UK-based R&B artist Shaz shows off her soulful vocal ability on new track ‘Need A Little’, a collaboration with masterful producer ksxingh. Off the back of her debut single ‘Only One’, Shaz returns with a track that is guaranteed to be a staple in your R&B playlists, as ‘Need A Little’ delivers glittering harmonies over trap-infused beats and addictive guitar riffs. Having received support from the likes of KISS FM and BBC Radio 1 already, Shaz is already carving out a lucrative music career for herself.

Speaking about the new single, Shaz reveals: “One afternoon last January, I just heard this amazing melody in my head, and from there, the words came free-flowing and non-stop, it took me 10 minutes to finish the song!”

Multi-faceted artist Shaz spent her childhood travelling the world whilst learning piano, guitar, singing and dance. A professional pianist, Shaz’s musicality comes through in every song she writes, using her unique voice to sing honest and empathetic lyrics, smoothly and soulfully. Shaz found early inspiration in R&B, soul and hip-hop, listening to the likes of Jhene Aiko, Childish Gambino, Norah Jones and Ariana Grande; her vast musical influences no doubt invoke the same iconic essence in her music.

Shaz sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I’d say my love for music has probably always been an inherent thing, and it manifested itself through my learning instruments such as the piano, from like 6 years old, to becoming a qualified pianist at 16. At 7 years old my favourite activity was writing songs and putting on pretend performances so I think that says everything! Music has always come natural to me and it just makes sense to my brain!

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I would love to be on a track with Frank Ocean one day - that’d be a truly starstruck moment. Other than that, Jhene Aiko and Ariana Grande who are literal idols of mine! In terms of music artistry, artists like Anderson .Paak, Travis Scott and the virtuoso Jacob Collier who completely excel in their musical expertise and push boundaries to progress the future of music - being part of something like that would be a dream come true.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

It was definitely more difficult to get studio time in amidst a lockdown - there were a lot of sessions over zoom so, a whole new way of working. Making music, as well as sorting all the admin involved with artworks, shoots etc. was a lot more communication-dependent and had way more more back and forth which probably did long some things out - but we made it work!

4. How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as smooth R&B over contemporary/alternative, trap-influenced beats.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

So far, it would probably be being featured as a BBC Introducing Artist of the Week on the BBC Asian Network - just 4 days into releasing my debut single! How does that even happen...

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

My philosophy is to have faith in yourself and have your own back - cover your bases and do everything to the best quality you can, no shortcuts or ‘making-do’. I’ve found that satisfying yourself as an artist is one of the hardest challenges and we are our harshest judges, so impressing yourself is the true goal. Everything you achieve on the way is a bonus, and it will surprise you!

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Definitely so many, Arin Ray, Ama Lou, Mariah the Scientist, Caleborate, Rejjie Snow. I really love Phony Ppl, they’re a musical group out of Brooklyn and I think they’re so underrated - their song Why iii Love The Moon. is a personal favourite. Also, Pritt who’s a London-native R&B singer - big ups to her, her voice is too sick! Her song ‘Love Ting’ is a personal favourite.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

At the moment I’ve been banging Snoh Aalegra’s new album a lot - ‘Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies’ - her music never misses. Also been listening to Isaiah Rashad’s new drop ‘The House is Burning’ and Brent Faiyaz’ ‘Sonder Son’ a lot - last one’s a bit of an older one but it’s a whole musical soundscape masterpiece - never gets old.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

When I’m not making music I’m probably listening to music haha - or you’ll probably find me either out somewhere with my friends, watching Genius/Tiny Desk/Colors Show videos on YouTube or netflixing How I Met Your Mother - it’s my favourite TV show.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

My airpods, a bottle of water and a phat Deliveroo order - probably KFC.