Hubbry Logo
ShènaShènaMain
Open search
Shèna
Community hub
Shèna
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Shèna
Shèna
Shèna
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Tracey Elizabeth McSween, better known by her stage names Shèna and Shèna Winchester, (born 1977) is an English disco and house singer, known for featuring on Michael Gray's song "The Weekend".

Early years

[edit]

Tracey Elizabeth McSween was born into a musical family. Her father was a calypso singer in a band called the Volcanoes.[1] She studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Joy Mammen, and graduated with honours with a Classical, Musical Theatre and Commercial Music Performer's Diploma and a Teacher's Certificate. She took the stage name Shèna and went on to begin her music career.

Career

[edit]

Shèna first performed in musicals like Mamma I Want to Sing, Hot Stuff, Carmen Jones and concert tours throughout the world. Developing an interest in recording, she went on to re-record vocals for other female pop singers.

Her breakthrough hit[2] was a cover of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam's "Let the Beat Hit 'Em, Part 2"[3][4] which reached the UK top 40 in 1997, and would be used as the base for Sound De-Zign's top 20 hit "Happiness" in 2001[5] and which would influence the number one hit "B.O.T.A. (Baddest of Them All)" by DJ Eliza Rose and Interplanetary Criminal in 2022.

In 2008, she achieved her highest placed credited UK chart hit with the Alex Gaudino collaboration "Watch Out", though the biggest hit she actually provided the vocals for was Michael Gray's "The Weekend",[6] a number 7 hit on the UK Singles Chart in 2004.[7] She was the uncredited vocalist for "The Weekend" and has continued to be an in-demand session vocalist, working on a series of dance music tracks for a number of house music and EDM producers including Jake Williams, who, under the name JX, recorded the top 20 hits[8] "There's Nothing I Won't Do" and "You Belong to Me".

Personal life

[edit]

Shèna has three sisters who are also singers.[1] She married musician and record producer James David Winchester.[9]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
  • B.I.T.C.H. (2003)
  • One Man Woman (2009)
  • 2079 (2010)
  • My Brave Face (2011)

Singles

[edit]
  • 1995 "You Belong to Me" (with JX)
  • 1996 "There's Nothing I Won't Do" (with JX)[10]
  • 1996 "More Than Woman"
  • 1997 "Close to Your Heart" (with JX)
  • 1997 "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" – UK No. 28[11]
  • 1998 "Hot Stuff" (with Arsenal F.C. & Friends)
  • 2000 "Dynamite (Dancehall Queen)" (with Dinamyte and Tittla)
  • 2001 "I Can Cast a Spell" (under the alias 'Cloudburst' with Disco-Tex)
  • 2001 "I'll Be Waiting" (with Full Intention) – UK No. 44[11]
  • 2002 "Comin' at Ya" (with Soul Avengerz)
  • 2003 "Wilderness" (with Jurgen Vries) – UK No. 20[11]
  • 2003 "Turn My World" (with Skyy)
  • 2004 "No More" (with Bhooka and T-Bone)
  • 2004 "Dirty Little Dream" (with Per Qx)
  • 2004 "Dare Me (Stupidisco)" (with Junior Jack)
  • 2004 "The Weekend" (with Michael Gray)
  • 2005 "Your Day Is Coming" (with Full Intention)
  • 2005 "1000 Years (Just Leave Me Now)" (with Jupiter Ace)
  • 2005 "Rock Me Dirty"
  • 2006 "Friday Night" (with Sex Machine)
  • 2006 "Do It Again" (with Disco Freaks)
  • 2007 "The Real Thing" (with Cloudskippers)
  • 2007 "Guilty" (with De Souza)
  • 2007 "Altered State of Mind" (with Mr Groove and Vergas)
  • 2007 "Still in Love" (with Notus)
  • 2007 "I've Found the Love" (with Weekend Masters)
  • 2007 "Let Your Mind Go" (with Starchaser)
  • 2007 "Fallin'" (with Dirty High)
  • 2007 "The Power of One" (with DT8 Project)
  • 2007 "Lifting" (with Warren Clarke)
  • 2007 "Electrosexual"
  • 2008 "Watch Out" (with Alex Gaudino)
  • 2008 "Fantasy" (with Solitaire)
  • 2008 "Bitch Is Back" (with Warren Clarke and Jonni Black)
  • 2008 "Why Did Ya" (with The BeatThiefs)
  • 2008 "One Man Woman"
  • 2008 "Got to Be Real" (with Groovesplitters)
  • 2009 "You Got To" (with The Beatthiefs)
  • 2009 "From Dusk Til Dawn" (with Ilan Tenenbaum)
  • 2009 "Release the Future" (with Ilan Tenenbaum)
  • 2009 "The One" (with Joyriders)
  • 2009 "Touch Me" (with Simioli & Viani)
  • 2009 "Can't Stop the Rain"
  • 2009 "Take Me Higher" (with Jonni Black)
  • 2009 "The Music" (with Jay C)
  • 2009 "Won't Bring Me Down" (with Olav Basoski & Alex Van Alff)
  • 2009 "Hold On" (with Mr DYF)
  • 2009 "My Fantasy"
  • 2009 "Nasty Little Rumour"
  • 2010 "Nothing Better" (with Eddie Thoneick)
  • 2010 "Mysterious" (with Knee Deep)
  • 2010 "Look Don't Touch"
  • 2010 "How Come You're Dancing?"
  • 2010 "Everybody" (with Victor Palmez)
  • 2010 "Don't Stop Me Now" (with Ilan Tenenbaum and Bimbo Jones)
  • 2010 "Let the Beat Hit 'Em 2010 (with Soul Kandi Allstars)
  • 2010 "Time of Our Lives" (with Deniz Koyu)
  • 2011 "Take Me to the Stars" (with Nari & Milani and Christian Marchi)
  • 2011 "Uplifted" (with Dave Bernardi)
  • 2011 "Aphrodisiac" (with Ivan Roudyk)
  • 2011 "My Brave Face"
  • 2011 "I'll Be Waiting 2011" (with Full intention)
  • 2011 "There's Nothing I Won't Do" (with Cyber club)
  • 2011 "Higher Than the Clouds" (with Jose de Mara)
  • 2011 "Homewrecka" (with Stereobrain and Sheriff)
  • 2011 "Electro Sexual"
  • 2011 "Alright" (with Andrew Bennett)
  • 2011 "Le Freak" (with DBN and Tom Shark)
  • 2011 "When Love Breaks Down" (with Darryl Green)
  • 2011 "Face Control" (with DJ Shevtsov)
  • 2011 "High" (with Alex Hide)
  • 2012 "4ever" (with Francesco Sparacello)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shèna

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shèna, born Tracey Elizabeth McSween on 19 November 1977 in , , is an English singer and songwriter specializing in , , and genres. She adopted the stage name Shèna early in her career and later became known as Shèna following her marriage to James Winchester, who passed away in 2014. Raised in a musical family—her father was a calypso singer with the band The Volcanoes—Shèna began performing as a child in choirs and solos before studying classical, , and commercial music at the Royal Academy of Music, from which she graduated with honors. She first achieved success in the as the featured vocalist on the top-5 hit "There's Nothing I Won't Do" with the act JX (produced by ) and had a major breakthrough in the 2000s with the top-10 hit "The Weekend" by Michael Gray in 2004. Shèna has released solo albums such as The One (2013) and I'll Be Waiting (2017), blending electro, , and elements, and continues to perform live at clubs, festivals, and events worldwide. Beyond music, she has acted in productions like Mamma I Want to Sing, Hot Stuff, and , served as a on the BBC1 All Together Now, and portrayed in multiple television documentaries, including Autopsy: Bobbi Kristina's Last Hours (2015) and The Last Hours of (2014). Known for her powerful vocals often compared to , Shèna remains an influential figure in the scene, maintaining an active presence through recordings, live performances, and .

Early life

Childhood and family background

Shèna, born Tracey Elizabeth McSween on November 19, 1971, in , , grew up in a vibrant musical household that profoundly shaped her early artistic inclinations. Her father was a prominent calypso singer in a band called the Volcanoes, often performing covers of artists like with his distinctive voice, which filled the home with rhythmic sounds. This environment was further enriched by her three sisters, all of whom were singers—two also pursuing professional careers—creating a constant backdrop of familial harmonies and performances. From a young age, Shèna was immersed in diverse musical genres through her family's influences, beginning to sing at age 3 and performing solos in choirs. Her mother played and records around the house, while her father's calypso selections introduced her to upbeat, storytelling rhythms that blended seamlessly with the era's trends. These early exposures, combined with impromptu family jam sessions, fostered her innate talent and passion for singing, setting the foundation for her future career without formal structure at the time. This familial musicality provided a nurturing yet informal training ground, distinct from later academic pursuits.

Education and musical training

Shèna attended the Royal Academy of Music in from 1994 to 1998, where she received formal training under the guidance of vocal coach Joy Mammen. Influenced by her musical family background, she initially enrolled in a program but soon switched to a commercial track that incorporated songwriting and elements. This decision reflected her aspiration to develop a contemporary vocal style akin to artists like , rather than strictly operatic techniques. Her studies encompassed , , and commercial music, fostering a versatile skill set that integrated rigorous classical vocal discipline with expressive performance in and modern genres. Through these programs, Shèna honed techniques for blending breath control and resonance from classical training with improvisational flair in and rhythmic delivery suited to commercial styles, laying the foundation for her genre-spanning career. She also began session work as a for major artists during her time at the academy, applying her emerging skills in real-world settings. Shèna graduated with honours in 1998, earning a Performer's as well as a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM) in and songwriting. During her studies, she accumulated practical experience through productions, including a role as Euridice in . Additionally, she recorded her debut solo track—a jazz-infused rendition of Puccini's "Un Bel Di"—and toured as part of a ten-piece ensemble, further refining her stage presence and adaptability across ensemble and solo formats.

Career

Early career and breakthrough (1995–2003)

Shèna entered the dance music scene in as a session vocalist, providing the lead vocals for JX's track "You Belong to Me," which peaked at No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart. This marked her professional debut in recorded music, blending her classical training with the energetic demands of and garage genres. She followed with vocals on JX's "There's Nothing I Won't Do" in 1996, a major hit that reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and helped establish her reputation for powerful, emotive performances in dance productions. Around 1995–1997, Shèna signed with Virgin's Club Records sublabel (VC Recordings) and adopted her , transitioning from session work to solo releases in and styles. Her first solo single, "More Than Woman" (1996), showcased her soulful R&B-infused vocals over beats, released under VC Recordings. She continued collaborating with JX on "Close to Your Heart" (1997), which charted at No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart, further solidifying her presence in the burgeoning club scene. Shèna's breakthrough as a solo artist came with "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" in 1997, a high-energy anthem that peaked at No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 3 on the UK Dance Singles Chart. Released on VC Recordings, the track's pulsating beats and Shèna's commanding delivery captured the era's club sound, earning airplay and establishing her as a key voice in .

Major hits and collaborations (2004–2012)

Shèna's period from 2004 to 2012 marked her commercial ascent in the dance and scenes, characterized by high-profile vocal contributions and solo releases that blended grooves with empowering lyrics. Her uncredited vocals on Michael Gray's "The Weekend," released in 2004, propelled the track to No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and achieved international success, including Top 10 placements on Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay chart in 2005. This collaboration highlighted her soulful delivery in a context, setting the stage for broader recognition in club circuits across and the US. A pivotal credited hit came in 2008 with Italian producer on "Watch Out," which sampled 's 1982 track "Papa's Got a Brand New Pigbag" and peaked at No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart while topping dance charts in several countries. The song's infectious electro-house energy and Shèna's commanding vocals earned widespread radio play and club rotation, solidifying her as a go-to vocalist for global anthems. Media outlets like noted her rising profile in , praising the track's fusion of retro influences with modern production. Shèna transitioned to solo work with her debut One Man Woman in 2009 on No Prisoners Records, co-produced with her husband James Winchester, exploring themes of romantic empowerment through tracks like "Nasty Little Rumour" and "Can't Stop the Rain." Follow-up 2079 (2010) and My Brave Face (2011) delved into futuristic soundscapes and bold self-assertion, respectively, with elements evident in extended mixes of songs like "My Fantasy" and "Slanderous." These releases received positive coverage in outlets like Music for their vibrant and revivalism, though they achieved modest chart impact compared to her features. Throughout this era, Shèna featured on tracks by prominent producers, including De Souza's "Guilty" (2007), a sultry electro- single that emphasized her versatile phrasing in -infused arrangements. Such partnerships underscored her influence in and subgenres, with and compilations amplifying her contributions to club culture. Her work during this time laid groundwork for enduring , indirectly inspiring later tracks through her distinctive vocal style in classics.

Later career and recent activities (2013–present)

Following the success of her earlier hits, which provided a foundation for a sustained fanbase and ongoing opportunities, Shèna transitioned to independent releases starting in 2013. Her single "The One" marked this shift, followed by collaborations like "I'll Be Waiting" in 2017 with producers Full Intention, released via Full Intention Records as a digital EP featuring that blended and dance elements. In 2018, she released "Electrosexual," a track incorporating electro and influences through digital platforms like Azuli Records and streaming services. In recent years, Shèna has embraced with the vinyl reissue of her 2009 album One Man Woman, launched as a limited-edition pressing in 2024 and extending into 2025 availability. Dedicated to her husband James Winchester, who co-wrote tracks on the original, this reissue highlights her return to vinyl as a "Vinyl Queen" and celebrates personal milestones through . She maintains an active presence across platforms under the handle @ShenaWinchester, including (with over 2,600 followers), , , and , where she shares vlogs, behind-the-scenes footage, and updates on her music projects to engage fans directly. In 2024, Shèna featured on remixes of the classic track "Wilderness" originally by Jurgen Vries, including the Farius Remix (June 2024) and a collaboration with Krakota (October 2024), both released via Armada Music, reviving the 2004 hit for contemporary dance audiences. Shèna has expanded into multifaceted roles as a self-described "musicpreneur," actress, and blogger, handling production aspects of her work while blending dance-pop with diverse genres. Her acting pursuits include theatre, television, and film appearances, building on her musical theatre background. Through independent efforts, she has sustained relevance in the UK dance scene via performances and remixes, such as "Little Sister" (2013), without reliance on major labels.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Shèna married and James David Winchester, adopting the stage name Shèna Winchester following their union. The couple collaborated closely as a songwriting and production team, with Winchester founding No Prisoners Records alongside her. He passed away on September 21, 2014. Her 2009 album One Man Woman, co-written with , reflects their personal love story and partnership, serving as a to their relationship. This musical dedication underscores how their marriage influenced her artistic identity, blending personal intimacy with her professional output. Shèna comes from a musical background that extends into her adult life, where she maintains close ties with her three sisters, all of whom are singers. Their shared vocal heritage has provided ongoing influences, with her eldest sister introducing her to music that shaped her career trajectory.

Other pursuits and interests

Shèna has embraced the role of a musicpreneur, focusing on independent production and business ventures within the sector. Alongside her husband and collaborator James Winchester, she co-founded the indie label No Prisoners Records in 2006, which has facilitated the release of her albums including One Man Woman (2009) and 2079 (2010), often featuring limited-edition vinyl pressings that reflect her curation of physical formats in the digital age. These efforts underscore her dedication to sustaining 's legacy through entrepreneurial control over her output. Her musical theatre training at the Royal Academy of Music, where she graduated with honors in classical, , and commercial music , led to early pursuits. Immediately after graduation, Shèna joined the touring production of , marking her professional stage debut and tying into her broader background. Shèna actively promotes the revival through her work and public discussions, positioning herself at the forefront of updating the genre for contemporary audiences as a prominent female vocalist in and . In interviews, she has highlighted the timeless appeal of , contributing to its resurgence via collaborations and releases that blend classic elements with modern production. Her marriage to James Winchester has influenced these endeavors, with dedications like the album One Man Woman reflecting personal inspirations in her creative and business pursuits.

Discography

Studio albums

Shèna's studio discography centers on , , and electronic styles, often co-produced with her husband James Winchester under No Prisoners Records, emphasizing empowering vocals and retro-futuristic production. One Man Woman (2009), released independently on No Prisoners Records, marks Shèna's debut full-length album, delving into relationship dynamics through tracks like "One Man Woman," "Nasty Little Rumour," "Can't Stop the Rain," and "Shameless." The production fuses grooves with modern elements, creating an upbeat, funky sound that reviewers likened to classic disco compilations for its infectious energy and vocal delivery. Her follow-up, 2079 (2010), is a evoking futuristic as a homage to 1979's era, featuring extended mixes such as "How Come You're Dancing? (Dizco Mix)," "My Fantasy (12" Vocal Mix)," "Slanderous (Rude Boy)," and "Look Don't Touch." The work highlights electronic funk and orchestral touches, with "Can't Stop the Rain" channeling Chic's signature basslines and emotional depth for a dancefloor-ready to classic sounds. My Brave Face (2011) blends pop-dance with R&B influences, showcasing resilience through its title track and selections like "," "Nasty Little Rumour," and "Treat Me Like Your Baby." The album's production prioritizes vocal arrangements and rhythmic grooves, building on prior releases with a more personal, uplifting tone. Shèna's solo singles and featured vocal contributions span , , and electronic genres, often achieving success through collaborations with prominent DJs and producers. Her early releases established her presence in the UK club scene, while later features highlighted her versatile vocal style on high-energy dance tracks. Standalone singles and EPs outside of full-length albums include several chart entries, with remixes frequently extending their club play. Notable uncredited work, such as on Michael Gray's "The Weekend," underscores her influence in the 2000s revival. One of her breakthrough solo singles was "," released in 1997 on , which peaked at No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart and reached No. 3 on the UK Dance Chart. The track featured remixes by producers like Farley "Jackmaster" Funk and was praised for its energetic house grooves, marking Shèna's first major commercial release. Early in her career, Shèna provided credited lead vocals on JX tracks in the mid-1990s, including "You Belong to Me" and "There's I Won't Do." Another key early feature was on De Souza's "Guilty" in 2007, released on Blanco Y Negro Music, reaching No. 46 in the UK; the single included club mixes sampling Barbra Streisand's "Make It Like a " and became a staple in European dance sets. In 2004, Shèna delivered uncredited vocals on Michael Gray's "The Weekend," a house anthem released on Eye Industries, which climbed to No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and topped the UK Dance Chart. The track's extended vocal mix and various remixes, including those by StoneBridge, amplified its global club impact. Her collaboration with on "Watch Out" followed in 2008, via , peaking at No. 16 in the UK and No. 2 on the Dance Chart; the single featured beach-party infused house production and multiple remixes by the likes of Soul Avengerz. Later releases include the 2017 re-edit of "I'll Be Waiting," originally a 2001 collaboration with Full Intention on but refreshed as a radio single featuring updated mixes, emphasizing Shèna's enduring club appeal. "Nasty Little Rumour," a 2009 standalone single on No Prisoners Records (also tied to her album promotion), came with remixes by Bimbo Jones and Louis La Roche, gaining traction in circles; a re-release appeared in 2023. Shèna has also contributed to various and tracks, including features on Jurgen Vries' "Wilderness" (2003, UK No. 20) and Full Intention's "Your Day Is Coming" (2003, UK No. 80), both showcasing her soulful delivery in electronic contexts. Recent activity includes the single "Nan Me Da Ghama Starge Sre Di" (2024).
TitleYearCollaborator/FormatUK PeakLabelNotes
Let the Beat Hit 'Em1997Solo single28VirginRemixes by Farley & Heller; dance chart No. 3
Dare Me (Stupidisco)2004Junior Jack ft. Shèna (single)20Data RecordsClub-oriented house track
The Weekend2004Michael Gray (uncredited vocals, single)7Eye IndustriesTopped UK Dance Chart; multiple remixes
Wilderness2003Jurgen Vries ft. Shèna (single)20Trance-house feature
Your Day Is Coming2003Full Intention & Shèna (single)80DefectedSoulful house collaboration
Guilty2007De Souza ft. Shèna (single)46Blanco Y NegroSample-based club mixes
Watch Out2008 ft. Shèna (single)16Dance chart No. 2; extended mixes available
Nasty Little Rumour2009Solo single-No PrisonersNu-disco remixes by Louis La Roche; re-released 2023
I'll Be Waiting (2017 edit)2017Full Intention presents Shèna (single re-edit)-DefectedUpdated radio and club versions
Nan Me Da Ghama Starge Sre Di2024Solo single-IndependentRecent release as of 2024

References

  1. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/shena/4770594
  2. http://www.disco-disco.com/artists/shena.shtml
  3. https://www.discogs.com/artist/629020-Shena
  4. https://www.discogs.com/artist/410777-James-Winchester
  5. https://www.dancecrazy.co.uk/artist/jx-shena-winchester
  6. https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FhRI8UpmCQzY1yJM4rWVL
  7. https://www.facebook.com/shenamusic/
  8. https://www.instagram.com/shenawinchester_official/?hl=en
  9. https://www.last.fm/music/Shena/+wiki
  10. http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~nadiar/Sheena.html
  11. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/30086/jx/
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXL8_mwV40A
  13. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19970727/7501/
  14. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/19970727/104/
  15. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/michael-gray-the-weekend/
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3kkNfH4yco
  17. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/2177/alex-gaudino/
  18. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/alex-gaudino/watch-out
  19. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/mar/12/new-band-shena
  20. https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/wgjw/
  21. https://music.apple.com/us/album/my-brave-face/455318041
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/1236521-De-Souza-Ft-Shena-Guilty
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pasdDicu0Ms
  24. https://www.discogs.com/master/93315-Full-Intention-Presents-Shena-Ill-Be-Waiting
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/25425439-Shena-Electrosexual-From-The-Girl-With-the-Dragon-Tattoo
  26. https://www.instagram.com/shenawinchester_official/
  27. https://x.com/shenawinchester
  28. https://open.spotify.com/track/14ydzyswp520PKHJOWc2Ro
  29. https://www.armadamusic.com/news/krakota-jurgen-vries-shena-wilderness
  30. https://bitebackagency.com/roster/shena-winchester/
  31. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/shena-winchester/216535194
  32. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/james-winchester-30a2276
  33. http://www.dmcworld.net/features/question-and-answer/shena-disco-queen-687/amp/
  34. https://www.theguardian.com/music/video/2009/aug/20/paul-morley-shena
  35. https://souluk1984.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/review-shena-one-man-woman-2009/
  36. https://music.apple.com/us/album/2079/386792836
  37. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/2015/shena/
  38. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/19970810/104/
  39. https://www.whosampled.com/De-Souza/Guilty/
  40. https://musicbrainz.org/work/7a0718fc-8b17-4a0f-9875-ec8d5756d293
  41. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/alex-gaudino-ft-shena-watch-out/
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiqrJusY6bU
  43. https://open.spotify.com/album/1JsxDBvBxCxk8GrSVAQAD5
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.