Bio Terrorism

"That does get to the point of my career," says Shocked. "Lots of artists have experienced what I've experienced in the industry—they've been the debutante, the ingénue, the overnight sensation and had the hit single. But not so many have what I have now—freedom from all of that. I don't have to depend on the overnight sensation or the hit single anymore. The fact that I own my own masters means that 15 years into my career, I'm in control of my destiny."

As much as any of us have control, that is. Shocked laughs when you say that.

"You're right. The ability to live with contradiction and uncertainty is a sign of maturity," she says. "All I've really discovered is where my voice is right now—and what's nice is that's what I'm most intrigued with, today only, one day at a time. It's as good a reason as any to go into battle."