Ep42: Shingai (Noisettes) on finding creative freedom through generosity
Content warning: two brief mentions of suicide, in the context of having lost friends.
Shingai is the legendary front woman and bassist from the Noisettes. Dubbed “The new afrofuturist pop goddess” by Rolling Stone, her debut solo album “Too Bold” was released in October 2020 and marks a new chapter of her journey. This sonic odyssey through an effervescent soundscape fearlessly infused with a soulful yet spontaneous spirit is the sound inspired by Shingai’s London, Bantu and Zimbabwean heritage.
Leading from the heart, “Too Bold” transports us to a higher vision of the future while acknowledging what it will take for us to get there. The album treads many paths and themes about rising above perplexing times, being resilient, standing your ground and confronting the struggle – an invitation to keep the optimist alive within us and try to be better in every way.
In this conversation, we discuss:
- making music that’s a movement, too
- the importance of creativity in a happy household, and how music helped Shingai navigate a childhood packed with grief
- stepping off the major label conveyor belt and making music against the odds as an independent artist with integrity
- the detrimental effect of social media and influencer culture on everyday creativity
Things to do next:
+ Listen to Shingai’s latest album “Too Bold” on Bandcamp or via her website
+ Follow Shingai on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
+ Listen to Noisettes’ back catalogue
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Have a lovely day xo