What does it take to break into the music industry on your own terms? Well, Shye may know a thing or two about that! From making music in her bedroom to lighting up billboards in Times Square, this self-taught producer, singer, and songwriter has defied expectations every step of the way.
At just 22, she’s already a force to be reckoned with. In fact, she’s about to represent Singapore on the global stage at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka!
So, while we are still within the highs of International Women’s Day, let’s hear from Shye firsthand about her journey as an independent female artist. Here’s what she had to say!
You began your music career at 16. What has been your defining moment?
Shye: I think the defining moment would just be starting. Even though I was not musically trained, nor did I know anything about the industry or anyone within it. Winning the Vans Music Wanted Competition in 2018 with music from my first self-made EP ‘Augus7ine’ was also a significant moment that got the ball rolling.
You oversee every aspect of your music. What motivated you to take full creative control?
Shye: It’s a bit of a default, which I’m thankful for. It goes back to my answer of not knowing how things were done. I learned everything from the internet and just made use of whatever was available to me at the time to create the songs when I was first starting.
Doing that helped me discover my love for music production and all the other technical aspects of what goes on behind making a track.
You mentioned before that women aren’t often seen on the technical side of music production. How does this make you feel?
Shye: Up till today, I’ve still had people ask and assume that I have a music producer who does the work for me. It seems to still come as a surprise when I say I do it myself.
It would be great if female producers and audio engineers became more of a norm than a surprise. I mean, everyone operates differently of course, but I feel that knowing some basic production would definitely be beneficial.
Can you share a moment when you felt particularly proud of being a woman in this space?
Shye: As a female producer, I feel proud at every moment, knowing I have full control of my creative process in both my music and image as an independent artist. To produce, mix and master all my music can be challenging at times but it’s always exciting to me, and I’m always discovering and learning new things.
How important is it for you to be part of initiatives that amplify female representation in music?
Shye: I’m super grateful that I was featured on Spotify’s EQUAL Campaign billboard in Times Square. It was so surreal to see it in person, and it was definitely encouraging as an independent artist to have that kind of support. I would love to see more women in music take the wheel and have fuller control in their music journey.
What advice would you offer to students pursuing creative careers?
Shye: For anyone pursuing creative careers – or at least in music – I would say to manage your expectations because it’s a fast-changing industry. Success is measured by different yardsticks so if you’re doing it for the right reasons it will always feel rewarding.
Always remember why you started, and enjoy what you’re doing. Put in the work and focus on your own journey because comparison can kill the spirit. So keeping my circle small and being with people who keep it real helps me stay grounded.
What are some values or attitudes you admire and try to uphold in your career?
Shye: I really appreciate artists who are not just talented but also hardworking, humble, and respectful of others, since I’ve met and interacted with some of them. These are values and attitudes that I admire because at the end of the day, there is a person behind the music – and that’s what makes the connection genuine!
You’ve shared that while you’re not a fan of social media, it’s become an essential tool for promoting your music. Has anything changed since then?
Shye: Yes, that’s the new reality, whether we like it or not. I feel like it’s a double-edged sword in some sense. It’s a great way to share your music, but it can also become draining. I’ve truly had to make mental adjustments and look at making content as marketing or advertising for my music; every business needs that.
But it was tough at first to make the switch. I’m still getting the hang of it and trying to stay consistent, but it does take time to film and edit. As an introvert, it’s also challenging but important to find the balance and make content that is “me” or risk burnout making content that isn’t “me” in the long run.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Shye: You have to trust the process and not rush it. It may take a little longer, but patience goes a long way if you are serious about what you want to achieve. It is a long game and it takes time to find your identity in music, so allow yourself to keep discovering who you are both as a person and as an artist or a musician. I feel like that’s how you grow.
Looking ahead, what goals and plans do you have for the next chapter of your career?
Shye: Everything that has happened has been a dream. I grew up as a dancer and was a theatre student in secondary school. But now, I’m making music. I feel like it’s found me unexpectedly.
Apart from continuing to release new music, I hope to keep growing as an artist, developing my sound further, and learning more.
It’s also about the timing. And when the time is right, I believe the right opportunity will come knocking.
With your growing presence in both music and fashion, how do you see your career evolving?
Shye: I’m truly thankful for all the opportunities and the people who believe in me. I hope to never stop discovering or experimenting so I can keep learning. It would be really cool to fuse the two together by creating music for a runway show. That’s something I’d love to try!
What does it mean to you to be representing Singapore at the World Expo in Osaka?
Shye: I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be able to represent the music scene in Singapore on a global stage, because being independent and having a platform like this is very encouraging. I also feel we have a lot of undiscovered talent, so it’s a great way to introduce Singaporean music to other countries. This opportunity came unexpectedly and in the best way possible – much like my music journey, so that’s very exciting!
What can audiences expect from your performance at the Singapore Pavilion?
Shye: Usually, I perform with my musicians, but this time, it will be just me. I hope to just showcase myself and my music and give the audience a little listen of music made in Singapore. And hopefully, people can connect with it and will look further into the different types of music that we have to offer.
What message would you like to convey as an independent female artist?
Shye: Being an independent female artist is not easy, but it’s the right choice for me. All the struggles are worth it because I feel fulfilled by staying true to what I believe in. Having perseverance and the right work ethic is important, but having a bit of luck doesn’t hurt either! I hope aspiring young musicians know that they can overcome the odds and fulfill their dreams, and remember that ultimately everyone has their own journey.
Shye’s journey is proof that success isn’t about following the rulebook – it’s about writing your own. She’s doing it all on her own terms and conditions, and that’s what makes her artistry so compelling. And as she gears up to represent Singapore at the World Expo in Osaka, there’s no doubt that she’s bringing her homegrown sound to even bigger audiences!
If you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to check out Shye’s music. And to keep tabs on what’s next for her, be sure to follow Shye’s socials on Instagram and TikTok. Happy International Women’s Day!
Visuals Courtesy of EMERGE FEST and 760CoreMedia.
