For fans of expertly executed bedroom pop - or just a brilliant new artist to love - meet Shye. The producer/singer/songwriter has recently released 'idk it's complicated', a new EP that "is a reminder that feelings and relationships with others can be complicated, making us emotionally dissatisfied but it’s important to remember that the right pieces in our lives will always fit and fall into place," says Shye. Thoughtful lyrics float above the dreamlike, production, all created by Shye. We spoke to the Singaporean artist about creating one of our favourite EPs this year:

We love your new EP. Tell us all about the creation of it. Where did you write it?

Thank you! This EP, ‘idk it’s complicated’ is a little revisit to the music I used to make when I first started. Turning 20 has made me a little nostalgic and working on this EP was a way to reminisce and relive my bedroom pop sound. It was written, produced and recorded in my bedroom. 

What were you dreaming of as you were deep in the process of creating it? 

Taking a road trip in a van with my cat, even though I cannot drive hahaaa! I feel like when life gets complicated, a road trip would be the perfect way to smooth out the bumps along the way, to feel the wind in my hair and face, to escape and reconnect with myself. 

Did you work with other producers on this project or was it just you in your zone?

It was just me in my zone as with all my other bodies of work. 

Who inspires you musically/sonically?

Tame Impala, Benee, MGMT, Djo, Beabadoobee, Billie, IDKHOW, StrayKids, Basement, these are just some examples!

You’ve said the EP is a reminder that the right things will fall into place in our lives. What has been falling into place for you recently?

Because of the covid restrictions on live shows and events the last couple of years, I wasn’t able to properly celebrate and launch my debut album, ‘days to morning glory’ (2020) or my last EP, ‘hello TRINITY’, (2021)... </3 But I was finally able to plan and organise my first sold out headline show in Singapore recently, celebrating these works plus my latest EP. I’m glad I held off having the show till singing and dancing were allowed again. It was really good to see people having fun, singing, dancing, even moshing and crowd surfing at the show. 

I had also been hoping to play at a music festival in the region and I’ll be doing just that in Taiwan at the end of October. I’m really thankful that things are falling into place. 

We love your visuals, too. Which visual artists are you into that inspire this side of your world?

I actually drew the cover art for a couple of my songs, ‘walk away’, ‘i’m fine, no’ and ‘notgonnalie’. I’m not trained so when it comes to art, I usually just close my eyes, let my mind wander, doodle and then draw whatever comes to mind from there. Some artists I really like right now are, Thales Machado (@omentejovem /Instagram), Raysa Fontana (@desktopgirl /Instagram) and Ruben Topia (@rubentopia /Instagram). As for my self shot music videos, I usually have some ideas of where and how I want to shoot it and with that I just go with the flow and make use of what I have to work with. I also enjoy shooting my own press shots.

 You have great style. Which designers/brands do you love? Do you have any style icons?

I’ve been a fan of Emma Chamberlain since about 2017. Still remember watching her YouTube videos after school. Over the years I’ve seen her grow into her own. I love her sense of style and I feel like she has a really good eye. I also watched a video of a tour of her home and it’s gorgeous! I would say comfort is really important for me, especially when I’m playing shows. But I do love to dress up every now and then hehe and I enjoy attending fashion/brand events. I have recently discovered the Tokyo based brand MANASTASH and I’m a fan. 

Are there artists you’d love to work with? From musicians to directors, producers etc…

Apart from featuring on songs, I would love to start producing/writing for artists/acts. I think creating for someone else requires understanding their message and craft which I personally find very interesting. I’m really inspired by Djo so working with him or being on a track would be a dream, Dayglow or Basement too! I think producing for a K-pop act would be super cool too! The requirements will be quite different, having to consider dance choreo will make it extra interesting and I’m sure I’ll be able to learn a lot from it too.

What is something - other than music - that you’re passionate about? 

I love to dance and sometimes post K-pop dance covers on my socials (TT & IG). When I was growing up, dance was actually my background. (doing music was accidental which I’m now forever thankful for!) 

I’ve been super busy in the last couple of months and have not been able to learn any new choreographies so I’m looking forward to getting back on that. I love fashion, travel, architecture and of course, animals! I have two dogs and a cat and I’m currently working hard on persuading my mum to get two more cats, at least! Does learning to play the bass now which I’m really loving count as music? Hehe..These are some things that make me really happy. 

What’s next for you?

New music for sure! More travels to come, collabs and maybe more shows or tours? Hopefully Fashion Week next year? Fingers crossed! ;)"

Listen to 'idk it's complicated' HERE.

@shye.mp3