A panoply of differing influences amalgamated into a unique and striking sonic entity, Shivani Day is bringing an avant-garde flavour to her commercially viable sound. The Leicesterite is a newcomer in the UK space, vying to find her space in the wider scene; she’s certainly started off on the right foot.
“That Which Is Not”, the singer-songwriter’s debut EP is a broad, atmospheric and provoking body of work, a melting pot of influence that bleeds through in the free-flowing creative output of Day. From the captivating cinema of opener “Rhetoric” to the choppy grooves of “Sucks to be There”, the project is full of character and craft, a brilliant introduction into Day’s profound sonic manifesto.
We caught up with the emerging artist, talking origins, culture, and the making of her impressive debut EP.
Listen to “That Which Is Not”
Read the full interview…
Hi Shivani! How’s your year been so far?
Hey Wonderland, my year so far has been pretty hectic! Things kicked off in January, and that’s when I shot my first music video for my first single, “Rhetoric”, from my EP, “That Which Is Not”. It’s been pretty b2b since then and most definitely a rollercoaster of emotions.
Talk us through your musical origins?
My musical origins start from my father, who played so much different music for me and my sister growing up. One of my earliest memories of music was him pausing songs and asking if we knew what the lyrics meant and then he would proceed to tell us the meaning and often the songs would have social and political meanings. This was quite a big part of my knowledge of music being a tool to get a message across and be used as a way to inform. Music has always been a safe space for me and meant a lot to me and that continued to the point of expression. In 2019 I taught myself how to DJ and was building on that for a few years, then in 2021 I decided to start making my own music and see what I could do. Since then it’s been my life haha.
Who and what inspired you to pursue artistry?
I mean to be honest I’ve always wanted to be this I just never really knew how I would get there and didn’t think someone like me would be able to. I’m just an Indian girl from Leicester, it was not the norm to see someone like me doing this or even attempting it. I think as I started working in the industry as a DJ and then started making more connections I gained a bit of inspiration and thought well if it doesn’t work at least I can say I tried. My good friend Erin said to me before I took the plunge that I could sing and I said I know shyly and it was her reassurance that pushed me to take the plunge back in 2021.
How does your cultural background influence your musical and personal outlook?
Growing up I would watch and listen to Bollywood movies and South Asian sounds all the time, I used to dance Kathak and Bollywood so it was a big part of my childhood. In terms of my own music I pull from it when it feels right, I normally like to weave certain aspects into all of my music sometimes more overtly and sometimes covertly. It has to feel right for me I don’t force it and definitely don’t do it for the sake of it, my ear is naturally drawn to those sounds due to my upbringing and so it weaves itself in naturally. Also the complexity of the music is something that I really emulate in my own music. I took some open classes for Hindustani and Carnatic vocal last year and it’s something I want to explore deeper.
You’ve previously had vocal lessons from R&B savant Shae’s Universe. How did that shape your sound and bolster your confidence?
Ahh Shae is such a lovely human being. Her way of teaching was very calming and she really took her time to understand me, my vocal and draw on its strengths. Just the lessons itself and her words of encouragement boosted my confidence massively. I am very grateful for her lessons.
How would you describe the essence of your sound?
Ooo I actually struggle with this. I think my music is contrasting, flowing and always aims to offer the listener to be introspective. At the end of the day I can describe it so much but it’s up to the listener and I want them to connect with it in the way that they feel.
You introduced yourself to the scene this year – how do you feel reflecting on the reception to your first few singles?
I’ve honestly tried not to think about it too much. Again, I just hope people enjoy it and continue to discover it. I’m happy with the output, and I’m grateful to have a great team around me to allow me to push my vision out into the world.
Why did now feel like the right time to begin releasing?
It was the earliest I could release haha, but I believe it’s happened at the right time.
Congratulations on your new EP! Talk us through the creative process?
Thank you! I’ve essentially been working the EP since I began my musical journey in 2021. A few of the first songs I ever wrote are on it (“Rhetoric”, “Autoflight” & “Sucks to be There”). This EP is me for the last few years figuring things out, my experiences, my observations etc. Ive worked a lot with my 2 close collaborators Sonny (23Sunz) and Minas, I met them both in 2021 and I was very blessed things just clicked and they were very open to letting me steer and my crazy ideas haha. They are both lovely and have been a big part of me growing into the artist I am. I also worked with Earbuds on a track on the EP which was really cool as I had been a fan of his other work for years. I’ve been blessed to be with FAMM and be able to put things out the way I want and to my creative vision, the creative team and my sister who is also my creative director have really been such a wonderful support system in doing so. Shoutout Erea and Jay working with them on my videos for this EP, honestly I do feel blessed to work with so many great and talented people who enjoy my music.
What did you pluck from sonically for the project? What are the themes you are exploring on the EP?
I plucked from myself, all of my influences, all of my inspirations in the way I wanted to. My love for different electronic music, trip-hop, my heritage, speaking on things that matter to me, my life and relationships and being a fly on the wall. The music really sums it up better than my words here haha.
What’s to come from you, this year and beyond?
Hopefully some live shows, I’m keen to start performing and bringing my EP to life. More music and delving deeper into my artistry and self. I really love the process of making music and figuring out the next parts of the song so right now Im just in the studio putting the next pieces together. I also look forward to DJing again and doing it in a way that’s Shivani Day.