Shanelle Gabriel: Weaving an Artistic Web through Song, Words and Activism

This article was written by Danielle

Brooklyn bred , Shanelle Gabriel, is a virtuosa: a gifted singer & lyricist who has displayed her skills on stages internationally. Her colorful personality and the distinct sincerity of her voice has made her a force in the poetry & music world. She is best known for opening & featuring on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam as well as in a promo for the 2007 NFL Draft. In addition to her accomplishment as a member of the 2006 Nuyorican Poets Cafe National Slam Team and a competitor in the 2007 Individual World Poetry Slam Competition, Gabriel has also performed and worked with artists such as Les Nubians, Erick Sermon, and Nas. Take a closer look at Q-Tip’s video ManWomanBoogie and you will see Shanelle Gabriel alongside MC/Singer/Actress, Amanda Diva, exercising her acting skills. Let the powerhouse artist enlighten you on her journey as an indie artist, motivational speaker, and embracing life as a Queen living with Lupus.

Urbane Perspective Magazine: Can you tell the readers a bit about your journey in the entertainment business?
Shanelle Gabriel: I’m a singer, lyricist, and an HBO Def Poet who hails from Brooklyn, NY. I’ve been performing all my life, starting in church and in school. I initially saw myself only as a singer/songwriter, and I began by writing & singing hooks for random NYC rappers including Redman and Keith Murray. Spoken word entered my life in 2005, when I first went to a poetry open mic in my hometown. While watching some veterans in the Spoken Word scene, I remember thinking, “Hey, I can do that,” especially since I experimented with rap in my earlier years. I jumped on the mic, spoke & wrote from my heart, started winning poetry slam competitions, and ended up on the 2006 Nuyorican Poets Café National Slam Team. I competed in the 2006 National Poetry Slam and the 2007 Individual World Poetry Slam Competition. I was blessed to open and feature on the 6thSeason of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and to be in a poetic promo for the 2007 NFL Draft. I also do creative writing workshops and panel discussions. I quit my 9 to 5 job at a corporate banking company 2½ years ago to do this full-time, and can’t see myself doing anything else.

UPM: What drew me to your music is the storytelling and variety in your music. Not only do you sing but you also incorporate spoken word. Describe the general process of creating Start Something, your debut album including the meaning of the album title.

Shanelle Gabriel:I spent my senior year in college just writing, getting my thoughts down on paper, summing up my life experiences and learning new things. I told myself that when I graduated, I’d put it all together in a body of work. I was blessed to run into Chris “Rock” Belmont of JahRockin Productions who was able to make what I envisioned in my head come to life on a CD. Singing is my first love, spoken word comes second, so it felt only natural to combine the two. The reason the album was entitled Start Something was because the song itself best stated my purpose for performing and writing. We all have a story to tell and a message to share, and I wanted this album to be a snapshot of many areas of my life and how I overcame my broken heart and broken spirit as well as to provide insight on how to fix things in the world.

UPM: Can you name and explain 3 of your strongest tracks on Start Something?

Shanelle Gabriel: a) A Message to My Girls would definitely be one. The opening and closing line is so powerful and catchy; a lot of people recite that to me when they see me. “Keep your head up, and your skirt down.” Remember to hold your head high, be proud of who you are, forget what the media tells you to be, value your entire self, and (to all the ladies) don’t use your bodies to get love and attention. You are beautiful both inside and out!
b) Possibilities is a favorite of mine. Using an excerpt of the song that helped inspire it, I was able to track a relationship from beginning to end, from the euphoric feeling at the early stages to the disappointment and hurt of love’s demise. Many of us leave relationships bitter and angry, but I believe that we should learn from every interaction we have even if it ends sooner than you’d like it to. Break-ups are okay! Let go, and feel free to love again!
c) I Feel Like Going On is an inspirational gospel song & poem that helped me get through some tough times. I wrote it to let everyone (including myself during dark days) know that no matter what trials may come your way, as long as you continue on and keep the faith, God’s plan for your life will manifest itself. And if you are searching for someone to believe in, try God…He’s pretty cool.

UPM: What creative freedom do you have as an independent artist?

Shanelle Gabriel: I love that I can create without AS MUCH pressure to conform to what is already out there. There are not many avenues labels will allow you to take as a female artist. Either you’re trying to be the next Aaliyah, Beyonce, or totally to the left like MIA. As an independent artist, I am in control of my sound, my image (I prefer to stay clothed), and my message. I love writing from the heart without being yelled at about it not being “pop enough” or “sexy enough.” I think people just feel what I have to say, and I get to say it in my own unique way.

UPM: What do you believe makes a quality album/song that people can listen to 20-30 years from now?

Shanelle Gabriel: Universal connectivity. When you speak on things that EVERYONE can relate to and learn from and feel, you become timeless. Like Michael & Janet Jackson said, confusion will always “make you want to scream.” There will always be someone “overjoyed over love” like Stevie Wonder. And when you combine human emotion with descriptive lyrics and beautiful music like Musiq’s “Love” or even Jay-Z’s “Lost Ones,” you make music that people will always relate to and want to hear.

UPM: Are you looking to divulge further into acting either in Film, TV, or on Stage? If so, what are you looking for?

Shanelle Gabriel: That’s definitely a road I want to take. You can catch me getting my act on in Q-Tip’s music video for “ManWomanBoogie” and in Jadakiss’ video for “Who Run Dis.” I have a degree in Communication Arts which included theater and public speaking, and I was able to be a part of the Vagina Monologues while in college. Acting is fun for me; I feel like a big part of performing my music and poetry is getting into the character of the poem. I’d love to do more, as long as the roles are positive ones. I would just have to commit to staying in one place long enough. But I’m down!

UPM: What current projects do you have in the works for the rest of 2009 and the beginning of 2010?

Shanelle Gabriel: I’m FINALLY in the studio recording the next project. So far I’ve gotten 5 songs/poems finished. This album will have more singing on it, but still the entertaining and moving poetry I’m known for. That’s my focus for the rest of the year, into 2010. I’ll still be touring and continuing to perform in another season of “Slam 101,” a kids poetry workshop at Lincoln Center in NYC. At some point in time, I’ll probably be going on vocal rest since I’ve been so hard on my vocal chords over the last year. Keep checking my schedule on my website to see when I’m coming near you.

UPM: You were diagnosed with Lupus in the summer of 2004. How have you turned something negative into a positive journey?

Shanelle Gabriel: Lupus was the catalyst for me to pursue my dream of being a full-time artist. As described in the poem I wrote called “Vanity,” being diagnosed with a life-altering illness made me appreciate each day so much more. I told myself that I would use my life as a testimony to others, showing them that no matter what obstacle you are faced with, you can reach any goal you set. I am an advocate for Lupus awareness, and I encourage people to take care of their bodies because how important will money and fame be if you enjoy it on a hospital bed?

UPM: Looking back at your life and all that you have accomplished, where do you draw your inspiration from?

Shanelle Gabriel: I am inspired by the testimonies of the people around me. Knowing that my work can make an impact on someone makes me strive for more opportunities to share and experience life. I am inspired my past experiences which I have learned and grown from. I am also inspired by the Holy Spirit because sometimes I look back at things I write and say, “Wow, that was dope. I wrote that?” It could only be inspired by God.

UPM: What message are trying to convey through your work as an artist, activist, and motivational speaker?

Shanelle Gabriel: That through love, passion, ambition, endurance, patience, and faith, you can achieve any goal.

My battle with Lupus has been tedious, but God has a plan. That plan does not include giving up on life. I want to be a testimony to others that no matter what, faith and determination can accomplish any goal.

Listen to her single “Start Something”: [display_podcast]