Showing that the sky's the limit, R&B breakthrough artist Shivani Day reflects on her musical firsts, from her father’s eclectic musical palette to swooning over Sade.

No one has a sound quite like Shivani Day. Though a fresh face to the scene, she has nailed her artistry down to a ‘T’, blending a bold electronic palette and a sultry R&B smoothness that takes genre-bending to greater heights. Her sound feels modern, suave and an authentic tribute to her South Asian heritage, finely tuned in every note she configures and lyric that she sings.

 

Despite her newcomer status, Shivani’s voice resonates with an old-school charm that belies her youth. Raised on a diverse musical diet curated by her father—comprising reggae, Chicago house, Latin and jazz—her eclectic tastes swiftly saw her stand out amongst her peers. While pursing International Relations at university, it was there where her passion for music truly blossomed. Teaching herself the ins-and-outs behind the decks, Shivani swiftly became a name in the game, travelling across the UK for sets that included a coveted Boiler Room gig.

 

Whilst she has moved on from her DJ roots, Shivani still brings her love for electronica into her sound today. In her debut single, ‘Rhetoric’, released this spring, she seamlessly fuses electronica with R&B, incorporating traditional South Asian motifs into the fabric of the genres, whilst infusing the track with hints of sounds that pay homage to her heritage.

 

However, it’s her latest release, ‘Blue Car’, that truly showcases the harmonious synergy between electronica and R&B in her work. With its dark yet ethereal undertones, propelled by a pulsating bassline, the track delves into themes of self-worth and closure through Shivani’s introspective lyricism. Balancing the smoothness of R&B into her effortless flow, she skilfully navigates through swirling synths that beckon from electronica’s sultriest corners.

 

With two songs under her belt, and enough accolades too, the sky’s the limit for Shivani Day. Catching up with her before she blows, we sit down with Shivani to find out her musical firsts: from her father’s eclectic musical palette to swooning over Sade.

First time you fell in love with music?

I think I fell in love with music from inside the womb. I have a few strong early memories of music which really shaped my ear. From the beginning of my life music was always played and my dad would pause songs and explain their meaning. Learning that music can be a tool to help state an opinion or be a means to inform was something that stuck with me.

First song you were infatuated with?

I have two! One is ‘Jealous Guy’ by John Lennon, or as I used to call it, “dreaming of the past”, which my dad used to sing to me every night to put me to sleep. The other is ‘No Ordinary Love’ by Sade, which I’ve heard countless times; the progression and emotion get me every listen.

First gig you ever played?

It was a DJ set in Nottingham when I was at uni, I was super nervous and wasn’t used to CDJs, but it taught me a lot.

First time you worked with someone who you admired?

I admire everyone in my whole team, they have all supported and allowed me to create and express my vision how I want to. Some are newer relationships and others are older, there is a strong mutual respect and I really trust them. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them and their support; we are a team and that’s important to me, I don’t take it lightly.

First person you’d recruit if you had a band?

I’m not ready for that yet, haha.

First time you felt starstruck?

I haven’t, maybe it’s yet to come.

First thing on your rider?

I have never had a rider but it would be tea for sure, english breakfast or a good chai. I need my daily cup of tea around 2/3pm.

First track you play when handed the aux?

It depends on the environment! I’m a particular person, so I always need context. I can never answer these types of questions.

First artist you’d add to your dream festival line up?

Rosalía.

First purchase after a major music cheque?

Probably a holiday. It’s been a minute and I need to lay in the sun and be in the sea.

Listen to 'Blue Car' now: