10 Questions: Shunaji – Cosmic Blues EP
We’re back with another round of 10 Questions to get the lowdown on artists that are on our radar. This time round we’ve got singer, rapper and producer Shunaji in the hot-seat, who has just dropped the hugely soulful Cosmic Blues EP. The astro-travelling instrumentation sets the perfect base for Shunaji’s next-level vocals and uninhibited lyricism throughout every song – an amazing release for those on a jazz/soul tip. We caught up with her for some quick-fire questions…
1. Contestant, what’s your name, chosen craft and where are you based?
I’m Shunaji, producer and vocalist with a thing for rap! I’m based in London and sometimes in Rome.
2. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is quite eclectic. I’m inspired by loads of different artists and genres, most significantly hip hop, trip hop and electronic music. I’ve been experimenting with drum n’ bass, broken beat, free jazz and more good stuff both in my solo work and in collaborations with other musicians. Overall, I’d say my sound is forever evolving!
3. Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?
My greatest influence on my music has been life experience. It sounds obvious, but my drive to pursue a life as a recording artist comes from the resilience I built as a child and young adult. It takes a lot to expose yourself and be vulnerable, taking positive and negative feedback all the time, growing and learning from mistakes. I think my music reflects my desire to evolve and even discover myself through it.
4. What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?
I’m still in awe of my experience performing at Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition last year! It was incredibly challenging to be shortlisted from a huge amount of artists who sent demos, then making the final ten was just incredible! After performing at the finalist showcase I didn’t “win” the top three, but I was invited to play four different shows: one in Green Fields, a backstage show, another in Pussy Parlure and finally my band and I closed the weekend on the Truth Stage in Shangri-La.
5. Do you have any advice for our readers who maybe trying to play the mad game of music?
I would just say be true to yourself, be unique and daring. Don’t try to conform to a trend, stylistically or otherwise. The business of music is also made of categorisation and monetisation, but that’s far from the soul of music. If you focus on those outcomes, you’ll lose yourself along the way and become quite easily replaceable. It’s best to pursue what makes you unique and to channel your vision in the most unadulterated way!
6. Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?
Sampa The Great, because I admire her lyricism and I connect with the themes she raps and sings about. Air, because their music production is an incredible inspiration for me and I would love to blend my individual style with their beautiful cosmic sounds. I’d love to produce something for Junglepussy one day! I love what she did with Gabriel Garzòn-Montano on The Game Remix. Can I add Gabriel GM to the list?!
7. What have you got planned for the not so distant future?
I’m doing a commission for Sound and Music’s Interpreting Isolation. This new track has been such an experimental experience! I think it’s super cool doing commissions, because they let creativity run free while the inspiration is already there (at least in part). Similarly, I’ll be working on my first soundtrack for an amazing play in the fall! I’m really looking forward to developing my skills with a focus on music production (and less on songwriting, which I think I’ve developed slightly more).
8. What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?
Haha, I have to say Jefferson Airplane - Surrealistic Pillow. It’s incredible!
9. What’s the best concert you’ve been to and where was it?
This one’s tough! Recently, before lockdown, I saw Hiatus Kaiyote live at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. The band was truly exceptional in the set list arrangement and track execution, but the sound engineering was also beautiful. Shout out to sound engineers, we need to acknowledge everyone involved in the beauty of live music!
10. Name three things you can’t live without?
Oh, let’s have a think…my friends, my quad skates and Italian food!
Be sure to follow Shunaji for the latest updates. Her Cosmic Blues EP is out now!
