Written, produced and recorded over a two month period spent in Uganda where her parents were living at the time, the album comes off the back of a tumultuous period in shiv’s life. With strong features from Kojaque, and Kadiata, the album is centred around a search for self-love and self-acceptance, detailing the artist’s attempt to fall in love with life again.
What or who inspired you to begin a career in music?
I had never really thought of music as a viable career path until I sang a song at my sisters’ wedding in lieu of a maid of honour speech. I uploaded that song to YouTube, it later got seen by a Dublin based management company, one thing led to another and it just kind of ended up being my full time job! If you had asked me when I was younger what my ultimate dream career would have been, I probably would have been to scared to admit that it was music, or too shy to think that I could perform in front of people, but the fact that I just fell into it threw me into it without giving me a chance to really think about it fully, and I’m so grateful for the way it’s happened! It’s a journey that has (and continues to) taught me a lot about myself, life and sort of forced me to work on a lot of my insecurities, and ultimately strengthened my faith in myself and my path.
What differs you and your sound from other artists in the music industry?
I think, in this day and age, it’s difficult to put any musician in a box. We have access to such a wide range of musical genres that it makes the creative output of modern-day musicians really rich. I think I fall into this category, while my music could be described as R&B, or Soul, or Pop, or Neo-Soul, I don’t think it necessarily fits neatly into any of these labels. Especially in the independent era, there’s less emphasis on commercial success amongst musicians, as we can do it all ourselves, so there’s less external influence. I pride myself on putting as much of my authentic self into my art as possible, being a producer and a songwriter across a majority of my releases. That’s enough, in my view, to separate myself from anyone else. I am the only person approaching music with my specific taste, my specific production style, my specific vocal style. Might be a cop out answer, as I’m basically just saying that everyone is unique, but.. Everyone is!! hahaha
Your new project, ‘the defiance of a sad girl’ is out now via all major platforms. Can you please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the album?
I was just coming off the back of a tumultuous period in my personal life, having ended relationships with my boyfriend, label and management, and moving countries, all within a six month period. Luckily, music is my full-time job, so I could take a couple of months away from real life and escape to Uganda, where my parents lived at the time, to write. It was a very therapeutic act, making an album, and it taught me a lot about myself and my creativity. I had a lot of feelings to process, and being able to express them through my art was a healing experience. It’s both a very vulnerable and cathartic thing to share art that divulges my deepest thoughts, but I really love what I’ve created, so I’m really excited for people to hear it.
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
It’s difficult to say that and one song is the most meaningful song ever, because songs mean different things at different times for different reasons. Right now, it’s a song called “defiance” which is the closing track on my album. In writing this song, I realised just how much a song is never just about one thing, and sometimes it takes tine for the layers to reveal themselves, even to me as the writer. It’s the most meaningful song to me at the moment because it’s the song that makes me feel the most.
How do you handle the balance between artistic expression and connecting with your audience?
I think I’ve gotten a lot better at being able to detach myself from expectations, or from what I think people will like, and have gotten better at just going with the flow of my creative process without judging it, and surprising myself with what comes out. I think when you write from a non-judgmental perspective, what comes out is more authentic and authenticity can be felt. It feels paradoxical because trying to connect actually disconnects you, or maybe connects you with an audience that isn’t in line with your authentic being, but going with whatever comes up during the process of creation makes your work feel more real and raw, and (hopefully) allows people to connect in a more real and raw way.
Can you share a memorable or defining moment in your career so far?
It has to be performing at the 3Arena, opening for Lana Del Rey. It was an incredible and an unforgettable experience.
What advice would you give to aspiring singer-songwriters who are just starting their musical journey?
I would say be prepared to work on yourself because putting yourself and your most vulnerable aspects up for judgement makes for a sometimes challenging mental landscape. I would also say, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there for any and all opportunities when you’re starting out, you never know who you’re going to meet, and building community is an integral part of the music industry. YouTube is your best friend, you can learn how to produce, how to record, how to run a release campaign, how to edit content, all from the comfort of your own device. Lastly, everyone is making it up.
There’s no right way to go about achieving a successful career in music. There’s definitely a blueprint, definitely a path that’s tried and tested, and it’s a useful guideline, but oftentimes it’s the gut feelings to follow the path less travelled that brings the most success. You are the best advocate for yourself, you know the best way to market/brand yourself in the way that feels the most authentic to you, and even if it doesn’t work straight away, remain persistent, keep your integrity intact, and the right path will open up in the right time. 🙂
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
I am hoping to go into full hibernation mode after my album and shows in October. Ya girl is tired. I have some unreleased songs in my back catalogue that I think I will release throughout 2025, but the social media/release campaign is something that will take a backseat for me next year. I plan on travelling, living, enjoying, learning and just getting back to having other interests outside of my career for a while. I love it so much, I love the opportunities I’ve been lucky enough to receive, and I’m grateful for the freedom music has afforded me thus far, but I’m ready to just live a bit, and be open to whatever opportunities might come my way in the future.
Anything else you would like to add?
‘the defiance of a sad girl’ is out now via all major platforms. I also have a headline show at the Hootananny Brixton on the 24th of October.
Connect with shiv
Credits: All photography by Roxana Pedan
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