Getting To Know... SHYAWAY

Having spent the last few months building up his reputation for bright and enticing alt-pop grooves, Brighton-based artist SHYAWAY has now returned with his latest stunner 'Reverie'.

Taking influence from the worlds of post-punk and indie-pop simultaneously, 'Reverie' sees him return in stellar form. Filled with rich and bouncing production, a killer hook, and his own captivating vocals, this new delight cements him as a true talent on the emerging new music scene.

So with the single out and about, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What were the first instruments you fell in love with?

Bass was first. When I was 10, my parents took me to the Beatles Museum in Liverpool and from that point, I was obsessed with the Beatles. The next obvious progression was a guitar and after that, synths beckoned.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

A love of pretty much every genre of music. There are so many sounds at our disposal, what with the incredible array of instruments and software at our fingertips nowadays. It’s so much fun to try as many weird and wonderful sounds in a song as possible.

What kind of music did you love as a teenager?

The aforementioned Beatles were my first big musical love, along with Beastie Boys and Radiohead. Nu-metal derailed me for a few years but thankfully the post-punk revival came around and introduced me to a tonne of great bands like The Clash, Wire and Joy Division.

What inspires you to make music?

Any kind of art inspires me to make music; whether it be visiting an art exhibition or watching a great film. It’s just what I’ve done as long as I can remember. I’d go mad if I didn’t do it; I’d feel like I wasn’t spending my time productively. Obviously it’s subjective what one determines as worthwhile to do with their time, but for me, making things is the best use.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

Perfume Genius’ new album is great, as is Moses Sumney’s. I love that particular brand of art-pop; luscious instrumentation with great songs beneath the surface. I’m also partial to the grimy house music of Against All Logic too; Nicolas Jaar is an incredible producer. As is Arca and everything she does.

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

Quite a few. All are about someone in my life to a degree, though some are more overt than others. I've gotten into trouble when the subject matter hasn’t been particularly comfortable for someone to hear or read into. But writing lyrics is catharsis; getting out those thoughts and feelings you aren’t comfortable expressing any other way. So it’s bound to offend or be uncomfortable for those close to you. For me, it just feels good to leave behind those negative feelings once a song is recorded. It’s a form of resolve.

What has been the funniest moment in your career so far?

Being stuck in a lift with Susan Boyle and her manager when I worked for Sony. She talked about her cats for five minutes, then thankfully the lift started moving again.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Right now, I’d say Perfume Genius as Mike Hadreas is such a talent. But ultimately I’d say Radiohead. There’s just so much to unpack with those guys musically and lyrically, as they’re constantly evolving. They’ll never lose their allure to me.

If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?

I was good at roller-blading as a kid, so perhaps a figure skater? However I’d probably have to retrain for a job in cyber now.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Make music to please yourself - write what comes out naturally. Be genuine and take creative risks as much as possible.

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SHYAWAY's new single 'Reverie' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.