If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be mounting this show, I would've said… Nope. Even five or six years ago, I would've definitely said no. I've produced shows, and done them well, but I just didn't want to produce another show at this time in my life, unless it felt different. Different for me as a performer, and different for you as an audience. I didn't want to hide behind the music… I wanted to be in the music and give it to you. Feel the music, and give you that emotion. And do the work of an artist that I respect and admire, without trying to be them… But to honour them. Perhaps more than I've ever done before in a show. A brave balance perhaps?
I Knew It Was Sade
Who would be the artist…? I KNEW it was Sade. Loved her, loved her style, loved her eloquence, elegance and respect of self, loved her for what she gave and did NOT give us from the very start of her career in the 1980's as I was starting my own career. Many of her songs were in all of my early set lists with the various bands I'd worked with over the years. Some of my early photo shoots were inspired by her style. She was inspiration for me as a black woman in music — an icon I admired.
"I imagined that I was hanging out with her, and with her beautiful subtle way she would say 'yes' or 'no' with my script edits."
So… I know this is silly, but it truly worked for me. When I started to research the show, and to see how I could honour the work of the band and the artist, I imagined that I was hanging out with her, and with her beautiful subtle way she would say "yes" or "no" with my script edits. I would imagine her sitting in the audience and hopefully appreciating what I have done to honour her work, while respecting her privacy. And yes, I would even be open to her critiquing my wardrobe… After all she is a fashion graduate!
Honouring Myself
And then there was the difficult task of honouring myself. To make sure that I give you the music and the story, but you also see me — as a songwriter artist in my own right? Would I be accepted for me as I did this show?
And then… audience members coming up to say thank you for letting us see you. I knew I was taking a chance, but a chance that paid off. You wanted to see me, just the same way I've been wanting to see you… Fully, and completely. And when I smile at you, when I point at you and you know it's YOU, I'm getting that energy too… that beautiful full circle moment.
You Wanted This
To see people come back for more than one show (and you weren't a friend!) even in these beautiful early stages, affirms all the more that I was right. You WANTED this music. You wanted this kind of show. And I was going to be the "Pied Piper" of soul emotion for you all. And I'm honoured. I get to bring you this music, the stories and history of Sade — and all my joy included.
Get excited… I am.
See you soon…
Shelley
The Sade Experience