NYC Reggae Singer Records Single For 'Won't Back Down' Movie Soundtrack
New York: Brooklyn based reggae singer Princess Menen is counting her lucky stars after her duet single (Sweetest Song) with American Grammy superstar Moby was included in the soundtrack for the movie “Won’t Back Down” which premiered in theaters on September 28.
The movie, which stars Viola Davis, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Holly Hunter, tells the story of a persistent single mother who teams with a determined teacher, looking to transform a failing public school into a charter school. Facing a powerful and entrenched bureaucracy, they risk everything to make a difference in the education and future of their children.
“Honestly I feel this movie is gonna get a lot of attention because of the big stars and the story line which is based on education and the school system” Menem said. “I feel so happy that my song was included in the soundtrack.”
Menem said the opportunity to record with Moby came about from a chance meeting she had with him in 2007.
“Moby was looking for a dancehall artist to work with and an associate of his (Jah Fury) shared his contact with my manager Andrea Bullens. She arranged a meeting at Moby’s studios in NYC that I attended with my mother and my manager. We all met there for what we thought was just a regular meeting. We had a good vibes, so we immediately starting working. He gave me a riddim and I wrote a song entitled ‘Say He Loves Me.'”
Impressed with her vocal style and lyrics, Princess was invited back to record a second song.
“It took me about five minutes to write the lyrics and another five minutes to record ‘Sweetest Song’ and here I am today” she said.
While ‘Sweetest Song’ did not make the cut for Moby’s album, Bullens disclosed, “‘Won’t Back Down’ scooped it up and the rest is history. Princess can now add this accomplishment to her resume and be proud for being recognised for her talent.”
“I’m so grateful for the referral and the opportunity to work with an accomplished musician like Moby. I feel this move will definitely impact my career in a positive way” Princess gushed.
Princess is no stranger to the music industry. She is in fact a seasoned singer whose name has been buzzing around the industry for quite some time. She launched her career in the late 90s at a performance in Brooklyn, opening for Capleton. She has since recorded with reggae luminaries Sizzla, Luthan Fyah, Chrisinti and Marlon Asher and has performed at Irie Jamboree, Reggae Carifest and Spring Break in Negril, Jamaica.
“I started off doing reggae which is my foundation but I record and perform all kinds of music. I’m versatile in every sense of the word. Give me any riddim and I am sure to come up with something special” she noted.
Her main focus now will be to continue to promote “Sweetest Sound,” however she is eager to complete work on her highly anticipated debut album.
“I am very excited about releasing my new album. I have some very good songs that I can’t wait to let the rest of the world hear. Moby has also invited me back to work on another song so let’s see what beautiful music will come from us again.” she said.
