Professional ballerina and Broadway actress turned electro-pop artist EMPRESS® is excited to announce the release of her new single, I Won’t Go Quietly, out Friday, June 25, 2021. Throughout her esteemed career, the San Francisco-based artist has always advocated for authenticity through creativity and this anthem does not disappoint. Just in time to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, this single is aimed to empower anyone who has a voice but feels like they are not heard.
EMPRESS penned the single with long-time songwriting partner, Alexandra Forbes, (Nile Rogers, Taylor Dayne) and worked closely with music heavyweights Grammy-nominated producer Bart Schoudel (Justin Bieber and Beyonce) to produce the track and Chris Athens (Drake, Usher, Jay Z) for mastering.
Contemplating her latest single, EMPRESS says, “It took me a long time to learn how to use my voice, and once I did, I couldn’t go back. Silence is not an option — especially when you stand up for what you believe is right.”
EMPRESS starred in, directed, edited and choreographed the music video that accompanies the single. With the epic cinematography by Siege INC, EMPRESS depicts her career as a ballerina and Broadway actress in an audition scene. Convinced that she is one in a million, EMPRESS is proven wrong when she finds out that four identical women are also auditioning for the same part.
“Empowerment is an inside job — if one of us wins, we all win and we’re stronger together. When we are taught that there’s only one winner, it’s hard to be supportive toward others. But that’s just not true. There’s enough room for everyone to succeed.”
This video sets EMPRESS apart. Check out her music video, I Won’t Go Quietly, to see why she is a force to be reckoned with.
Follow EMPRESS on social media for all upcoming performances and musical exclusives.
Professional ballerina turned electro-pop artist EMPRESS® sets out to galvanize and empower women with the release of her debut EP, We Own This Crown, out Friday, June 4, 2021. Throughout her esteemed career, spanning two decades, the San Francisco-based artist has always advocated for authenticity through creativity. Creating seven impactful tracks, the songwriter worked closely with music heavyweights Chris Athens (Drake, Usher, Rick Ross) and Grammy-nominated producer Bart Schoudel (Justin Bieber and Beyonce) to produce her debut EP. Contemplating her newest body of work, EMPRESS says, “We Own This Crown is a musical journey of discovering my inner EMPRESS. The process of learning how to own my own crown was so empowering and rewarding that I felt I had to share my experience in hopes of inspiring others to be the ruler over their own lives. The greatest lesson that I learned was that empowerment comes from within.”
The artist describes her creative process for the EP. She says, “Each track on this EP is an audible snapshot of monumental times and experiences throughout my life. I wrote ‘Lovely I Am’ about my difficult career as a professional ballerina. ‘All In My Head’ is about how much I missed my husband when I was living in NYC performing on Broadway and my husband was stuck working in California for weeks at a time. ‘SnowGlobe’ helped me realize that true happiness only comes from within. ‘Vixen’ is about an empowered woman who remains beautiful and attractive throughout the many stages of womanhood. Finally the title of the EP, We Own This Crown is a reminder to us all that we are the rulers over our own lives.”
Electro-Pop Artist
EMPRESS
Announces New Remix
“We Own This Crown (Chico Rose Remix)”
Peace activist and spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hahn once expressed “True power comes from within. What we seek, we already have." San Francisco based electro-pop artist EMPRESS®, echoes similar sentiments of inner strength, perseverance and tenacity in her upcoming single, “We Own This Crown (Chico Rose Remix).” Remixed by Dutch producer and Afrojack protégé, Chico Rose, the electronic dance music track serves as a reminder that the power we seek can only be found within. The title track from her debut EP, We Own This Crown, rolls out on Friday, May 14, 2021.
Penned with the guidance of longtime collaborator, Alexandra Forbes (Nile Rogers, Craig David, Indra), EMPRESS aims to create music to empower all to become the emperor or empress of their kingdoms. Her new single champions self-assurance while simultaneously providing lyrics that highlight the importance of finding the spark that ignites your spirit.
Be sure to check out EMPRESS’ powerful single “We Own This Crown (Chico Rose Remix)” featuring festival DJ Chico Rose, out May 14th! Follow EMPRESS on social media for all upcoming performances and musical exclusives.
VIXEN COLLECTION
The Vixen Collection Out Now
Throughout Women’s History Month, we recognize and honor strong females. In keeping with this theme, San Francisco-based singer-songwriter EMPRESS announces the release of The Vixen Collection, five songs she wrote to inspire and uplift women. Shannon Rugani, musically known as EMPRESS, has carefully crafted this concept with the help of two time Grammy nominated producer Bart Schoudel and remixes by German producer High ‘N’ Rich. The collection, which includes the original “Vixen” single, “Prelude,” “Remix,” “Extended Remix” and “Workout Remix,” is available now on all digital music platforms.
Inspired by the continuing movement of women wanting equality, acceptance and respect, EMPRESS wrote . her power anthem “Vixen”to remind women of their inner strength and confidence. She wrote four additional renditions of “Vixen” to reflect how that confidence comes through in different ways.
Both music and dance have played a significant part of EMPRESS’s life. At age 4, she began playing the piano and crafting songs. At 16, she became one of the youngest members of the San Francisco Ballet Company and had a very successful dance career. Today, she has returned to her first love, music, creating music that inspires women to be the best they can be.
The Vixen Collection by singer-songwriter EMPRESS is out now on all digital platforms!
