Today SHY Nodi releases his delicious new single ‘No Vibe’. Dark, mysterious, strangely seductive, the track glides along like a sleek sports car in the night. It has a broad, richly textured sonic palette and heightened R&B aesthetic. The haunting synth washes provide a moody core and SHY Nodi’s compelling lyrics tell the tale about taking relationships for granted. It holds emotional gravitas and is certainly an accomplished song for a 25-year-old and only his second single.
However, Swedish artist SHY Nodi has been in the background for a while writing pop and house hits for mega artists including The Chainsmokers, Astrid S, NOTD, Mike Perry, Jess Glynne, and NEIKED. He got his global breakthrough as a songwriter in 2016 with the release of ‘The Ocean’ by Mike Perry (feat SHY Martin). This multi-platinum hit was streamed over 500 million times and was also awarded Spotify’s prize for ‘Most Streamed Song of The Year’ at the Swedish Publishing Awards the same year. SHY Nodi soon established himself as one of Sweden’s most in-demand songwriters, and together with songwriting partner SHY Martin, he has created hits like ‘All We Know’ – The Chainsmokers (ft. Phoebe Ryan), and ‘I Wanna Know‘- NOTD (feat. Bea Miller). This summer he debuted as a solo artist and released his first single ‘Complex’.
Now SHY Nodi releases the mesmerising ‘No Vibe’ and is preparing for the release of his debut mini-album in 2019 2019.
Neon Music caught up with SHY Nodi to find out more:
Tell me about your new single ‘No Vibe’
Creating music and doing it for a living is amazing. But there’s a bad side to everything. I’ve seen success and money change people and their priorities. Too many times people take their relationships for granted and forget who was in the picture from the beginning. My father told me “you can’t take your money to the grave”. The value is in friends and family.
This single is a self-reminder and also a statement that I want to be around people that support me and lifts me up, and not focus on the material things and people.
Walk me through your writing process
There are so many ways to go at it. Often I start with melodies on some chords or on a sample and have a muted video on the screen for inspo. I always have a note with thoughts and words from before that I bring up during the writing process. The hardest part is to find the “emotion” of what you want to create, but when that’s figured out the rest is pretty smooth sailing!
Who or what is inspiring you musically at the moment?
I would say the music scene in general. Music right now is all over the place and I love it! I listen to everything from blues to hip-hop and it’s so amazing that all these genres have their space to shine in today’s music environment. Other than that it’s probably my Bangladeshi heritage and the people I work with.
What song do you wish you had written and why?
I would say two songs!
1. ‘Human Nature’ by Michael Jackson and 2.’Slow Dancing In A Burning Room’ by John Mayer.
‘Human Nature’ is one of the songs from my childhood that really inspired me to listen to music overall. There were so many layers of realization having the song on repeat. The melodies and then hearing the harmonies on the chorus etc. It was like every time I listened to the song I discovered something new.
‘Slow Dancing In A Burning Room’ was the first song an instrument had a strong impact on me. It was because of that song I started playing guitar and I hope someday someone will tell me I inspired them the same way this song did.
Which artists and songwriters do you admire?
I think one of my favorites is Ty Dolla $ign. His melodies and playfulness on the lyrics are just insane! And of course my partner in crime SHY Martin, I wouldn’t be where I am right now without her.
What movie or TV series would you love for ‘No Vibe’ to be played in?
A Marvel movie would be SICK!
Who were your musical influences while growing up?
Michael Jackson for sure. The first CD I ever got was the “history” deluxe album. Everything started from there. Also, Bengali and Indian music since it was played a lot at home growing up.
How do you know what will make a good song?
While making a song and listening back to it in the studio I sometimes scream because something might excite me or surprise me! And if you leave the studio having the song in your head all the way home is a very good sign that you have made something special.
Can you tell me anything about your debut mini-album planned for next year?
I don’t wanna hand out all the goods right away but what I can tell you is that the other songs are very different from “No Vibe” and my previous single “Complex”.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
The “Nodi” from my name is actually my older sisters name and translates to “River” in Bengali.
If you weren’t in music what else do you think you would be doing?
To be honest, I’d probably be really lost in life and not do anything haha. I love cooking so maybe a chef?
Your favourite up and coming artist is?
I love Rich Brian, aka Rich Chigga & Joji! The whole 88rising stuff is really exciting!
What advice would you give for artists just starting out?
Don’t overthink. If you’re not having fun creating music then you’re doing it wrong!