GaGa is a big fan of the mini-movie style videos you mention. Would you be keen to make your own nine-minute promo?
“Oh my gosh, if I had that kind of budget, I’d do it too! I remember Michael Jackson’s videos used to be like that. MC Hammer too – you’d never forget his videos! Who knows, maybe we can get back to those days?”

(Read more…)

2009 saw the rise of one of the brightest sparks to emerge on the US urban music scene for a long while. Singer, songwriter, A-grade student, professional sportswoman, military officer, qualified lawyer and proven entrepreneur, there is far more than just one talented string to Shontelle’s metaphorical bow.

From the moment Shontelle signed a record deal with SRC – The Island Def Jam imprint run by legendary music industry mogul Steve Rifkin (of Loud and Wu Tang fame) – things moved at a rapid pace for the 23-year-old Bajan singer-songwriter. Within months of inking her first record deal, Shontelle’s debut single ‘T Shirt’ emerged as one of 2009’s biggest global hits, remaining in the UK top 10 for over a month, garnering 10 million+ youtube views, and selling over 250,000 units in the UK alone.

Shortly afterward Shontelle supported New Kids on the Block and Beyonce on the European legs of their tour, and had Akon step up to feature on her second single ‘Stuck With Each Other’ which was the title track for the box office smash ‘Confessions of A Shopaholic’. By the end of the year, even the president of the USA was a big fan of Shontelle – Barack Obama used her album track ‘Battle Cry’ on his Campaign Trail compilation album entitled ‘Yes We Can: Voice of a Grassroots’.

Now, less than a year later, Shontelle is gearing up to release ‘Impossible’ the first single from her second album, ‘No Gravity’. Currently a big hit stateside (having sold 600,000+ units and garnering over 8.5 million views on Youtube/VEVO alone), the immediately infectious and supremely radio-friendly ‘Impossible’ is set to take the UK by storm this summer.

Shontelle’s ‘Impossible’ will be released in the UK by SRC/Island Records on August 30th 2010. Her second album,‘No Gravity’, will be released in the UK by SRC/Island Records in November 2010.

- Confirmed by Island Records & GalaxyFM (UK) – Thanks Mark!

Check out this pretty hot unseen Shontelle photoshoot from 2009 with Amit & Naroop.

UK “IMPOSSIBLE” RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 23, 2010

(Confirmed by several reliable UK sources)

Check out a recent interview HypeLife had with Shontelle below:

HL : We knew that you were studying law at the university, why did you finally choose a musical career ?

S : Music was always my #1 career choice. But my parents always encouraged me to stay in school for many reasons. I had to make the biggest decision of my life when I got a call from Evan Rogers. He and business partner Carl Sturken reached out to me about a song called “Roll” that I wrote. They wanted to talk to me about doing a remake with Rihanna and J-Status. When I went to their studio they put me on the spot with a guitar and asked me to sing. Let’s just say months later I was hopping from label to label in meetings, shopping my demo with SRP Records.

HL: Which artists did you look up to growing up ? Your musical influence ?

S: I grew up on a lot of Motown. My parents played alot of Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross etc. They also played alot of Tina Turner and Whitney Houston, Sting, Elton John, Phil Colllins and Seal. Those were my 1st influences. Later I got into Mary J Blige, Boyz 2 Men, Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Jay-Z, Brandy, TLC and The Fugees and Lauryn Hill. Much later I got into more pop like Justin Timberlake, Britney and Madonna. Now I love everything! My musical taste is so versatile.

HL: How would you describre your music ? Is your music heavily inspired by your personal experiences ?

S: My music is definitely heavily influenced by my person experiences. I write about things that I’ve been through or that friends or even strangers have experienced. I want people to be able to connect with me and my music.

(Read more…)

Rihanna was interviewed by Justin Lee Collins last night for his new TV show, called “Justin Lee Collins: Good Times”, that will air on Channel5 soon.

RihannaDaily gave 6 lucky fans the chance to attend and ask RiRi questions. One of the fan questions from “Freida” were chosen to be asked in the fan segment of the show!

Any future plans to work with Shontelle?

No plans, but I would like to.

Finally it’s here! The WORLD Premiere of Shontelle’s “LICKY (Under the Covers)” music video directed by Ray Kay who is best known for filming the music videos for artists like Beyonce, Ciara, Lady Gaga and other well known artists.

The song was released in November on iTunes as an introduction to Shontelle’s sophmore album, and will be serviced to clubs while her official lead single “Impossible” impacts US radio early February. Stay tuned for the official premiere and it’s single cover this week!

The electronic influence track “Licky (Under the Covers)” was produced by DJ Frank E and written by singer/producer Sean Garrett. Look out for her lead single “Impossible” from her upcoming as-yet untitled sophomore album due Spring 2010!

As of today (December 6, 2009), Licky surprisingly made its way to a staggering #3 spot on Shontelle’s most popular selling songs on U.S. iTunes! Note that “Licky” was only officially released on iTunes just under a month ago, while her previous single “Stuck with Each Other” charts at #5 and the recent “Motown 50th Medley” at #4.

People in different areas of the U.S might see a different listing than above, because it tends to fluctuate up and down, but for sure it secures a Top 4 position.

It is quite shocking for “Licky” to reach #3 so fast, but it definitely shows its potential. With an official U.K iTunes release yet to come, an EPIC music video on the way, the single officially hitting radio come January 2010, and an amazing album to follow in April, 2010/11 is looking to be her year.

Get Shontelle’s new infectious smash single “LICKY“, now on iTunes (US) and Amazon MP3!

___

“Superwoman” (Prod. Stargate) from Shontelle’s debut album “Shontelligence”, is not only one of the best songs on the album, but a true anthem for women empowerment. Recently official club remixes of the song were sent out to the UK for promo until her new smash single “Licky (Under the Covers)” impacts radio early next year (January 2010). Track listing below:

1. Radio Edit
2. Vito Benito Club Mix
3. Agent X Mix
4. Vito Benito Radio Edit

In my opinion, these are the hottest single remixes from Shontelle so far!

SHONTELLE wants to hear from YOU! Call her up at the numbers listed below.

U.S.A: 1 (646) 462-4440

U.K.: 020 3318 2620

If you call from your cell phone, you’ll get a text message letting you know whenever you have sent a voice message. SayNow is free, but your cell phone company may charge for air time or text messages depending on the plan you have.

Shontelle’s debut single “T-Shirt” recently hit the 1 million sales mark WORLDWIDE. Shontelle is keeping busy working on her sophomore album. She was recently in Sweden working with Arnthor Birgisson, Martin Hansen, and Harry Sommerdahl.

She has also been working with Frank E and Sean Garrett. Her first single will hit radio early next year (January 2010) with a summer album to follow.

Source: SRP Music Group

After about a month of touring with the diva herself BEYONCE, Unfortunately it came to an end. Shontelle had a blast and learnt alot from being on tour with her – “Now that’s how ya do it!” said in her own words. “If you haven’t seen her live yet, DO IT!”

You can check out all the fan and personal photos from the “I Am…” tour in the Photogallery, and if you haven’t already, make sure to also watch the personal videos Shontelle took!

The word is that Beyonce will be touring the UK soon again around November 2009, hopefully Shontelle will have the chance to experience it again and gain thousands of new fans.

Watch all of the videos and check out all the photos from the “I Am…” tour – click here

In an exclusive interview Neonlimelight recently had with London-based singer/songwriter Mr. Hudson, he revealed he wouldn’t mind working with Shontelle! Read an extract below:

When asked about working with another Barbados-native, “T-Shirt” singer Shontelle, Hudson cited time constraints as the reason behind them not being able to pair up. “It’s kind of just a rumor, but like Lil Wayne wants to f-ck every girl in the world, I want to work with every girl in the world.”

Source: Neonlimelight (Thanks TJ!)

Watch the videos above of Shontelle, her DJ and dancers encountering a homeless comedian outside the Odyssey Arena in Belfast (Ireland) and also chillin in her dressing room with crew and Universal Motown peeps after the finale show of The Beyonce I Am Tour 09.