- Words Louis Rabinowitz
Hare Squead and collaborator Shauna Shadae chat about their musical firsts.
Hare Squead have made their names as crossover artists, mixing together hip-hop and Afrobeats in unique style. They have achieved over 160 million streams across three EPs and various hit singles, and they’re gearing up to release their highly anticipated debut album later this year.
The duo are all about collaboration, and that’s why they’ve linked up with London artist Shauna Shadae, who is carving a path towards the release of her debut EP that’s set to feature big names such as Pa Salieu and Tion Wayne. It’s a creative partnership that sparked quickly, and has resulted in the new tune “Late Night Flex”.
Co-signed by T2, whose “Heartbroken” the song samples, the polished and groovable tune will, as Shauna aptly puts it “have you calling your ex – I don’t make the rules”.
To celebrate this big release, we sat down with Shauna and Lilo from Hare Squead to find out about their musical firsts, from first CDs to first career obstacles and more.
First song you ever made?
Shauna: I was in year 11 and I recorded and wrote my first ever song alongside one of my favourite teachers called “Mr Green”, that’s when I started to learn about logic and auto tune etc.
Lilo: First song ever made was a song called “BEAUTAWFUL WORLD”, which we later deleted. Lmao, shame!
First song you released officially?
Shauna: The first song I officially recorded was produced by Penhouse, “Mi like” featuring Sne & Ms banks, that was also my first ever feature.
Lilo: First song we ever released officially but was later taken down after we got signed was a song called “Come Outside”.
First CD or record you owned?
Shauna: My first ever CD was Destiny’s Child’s album “Destiny Fulfilled” which was heavily inspired by my older sister as she was a huge fan.
Lilo: Lmao I won a Kelly Osborne CD in primary. I remember cuz it was the only thing I ever won hahah.
First time you realised you wanted to be an artist?
Shauna: I was 14 years old, rebellious and talented. It was actually my teacher who discovered I could be a “star” and encouraged me to pursue music. I use that lightly because technically I was summoned to go on stage. But I had an epiphany whilst performing… That this was it. This is where I’m meant to be for the rest of my life.
Lilo: I’ve never had that moment of realisation. I’ve just always created music.. It’s all I know. It’s almost as if I was designed for the sole purpose to create. It’s just who I am.
First festival you went to and the first one you played at?
Shauna: First festival I attended was hackney weekender, I saw Nicki Minaj, Trey songz, Jay Z & Kanye West, Ed Sheeran, & BBK all in one place. Honestly the best festival I’ve been to till today. I performed as a guest on a DJ set at Strawberry and Creems a few years ago.
Lilo: First festival I went to was electric picnic in 2014. First festival I performed at was probably Body and Soul festival in Ireland.
First time you faced an obstacle in your career?
Shauna: After I released my first song, I realised what was truly required of me in order to be successful in music, it was a learning curve and a wake up call. Let’s just say, it isn’t all roses and smiles. You have to work extremely hard. But we all need those lessons every now and then!
First instrument you owned?
Shauna: I owned a guitar, which I attempted to play for a few weeks and gave up because I wanted to wear my nails in peace… I’ll definitely attempt to learn again though. It’s a nice feeling playing the guitar and singing.
Lilo: My music teacher gave me her full drum kit, cuz she fucked with me heavy.
First time you felt like giving up?
Shauna: The day before I made “Mi like” I was on my way to work and decided to attend studio instead. I was losing hope because I didn’t know what direction to go in. However that song gave me clarity and a sense of identity within the music industry. Funny enough, I quit that job and never went back after I made the song.
Lilo: When the pandemic happened.
First time you felt starstruck?
Shauna: When I went to Beyoncé’s concert.. I never saw her face to face but just being able to watch her perform and sing had me in awe for the whole time. I honestly cried throughout. Hilarious!
Lilo: When I met Matt Le Blanc in the elevators of the royal garden hotel.
First time you ticked off a bucket list goal?
Shauna: I was 13/14 and really wanted a Blackberry, so I saved my lunch money (£20 a week) for 5 weeks and brought it myself. Best feeling in the world. I sacrificed for what I wanted and it was fulfilling.
Lilo: When we turned with Dua Lipa in 2016.
