Shura is just getting started with the recent release of her new single “What’s it Gonna Be?” The British/Russian singer and songwriter has a certain sound reminiscent of an early 80’s Madonna, which is iconic in itself. The shallow drums and tambourine in the background call to the immediate image of hair metal bands and leg warmers.

The album art work and music synonymously mix the real world and her created world. By matching her own tastes with music of the past, Shura gets an outcome unlike her competition.  Shura’s greatest influencers are icons like most but specifically are artists from the 80’s. In an interview with HungerTV, she lists her inspiration as the following:

“The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson was a game changer in terms of inspiration, but there’s a lot of early Madonna in me, I think. Growing up on those records had a massive effect on me. I’m absolutely freaking out over Whitney Houston’s ‘How Will I Know’ at the moment. Then there’s Patrice Rushen, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Raphael Saadiq, Dilla and early Prince. On the newer side of things obviously Dev Hynes is a massive inspiration, I’m also a card carrying Drake fan – and I’ll always have a seriously soft spot for Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi.”

I am personally curious to know how she is liking this new Drake and his even newer sounds featuring reggae tone. I think their styles would work well together considering her previous songs and inventive themes. One can only wish!

“What’s it Gonna Be?” is Shura’s fifth release from her upcoming album Nothing’s Real. Earlier releases from Nothing’s Real include enchanting, up-beat love songs like “2Shy” “Touch,” “White Light” and “Indecision.“ The album is set to release July 8th through Polydore Records, which is a British record label company under Universal Music Group. Similar artist’s under the label include Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, and The Beatles.

If you are interested in more of Shura’s music make sure to check out her Soundcloud, and pre-order her new album! Below is a track list of her released and unreleased singles from the album! Check it out:

01. (I)
02. Nothing’s Real
03. What’s It Gonna Be?
04. Touch
05. Kidz ‘n’ Stuff
06. Indecision
07. What Happened to Us?
08. (II)
09. Tongue Tied
10. Make It Up
11. 2Shy
12. White Light
13. The Space Tapes

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The post Listen: Shura’s New Single “What’s it Gonna Be?” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.