Iconic soul queen Shannen Wick steps into the realm of solo artistry with her new project SHANN.N, creating a musical experience that resonates with lovers of soulful storytelling.
In the vibrant world of Melbourne’s music scene, SHANN.N, the moniker of Shannen Wick – the dynamic frontwoman of Fulton Street, takes a bold leap into the spotlight with her debut solo release, ‘Love Dressed Down.’
A soulful anthem penned in collaboration with producer/musician PattyBoomba, this emotionally charged single unveils the raw and poignant narrative of the slow unraveling of a long-term relationship.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Known for her commanding vocals and adept songwriting skills, Shannen Wick’s ‘Love Dressed Down’ is a departure from the signature big soul sound of Fulton Street, offering a more intimate and personal exploration of love and heartbreak. The track, released on January 5, 2024, is set to captivate audiences with its authenticity and emotional intensity, marking a distinctive moment in Shannen’s illustrious music career.
Co-written with PattyBoomba, the track navigates the delicate process of heartbreak with Shannen’s characteristic candour and stunning vocal prowess. The lyrics of ‘Love Dressed Down’ are a soul-baring exploration of disappointment, introspection, and ultimately, healing. Shannen skillfully narrates the story of feeling alone in a relationship, capturing the essence of a love slowly disintegrating. In the chorus, she sings;
Undress me with your words
And take this necklace off my heart
Slowly, dress this love down
Undress me with your words
And watch our whole world fall apart
Slowly, dress this love down
A pure anthem of heartbreak, the lyrics of the rich and layered ‘Love Dressed Down’ see Shannen at her most vulnerable, delving into her personal experiences, with each verse painting a vivid picture of the emotional toll of a failing relationship. The song captures moments of being left alone and stood up on Valentine’s Day, weaving a relatable narrative that tugs at the heartstrings.
“Prior to Love Dressed Down, I’d attempted some originals he [PattyBoomba] sent my way and his feedback was to prioritise the narrative. He encouraged journaling experiences and observations, to consider the tenses in lyric writing and for the most part, we talked about songs that could be made from the heart. I’m not usually an open book, but Patty’s studio was a safe space where I could discuss everything without fear.”
PattyBoomba and Shannen – long-time friends – embarked on the project with Shannen’s desire to convey the decline of her long-term relationship, evident in the aforementioned lyrics.
“Patty and I have been friends for a long time. When we decided to collaborate, he began by asking me what I wanted to convey in my first song. I knew I wanted to write about the decline of my long-term relationship,” Shannen explains. “One day, as we sat outside, Patty started freestyling on his guitar. He asked me to improvise; the words and melody of the first verse came to me quickly, so we rushed back inside to the studio to record the beginnings of a demo.”
With nods to the likes of Lianne La Havas, Corinne Bailey Rae and Jessie Ware, ‘Love Dressed Down’ differs from Fulton Street’s big soul sound, with Shannen bringing a fresh perspective to her solo work. The single not only showcases her storytelling prowess but also highlights her versatility as an artist, signaling a departure from the grandeur of big band sounds that defined her earlier recordings.
“Fans of Fulton Street know our band is hugely inspired by the soul revivalist movement from labels such as Daptone and Colemine Records. A majority of our works are recorded to tape in one take, and feature brass and string sections. In these projects, there are many members to organise for rehearsals, recordings, live gigs and touring,” she explains.
“With ‘Love Dressed Down’, it was just Patty and myself, which was a change. Patty arranged, played, recorded, mixed and mastered the track. I’ve always written my own lyrics and melodies, but this was the first time I recorded my own vocals on a release. Melbourne was stuck in endless lockdowns during the time, so Patty guided me on how to record myself with reference videos, as well as through a few phone calls and texts…”
Despite being recorded during Melbourne’s lockdowns, the collaboration between the two led to the creation of a beautiful, richly layered and soulful R&B track, reminiscent of the great divas of our time. It’s clear that Shannen’s musical influences really shine throughout the track, with inspiration drawn from the live mixing sessions of Beyoncé by engineer DJ Swivel.
The result is a richly textured ballad that, in addition to the Beyoncé touch, carries unique elements crafted by Shannen and PattyBoomba.
View this post on Instagram
As an iconic soul queen with Fulton Street, Shannen Wick faces the challenges and rewards of transitioning into a solo artist. Juggling multiple roles, including being a full-time primary school teacher, a session musician and manager of Stoic Records and Fulton Street, Shannen steps into her solo career as SHANN.N with grace and determination to explore the kind of artist she wants to become.
“It’s a lot to balance but prioritising and organisation is key. A few listeners have asked about the next Fulton Street album (it is coming, we promise) and about whether there’s a solo album. For the moment, I just want to be present and celebrate this debut release. I’m hoping to spend a lot of time writing and collaborating this year, as well as exploring the kind of artist I want to be.
“For a long time, I think I was worried about releasing a sound so different from Fulton Street. It’s easy to blend in with a 5–11-piece band. As a solo artist, there’s nowhere to hide. However, I’ve become a little braver in recent times. My thought process is: if I don’t do this for myself now, then I’ll never do it. After all, there’s only one of us in the world. Let’s get it.”
View this post on Instagram
‘Love Dressed Down’ not only marks a significant moment in Shannen Wick’s musical journey but also stands as an anthem of heartbreak that will resonate with listeners. The track is a testament to Shannen’s courage to explore a sound different from Fulton Street, showcasing vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
Shannen Wick’s ‘Love Dressed Down’ is a must-listen for music lovers seeking an authentic and emotionally charged musical experience. As Shannen gracefully steps into her solo artistry, her powerful vocals and rich songwriting continue to leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
Listen to ‘Love Dressed Down’ here. Or purchase it on Bandcamp here.
