The WiMN’s Front and Center is a weekly column that showcases accomplished women who work in the music and audio industries. We spotlight successful female performers, manufacturers, retailers, educators, managers, publicists, and everyone else in between. Want to be featured? Learn how here.
Front and Center: Drummer Shauney “Baby” Recke
The daughter of a nurse and R&B musician, Washington, D.C.-born drummer Shauney “Baby” Recke has been immersed in music since a very early age.
With a résumé that includes collaboration or performances with Sting, Will.I.Am, Robin Thicke and many other chart-topping artists, Recke is one of the most celebrated female drummers in today’s international music community.
In addition to her musical endeavors, Recke has a passion of philanthropic work. She launched her own organization, Drum For Goodness Sake, which provides relief for those suffering with a number of diseases through the health benefits of drumming.
Keep up with Shauney “Baby” Recke here, and be on the lookout for her upcoming book.
WiMN: What are your earliest music-related memories? With your father being a member of The Delfonics, it seems like you had quite a musical upbringing.
SR: I recall hearing music very early on, as my mom would sing to us as children. My father passed on early in my childhood, however music always played in our home.
WiMN: What attracted you to the drums?
SR: I was attracted to drumming out of loving rhythms, how they were used and what they evoked. I formed a fascination with drums once I actually played them and discovered that I had a natural ability. Drumming became comforting and therapeutic.
WiMN: You’ve toured and performed with an amazing list of artists. What have been some of your favorite experiences playing with these artists? What have you learned?
SR: One of my favorite experiences is how each and every time I play with someone, it always feels as if it’s the first time. What I’ve learned is that no matter how prepared you think you are, something happens in the performance that’s unexpected. That blows me away everytime. But I realize that with practice and preparation, met with opportunity and performance, something magical most likely always happens.
WiMN: What is one piece of advice you’d offer to a woman who would like to make drumming her career?
SR: In addition to being prepared, PASSION.
WiMN: Tell us about Drum For Goodness Sake.
SR: Drum For Goodness Sake is a company I started for the intention of providing musical therapy without being a licensed therapist. I feel that in a professional music career, most people take, however DFGS allows me to give. And in giving I receive, so it’s an exchange. It touches people and that makes me delighted.
WiMN: Who are some of your female role models in the industry – musicians or otherwise?
SR: I don’t really have any that are drummers, however there are many amazing women who contribute and give in many ways–not by just talking about it but living it. One of my favorite woman that represent this for me is Maria Shriver.
WiMN: Can you share your experience as a woman in the industry? Have there been challenges?
SR: There have been many challenges and continue to be. Those details will be revealed in my book.
WiMN: What’s in store for you for the remainder of 2013?
SR: Well, I have partnered with singer Lauren Harris, and we have a rock band called Kingdom Of I. We have finished an EP and will have a release party soon. We’re getting ready for photo shoots and a video shoots, plus we’re hitting the road in 2014.
I’m working on some other projects that I’m not able discuss now, but you can keep up with me on Twitter @Shauney_Baby, and please “like” my Facebook musician page here. ShauneyBaby.com will be up shortly, and they will all be linked together.
