If you are in search of a track as gloriously sun-soaked as the day we are currently experiencing, rising artist Shab has just the thing for you. With the twang of an acoustic guitar and the whistle of a flute intertwining in perfect harmony, “Music To My Heart” is a song that will captivate listeners within seconds of its commencement. And, with Shab’s syrupy vocals melting into each verse of the track, it becomes all the more clear that you will be rendered spell-bound by the hypnotic cacophony of sounds that feature.
When discussing her latest release, Shab let us in on its dual meaning by stating,” That song, for me, brings to mind thoughts that are not necessarily congruent with its lyrics. The words of ‘Music To My Heart’, on the surface, speak to a romantic type of love. Yet, when I think of ‘Music To My Heart’, I contemplate all of the people in my life who bring music, light and goodness to my world. The love that I feel arising from this song is more platonic in its nature and is the emotion that I feel for my close friends across the world and my family.”
Talking motherhood, upcoming EPs and how she hopes her music makes people feel, the artist sat down with Wonderland to get candid about her career ahead of the release of “Music to My Heart”. Head below to enjoy our interview with Shab…
Hey Shab, how are you?
I am doing fine, thanks! I am thrilled to have spent the past week in London.
The pandemic affected everyone in different ways, did it affect your creativity?
Not really. While most of the songs on my first album were recorded during the pandemic, almost all of the songs for my second album, which is now nearing completion, were written during the pandemic. So, for me, the pandemic was nothing other than business as usual.
Talk us through your early days, how did you first get into music?
I have always been interested in music and had done some composition and production during my twenties with an old boyfriend – to this day he still helps me – but since he lives in Brazil, my husband doesn’t give it a thought! It was actually my brother Shahab who encouraged me to try my hand at performing over the last few years. I started out singing in the Farsi language but I made the decision in 2018 that I wanted to try my hand at performing in English.
What sparked the interest?
While it was my brother who sparked that initial intention, it was my partner, Rob, who gave it life. Rob is a very successful and much-quoted guy who has always preached that we should vocationally seek to do something in life which we might otherwise simply do for free and solely for enjoyment. He feels that being enthusiastic and joyful in one’s work is a key factor in any work-life balance. So, when I let Rob know that I thought that music might be my passion, he said that I needed to pursue a career in music.
You’re also a mother of two, do your children inspire you musically?
My children are the angels that God sent down from heaven to give meaning to my life here on Earth. They completely support my efforts and are my biggest fans. It is somewhat difficult while carpooling to and from school to listen to anything that is not ‘Mummy’s Music’!
Talk us through your new single “Music to My Heart”, what inspired the track? What was your mindset going into it?
That song, for me, brings to mind thoughts that are not necessarily congruent with its lyrics. The words of “Music To My Heart”, on the surface, speak to a romantic type of love. Yet, when I think of “Music To My Heart”, I contemplate all of the people in my life who bring music, light and goodness to my world. The love that I feel arising from this song is more platonic in its nature and is the emotion that I feel for my close friends across the world and my family.
And you worked with Damon Sharpe on the production, what was the process like?
Working with Damon Sharpe in the recording studio was wonderful. He pays close attention to detail and tries to make sure that, in all aspects, my personal stance has been optimised for success.
What do you hope people will take away from your music?
I want very much for people to be a bit happier and a bit more joyful after encountering my music, whether in their ears or through their eyes. I want my music to make their moments better.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be and why?
It would be great to collaborate with The Weeknd, Drake, Dua Lipa, Jessie Ware, Sam Smith or Ed Sheeran. But if I had to pick one, it would probably be Post Malone.
Is there a project in the works? If so, what can we expect?
From now and through April 2022, we are releasing eight songs in both audio and video formats. On March 25th I will also be dropping an EP called “Acoustic Reveal”. Here we have re-interpreted three previously-released songs and then re-recorded them in something of an unplugged format.
