“They’re All Here For Me”: Five Minutes Backstage with Shenseea

Another sold-out show at Webster Hall means another line around the block. It wasn’t long after I scurried to the very end that a woman selling a grocery cart full of Jamaican flags and 99-proof banana shots approached. After a bootleg shot, I was ushered through several hidden entrances into the heart of the whole operation: backstage. Directly in front of a space heater, because she likes the room to be 80 degrees, Shenseea sat on the couch in a sweatsuit. Before her performance, the dancehall prodigy was utterly calm. She couldn’t hear the Yengs pouring into the packed-out venue, just a Sharpie squeaking across the posters she was signing and the bass from an opening act. But even if she had, it wouldn’t have fazed her much. “They’re all here for me,” the Jamaican-born singer told me. “So I don’t think I can do anything wrong in their eyes.” Following the release of her sophomore album, Never Gets Late Here, we caught Shenseea at the front end of her sold-out tour to discuss her cult following, the weirdest thing she’s ever signed, and why New York feels like a home away from home. 

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EMMA STOUT: How are you feeling about being in New York?

SHENSEEA: I feel amazing. I feel at my third home.

STOUT: What are the first two?

SHENSEEA: Jamaica, for sure. The UK, Canada, and Guyana are second. It’s hard to choose.

STOUT: Where are you getting the best Jamaican food in New York?

SHENSEEA: I go to The Door in Queens. Or Miss Lily’s.

STOUT: I know you’re barely into your tour, but what city are you excited to hit?

SHENSEEA: LA.

STOUT: Any reason?

SHENSEEA: I’ve stayed there for two years now, and I’m trying to see the reception. I established myself there somewhat, but I’ve never really played my own show there before. That’s why I’m excited to see the turnout.

STOUT: Who’s traveling with you?

SHENSEEA: I have three managers, my DJ engineer, drivers, my four dancers, and my videographer.

STOUT: Really fun. Since we’re sitting and signing posters right now, what’s the weirdest thing anyone’s asked you to sign?

SHENSEEA: The weirdest thing? Maybe their titties? Oh no, their purse and belt, I would say.

STOUT: Like an expensive purse?

SHENSEEA: Yes, and belt.

STOUT: Well, you made it more expensive. What’s your favorite song to perform from this album?

SHENSEEA: I love to perform “Die For You” and “Hit & Run.”

STOUT: Love it. What are your pre-show rituals? Do you have nerves before a show?

SHENSEEA: Not anymore, really. And not for my own show. Because they’re all here for me. So I don’t think I can do anything wrong in their eyes.

STOUT: Period. Is the heat part of the … ?

SHENSEEA: Oh, yes. I love heat. It has to be like 80 degrees in here.

STOUT: Is that the optimal temperature for a room?

SHENSEEA: For me? Yes. Or 75 at most.

STOUT: So what’s on your tour rider?

SHENSEEA: I love cheese curls and cheesy popcorns. I have to have some fruits, too, because I’m a semi-healthy girl.

STOUT: What’s the best fruit, though?

SHENSEEA: Lychee.

STOUT: That’s an underrated one.

SHENSEEA: Not in the Caribbean. They would kill for that.

STOUT: Wow. So it’s serious…

SHENSEEA: Here, it’s maybe an underrated fruit. But in Jamaica, don’t touch people’s lychee. Now I’m so hungry.

STOUT: [Laughs] Describe the outfit inspo.

SHENSEEA: It’s not glamorous. It’s not star shiny. It’s like, “Wow, what brand is that? Who is she wearing?” type fashion. It’s sleek.

STOUT: Do you think your personal style is similar?

SHENSEEA: Yes. I think that’s where it’s at now. I am not too loud with a lot of bling and jewelry. I’m not on that vibe anymore. I’m more subtle sexy.

STOUT: What are you doing after the show?

SHENSEEA: I have an after party. And then, I head straight to Washington, D.C., on the bus.

STOUT: What’s the vibe of the afters?

SHENSEEA: I don’t know, really just party and turn up with the fans. It’s at Jouvay. I give them a couple bottles for showing out and celebrating with me. Tonight is a sold out show, so it’s always vibes and energy here in New York.

STOUT: Well, yes. What’s the bottle? What are you drinking?

SHENSEEA: Right now? I’m drinking D’Usse.

STOUT: What is that?

SHENSEEA: Rick Ross’s drink.