Shye on music as a companion and escape

For Singaporean singer, songwriter, and producer Shye — famous for her self-produced songs “Love U,” “How R U Sleeping,” “Mirror,” and “Need” — music is more than a craft; it’s both a companion and an escape.

In an interview with Music Geek during her first time in the Philippines at the ASIYA Asian Music Festival and Conference, Shye shared that her artistic journey began at an early age.

She explored ballet, Chinese dance, and learned to play the keyboard by the time she was 15. Her introduction to songwriting came through watching YouTube tutorials, which deepened her passion for music. In 2018, Shye took a significant step by releasing her first single, entirely produced and recorded at home.

As an artist who discovered music at an early age, she shared how she initially thought everyone else wrote, produced, and recorded songs in the comfort of their homes; that’s why she did everything by herself at home.

Singaporean singer, songwriter and producer Shye CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JUDE NG

“I still feel the safest and the most comfortable when I’m in my room, and I have everything I need to record.”

The alternative pop singer disclosed that her adrenaline kicks in whenever she prepares new music and loses her sense of time, transporting her to a different place with how much she enjoys the process. She also finds performing live at various festivals rewarding.

At the same time, the musician confessed that pressure naturally comes when releasing new music.

“I try and focus on what I feel is right, and I try my best to present the most authentic version of myself to the world.”

The all-rounder soloist also described her music as similar to having a conversation with a friend, adding that she finds delight in how her music has a place in her listeners’ lives.

Apart from this, the artist mentioned indulging in diverse genres. She listens to bands like The Zombies and The Killers as influenced by her parents. She also appreciates the music of Men I Trust, whom she previously performed with as an opening act. Moreover, the singer admires DJO and Tame Impala, adding, “I like it when the artist is also a producer themselves.”

When asked who she wanted to collaborate with, the Singaporean singer cited IV of Spades, their solo works, DJO, Psychic Fever, and Loren as musicians she’d love to work with.

Shye also spoke warmly of her fans’ unwavering support for her creative exploration. “I’m very fortunate to have that — I treat them like my friends as well. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am.”

Drawing from her background in audio engineering, Shye emphasized the importance of mastering the basics of audio production for aspiring musicians. She advised learning essential software tools and programs, explaining that understanding these fundamentals not only enhances creative independence but also helps bridge communication gaps when collaborating.

“It looks very technical, but once you look past it and use mainly your ears rather than your eyes, it gets enjoyable and experimental,” the musician added.

Additionally, she encouraged her fellow women creatives to pursue music in the male-dominated industry, “I always try my best to encourage girls also to start, whether it’s writing, producing, or recording.”

At the Asiya Festival, Shye performed on the second day as the Singapore representative alongside OPM acts Ysanygo, Jose Miguel, Zild, Juan Karlos, and Bini. Asian representatives 9M88, Salasa, and Balming Tiger also performed on the same day.

Shye opened her set with exciting performances of “Princess,” “Dancing In Vain,” “Notgonnalie,” and “Flower.” Right after, she serenaded the audience with her latest single, “Coffee or Tea,” followed by hit songs “How R U Sleeping” and “Love U.”

To everyone’s surprise, she delivered a stunning cover of IV of Spades’ “Come Inside Of My Heart,” reeling in the audience even further. Subsequently, she unveiled an unreleased song entitled “Indigo,” charismatically closing her set with “Joke” and “Need.”

“I hope to return to the Philippines, maybe do a small Asia tour. Apart from music, I’m just living life to the fullest,” Shye finally said.