What fuels the creative spirit? Passion – that’s right! Through Passion Pursuits, our short-form documentary series, we’re celebrating the diverse talents of Singaporeans who have overcome challenges and forged their own paths in the creative industry. This time, we’ll be spending a day with Shazza, a Singaporean singer-songwriter who has kindly let us document her creative process and preparation for her Cloud 9 performance!
A cloud of anticipation—thick as perfume—hangs in the air as we begin the day in front of Shazza’s studio. Suddenly, the door creaks open, and we spot a sliver of Shazza’s head peeking out. Although a flicker of surprise initially flashes on her face, that expression is shortly replaced by one of recognition, prompting from her an enthusiastic “Oh hello!”
She welcomes us with lively conversation, informing us that she’s there to record her upcoming album. “Can’t say too much about it,” she sadly states, though also assuring us we’re still getting “exclusive access to [her] process.” Thus, while we spot an eclectic collection of acoustic and electric guitars—instruments central to her career—by the doorstep, we can’t say for sure how they’ll appear on her next songs.
Besides, this is Shazza after all, so you best expect the unexpected. Between getting invited to PM Lawrence Wong’s swearing-in and receiving a shoutout from Chris Martin of Coldplay at their recent Singapore concert, the 23-year-old also possesses a songwriting approach as diverse as her viral moments, boldly blending pop, folk, and even country into her songs! So, as for which one should an artist truly prioritise? To Shazza, it’s a balance of both.
“I think it’s interesting how social media has ended up playing such a big role in the music industry in this day and age. It’s become super, super intertwined in the sense that you can’t really have one without the other…You have to do the social media thing and it’s to honour your music at the same time.”
Indeed, with the rise of pop stars like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, it’s clear how a compelling online presence can turn anyone into your artist’s next favourite artist. However, as Shazza subsequently stresses: social media considerations should only complement and not dictate the songwriting process:
“…sometimes I think people end up trying to find ways to make TikTok-worthy music, or music that will trend on TikTok. And I think sometimes that takes heart out of the music. It has to start with authenticity…if you can feel like an artist is being honest and if they are being true to themselves…I think that’s what we as human beings can pick up on, even if you don’t know them personally.”
Yes, the process may be ‘paiseh’ (embarrassing), Shazza acknowledges, “but you have to be the person that champions your art.” Otherwise, who will?
Now, it was time to head to the office of Cross Ratio Entertainment, where she would soon finalise her outfit for the Cloud 9 performance. There, despite being busy before the mirror—amidst a whirlwind of stylists fussing over every fold though—Shazza somehow manages to still engage in conversation with us. In particular, we spent a great deal of time discussing a myriad of jackets from her dream brand collaboration: Coach.
Wearing a particular silver jacket, she tells us that though she usually can’t afford their products, her enduring interest in long-lasting fashion keeps her an equally lasting fan. In fact, though she initially had to part with the same jacket due to its thousand-dollar price tag, the pair were eventually reunited when Coach heard about her strong desire and hence eagerly sent it over!
If you haven’t guessed yet, Shazza’s big on fashion, viewing clothes as an extension of her self and identity, and therefore going for pieces that speak to her soul. “That’s been a very fun part of the whole process of me dressing up for shows and events and everything because it conveys what I want to say without a word. I’m a wordsmith, but I also believe a lot in the power of visuals.”
Keen fans will also notice that regardless of her fit, she always adorns a hijab: a powerful symbol of her faith and heritage as an Indian-Muslim:
“I want to show people and fellow hijabis that you can make it your own. [I] take a lot of pride in the way that I wear it and the way that I pair it with my clothes…I like having that boundary for myself because it’s a part of my identity, and I’m very proud to convey it.
However, the hijab also brings about unwanted boundaries too, such as the assumption that Shazza only makes Malay music. This misconception, as she explains, is something she’s passionately trying to dispel:
“I think it’s fun to be able to break that stereotype and to be like no, I’m actually making English music!…English music is the most effective way of me pushing the boundary. That’s the whole point: it’s for me to try and educate people on the fact that, just because I wear a hijab doesn’t mean that I have to be making Malay music, there’s no bounds in life!”
With that, we were done for the day! Though, we still had one last special meeting with Shazza at Cloud 9, where we would ask the question that’s been on many people’s minds.
You see, Shazza has repeatedly stated that her ultimate dream would be to write and perform a National Day song. Yet, despite having already written it, she still hasn’t been quote-on-quote “given the gig yet.” Therefore, we had to ask: Just to manifest it into the universe, can you share a word or two that describes the song’s essence?
She shared a word or two alright, she shared a lot! As part of a collaboration between her and her drummer Timothy Liew, they wanted to create a song that was “a bit different from what you typically hear out of National Day songs.”
Specifically, “for us as the new generation of sorts, I think what I wanted to put forth with my version of the National Day song would be something that explores us going beyond Singapore…It’s about taking our Singaporean identity out of Singapore and putting Singapore on the world map.”
And honestly? Who better to do that than Shazza, the woman whose face appeared in the iconic screens from Times Square? After all, Singapore gave the world Shazza; it’s only fitting she returns the favour and gives Singapore to the world! From all of us in the DANAMIC team, we’re manifesting this for you, good luck!
Discover more Shazza!
Wanna hear more about her songwriting process, artistic journey and what she really thinks of her own viral moments? Watch the full episode on the Passion Pursuits YouTube channel, and check out our past articles on her!
For more inspiring stories from Singapore’s creative scene, subscribe to Passion Pursuits and follow Passion Pursuits on Instagram!
Cover Photo by Passion Pursuits.
