Artist of the Day | SHN SHN
ARTIST OF THE DAY
23.12.2020
SHN SHN
LOCATION
Toronto, ON
GENRE
Electronic/Bedroom Pop
CURRENT MEMBERS
Shanika Lewis-Waddell
With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?
I had just returned home from a trip to Colombia. I left to get some inspiration, take a break and to think about a new project. I came back at the beginning of March, a week before everything began coming to a halt and borders closed. I had just returned to Toronto and was planning to sit still for a bit anyways to work on some music.
How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
The goal for the year was to work towards a self-directed solo project. I was undertaking a new way to create music for myself through production and home recording, so being at home just gave me more drive to work towards my project. It made me want to figure out how to do everything on my own. I watched so many youtube tutorials, taught myself how to use logic, mix a track, learn graphic design, and plan a release from start to finish. It was a big undertaking that I wasn't used to but I ended up learning so much and realizing how capable I am now that I've done it.
What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home? How are you supporting your mental health through all of this?
I've been diving into production and electronic based music. Before the pandemic i mainly focused on singer-songwriter with live instrument accompanied music. It was nice to navigate new genres and push myself into different avenues as a creator. I've been working on my guitar chops and writing lots of new music as well. I've been taking my mental health very seriously throughout the pandemic. I do regular sessions with my therapist, try to do daily movement and breath-work, journalling and taking breaks from creating for rest.
How are dealing with the Covid second wave?
With the second wave , I'm focusing on my mental health and keeping a routine to my day. I'm working towards a new project and allowing space for creating and experimentation.
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
Check out my most recent release "Structura" - a five track ambient-electronic-pop EP filled with shimmering cinematic meditative sounds. Best enjoyed on brisk winter walks, movement/yoga home practices, or while relaxing with a hot cup of tea.
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