Shanique Marie drops her debut long-player featuring collaborations and production from Gavsborg, Alanna Stuart, Michael Vincent Waller, Raging Fyah, Swing Ting & Exile Di Brave.
The first woman of Jamaica’s favourite forward-thinking Equiknoxx crew, Queen of the Eternal Children, Shanique previously combined her Reggae, Jazz, R&B & Hip Hop roots on her critically acclaimed Uno EP which included the breakout hit Coconut Jelly Man. A talented and versatile collaborator she’s worked with a host of impressive acts both locally and globally including Krayzie Bone, Redlight, Flava D, Lex Luger, Finn, Aisha Devi, Masicka, Kabaka Pyramid, Sharda, Yaadcore, Addis Pablo, RTKal, Fox & Swing Ting. Marie’s recent singles Ring The Alarm, Freak, as well as collaborations Lifey/Movers with DJ Finn & Survey Says with classical composer Michael Vincent Waller signal a fresh direction.
Building on from this no-holds-barred space is what sets the tone for Gigi’s House, a masterclass in songwriting, storytelling and performance from Marie.
The set boasts a range of styles and sounds from eerie soul (Druggin', P3), sweet yet reflective R&B (Grow, Give Thanks), refreshingly candid one-drop (Government Name, Married Man), bubbling Jamaican dance music (Quality Time Sound System Freestyle) and a heart-stirring Ballad (Ballad). The production complemented by Shanique’s irresistible vocals shimmers throughout, largely handled by fellow Equiknoxx sparring partner Gavsborg, although Michael Vincent Waller brings his evocative piano to Druggin’ and Ballad with Manchester’s Swing Ting producing the affirming Lockdown hit Give Thanks. Alanna Stuart of Bonjay adds her haunting vocals to P3 and Druggin’ and Exile Di Brave brings his nasal tones to Government Name.
Shanique feels comfortably at ease and sure-footed throughout the project so it’s no surprise when asked to describe Gigi’s House she simply states: “I call this one home”.
credits
released June 16, 2021
Written by: S.Sinclair, G. Blair, B.Samrai, R.Platt, M.Waller, MVW, C.Johnson, N.Deane & Raging Fyah.
Produced by: tracks 1 & 2 Produced by Swing Ting & MVW respectively & tracks 3-8 produced by Gavsborg.
Mixed by Stash Pain (3-8), B.Samrai (1) & Christopher Botta (2)
Mastered by Nik Sinna (Hidden Sounds, Manchester)
Artwork by Shanique Marie Sinclair
Singer, Songwriter and coolest of the Eternal Children.
Shanique has collaborated with the likes of Cali P, Finn, Lex Luger, Masicka, Flava D, Redlight, Sharda, Yaadcore, Addis Pablo, RTKal, Fox & Swing Ting.
Moodymann creates innovative soul funky music with deep 70s inspiration. The vocals are simply outstanding. A step back in time, 50 years ago! Superb. jef37
Heavy, futuristic bass music from the renowned Jamaican collective Duppy Gun in collaboration with Twin Cities duo Feel Free Hi Fi. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 29, 2022
i sincerely love this 3-track EP. worth listening to over and over again.
I’ve been waking up to Domestic Termites Love Rock Music in my head, and it’s great
EDIT: DTLRM is still my favorite song of the year Lovdahl, Ian