Shadi G: Songwriter, producer, singer.
Interview conducted on November 25, 2020
By Dan Locke
Shadi G is a Swedish singer songwriter and producer whose soulful voice and unique RnB/Soul sound is getting the attention of some of Sweden’s largest media outlets. Schooled in Classical music from a young age and growing up with Jazz, RnB, Soul, Hip Hop and Persian music, Shadi certainly crosses may borders, both in genre and language.
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in a family with two older siblings in Gothenburg, Sweden. It’s an amazingly supportive family, and when we as children got interested in something, a sport or other activities, my parents where always so fast giving us support to try it out. This is something I am so grateful for.
You were schooled in classic music from a young age and grownup with Jazz, RnB, Soul, Hip Hop and Persian Music. How did you discover music?
Music was always a big part of my childhood. It was often played on the CD at home, it could be my mom and dad’s favourite jazz artists, or Persian tracks. My brother was singing and playing guitar at home for fun, and my sister’s education was focused on dance and then later she was educated in musical theatre, so art and creativity were always very present in our house.
How did you start to write music?
I began with singing, and then later on I found writing music as a way to ventilate thoughts and feelings. It was a way for me to process emotions and became very important for me growing up.
Describe your music
I would say it’s a merge of my different influences of culture and styles through my childhood.
I love to experiment with new sounds and styles, and to find that very interesting area where different music genres and cultures meet.
What took you from school and made you head over to London?
Shadi G
When I finished high school, I worked for a while here in Sweden to make enough money to study music production in London. So, when it was time, I took off and started learning more about making music, to be able to create and produce the music I had written. I wanted to learn the production myself so that I wouldn’t have to compromise when working with other people in the studio.
What was your first performance like?
My first performance was with my choir group that I started singing in when I was 8. I was probably unbelievably nervous, and still I’m quite anxious before performing in front of an audience. Most comfortable I’m in the studio behind the screen producing new music.
What makes a good songwriter?
I would say it’s writing from a true space within. So, either if it’s from own experiences and emotions, or if there is more like a story-telling, still there needs to be something in that story that touches you. Something that affects you and pulls you in. First person that you need to convince is yourself, then you can move others.
Do you belong to any to songwritersâ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association?
I’m member of a Swedish organization called Stim.
You ended up in Cuba in 2016. Tell me about it?
Oh wow, yes. This was on a trip with my mom and dad. My dad had been dreaming about seeing Cuba for a long time, and for his 60th birthday, the whole family helped and arranged so that he could go. I was lucky enough to be able to join them and it was really an experience we will never forget. Of course, there were a lot of things that were painful to see, the poverty and struggles the people had to go through. But also, their way of coping and their strong connection to the culture was truly inspiring. Amazing music and dance could be heard and seen almost everywhere, on the streets, bars, and cafĂŠs. The passion, music, art, and creativity seemed to be such a strong part of their nature, and it made a huge impact on us all.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
As far as I remember it was actually my debut single, Lost.
Who helped you create your debut single Lost?
It was with another producer called Martin Petersson. He had a little studio in Gothenburg and helped me to further my music production skills and during this process, we worked on a song that I had earlier written – Lost.
Why did you decide to create our record label Goldamin Records?
I was making my own music and marketing, so I thought “why not?”. Again, I wanted to be in charge myself of how things are done in the process of making my music. This way I don’t have to compromise any ideas and visions. But then of course it’s also fun and important with the input of other people when you’re collaborating for example. Each thing has its own time.
You next single âSpaceâ, came out on May 15. How does the single reflect who you are?
This track is very important for me, and it came to life at a point in my life where I felt I needed to get away and cut myself loose from some stuff around me. It became a very important process to write this song and process thoughts and emotions that I hadn’t before put in words.
Tell me about Goddess pt. 1?
Goddess pt. 1 is a track about freedom. About the unconditional love, you can have for someone, only when knowing both have that same love for themselves.
The Album Space get release Nov. 27. How have you put the word out about it?
Actually, my debut album is coming out beginning of 2021, and the title is not released yet đ
Next up I’m releasing one more single and then it’s time for album release!
It’s exciting, some new collaborations will also be presented with the album, and I am really looking forward to be able to share it with you all!
What is your favorite track on the album?
Oh, that’s a hard one. I love them all in its special way. But one that stands out a little extra is a track that is not yet released, so you will have quite a few new tracks to look forward to.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
I try keeping quite the same routines as much as possible. For me, a huge focus is on mental stillness and mind, so for example meditation is an important part of that routine.
What are youâre feeling about streaming music?
Honestly, I don’t remember much from times before music streaming, but it has both its up and downs. It is an amazing way for more people to be able to hear music worldwide if they have access to the internet and computer/phone. But it can also have a negative impact on the value that people see in music. For example, not seeing the reason to pay for the music you get to listen to, etc
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