Rising R&B Star Estelle Shines With Shure

NILES, IL, July 22, 2008 — Shure Incorporated announced today that multiple award winning R&B singer and rapper Estelle, who released her new album Shine earlier this year, has recently chosen a Shure UHF-R® Wireless System with a KSM9 Microphone as her performance weapon of choice. Estelle was the first artist signed by neo-soul sensation John Legend to his label, Homeschool Records, and Shine is her debut album on an American label. She had previously released the album The 18th Day via her own label in the UK, Stellar Ents. After relocating to the U.S. in 2007, her re-emergence has shown a more confident and mature approach to music, highlighted by her willingness to lead the vocals on the album. Shure Distribution UK will be providing Estelle with a range of professional audio gear for use on stage and in the studio, including the UHF-R/KSM9 Wireless System. “Estelle has always been closely associated with John Legend and has appeared as a supporting artist on his tours in Europe,” said Neal Allen, who has previously worked with the band Texas and is currently front of house engineer for Estelle. “The introduction of UHF-R systems allowed for increased flexibility and mobility, which subsequently allowed for an easier transition from venue to venue without any change in performance level.” Having worked with some of the world's hottest producers, including Kanye West, Wyclef Jean, and Mark Ronson, Estelle enjoyed phenomenal success in 2007 with the biggest song of the year in the UK. She is widely regarded as the UK's hottest musical export and is poised to explode onto the international scene in 2008. “Estelle is a real musical talent who has come a long way from her underground hip-hop roots. Managing to get the likes of Wyclef Jean, Mark Ronson, and Kanye West to collaborate on her album was no small feat,” said Paul Crognale, Marketing Manager for Shure Distribution UK. “The decision to support a home grown artist in her bid to be recognized in the U.S. for her outstanding musical talents is an excellent fit for the Shure brand and our firm belief in her talent.” Estelle performed at halftime during the 2008 Major League Soccer All-Star Game on July 24 at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario.