Singer-songwriter Shanni talks about the success of her latest works, “Sikretong Tayo Lang May Alam” and “SSS (stuck song),” in an interview with Music Geek.
The rising artist’s song “Sikretong Tayo Lang May Alam” garnered over two million streams, while “SSS (stuck song)” earned a Wishclusive Rock/Alternative Performance of the Year nomination at the 11th Wish Music Awards.
With her recent achievements, she expressed gratitude to her listeners, finding her craft especially worthwhile when listeners found her music relatable and comforting.
“My favorite reactions are when people tell me a song reminds them of a specific moment in their life. When someone says, ‘This song feels like my story,’ that’s really meaningful to me,” she said adding that these reactions give her motivation to continue crafting music that’s honest and reflects her personal stories.
Looking back on her early years, Shanni revealed she grew up in a household that constantly listened to R&B and was named after R&B artist Ashanti.
Afterward, she explored Japanese city pop and OPM, mentioning artists such as Up Dharma Down and Kitchie Nadal. She also named Clairo and The Marias as artists who shaped her sound.
“Over time, I kept exploring different sounds and writing more music, and that’s how I started finding my own style.”
Essentially, she described the sound she’s been honing as soft, emotional pop with a touch of nostalgia. Sshe hopes listeners recognize the personal nature of her songs, which are drawn from authentic moments and emotions.
Diving deeper into her creative process, her typical day in the studio involves experimenting with various concepts, building the melody, and identifying the mood before writing the lyrics.
“Since I’m also studying music production, I spend a lot of time experimenting with sounds, building the arrangement, and layering vocals.”
She especially enjoys songwriting, describing it as a profoundly special process of finding the right words or melody for a lingering feeling and transforming emotion into songs that resonate with listeners.
Talking about her latest single, “Sikretong Tayo Lang May Alam,” she described it as a song about the intimacy of shared memories and unspoken connection in a relationship that stays solely between the two.
The song carries a cinematic feel, which Shanni also thought would suit a romantic drama. “I can totally imagine it in a movie like ‘Alone/Together,’ the way the characters reconnect after years apart, all that unspoken tension and bittersweet emotion.”
She further explained, “That’s exactly the kind of feeling I wanted the song to capture, that mix of intimacy and longing that stays with you even when nobody says anything.”
Thoughtfully, she also mentioned that it’s her way of showing support to the queer community, whose stories and relationships are often overlooked or dismissed.
“I also wanted the song to feel like a safe space for people who have experienced love that had to stay private for different reasons.”
From studying music production, the musician learned that artists don’t need to wait for the perfect setup to start creating, and they can experiment with what they have.
“Trusting your ears, your instincts, and technical skills are important, but the emotion behind the music matters just as much.”
Likewise, she reminded fellow women creatives that their ideas and perspectives are meaningful and worth sharing, adding, “I’d tell young female creatives not to be afraid to take up space and express themselves through their art.”
Shanni named OPM’s iconic vocalists Kitchie Nadal and Armi Millare as her dream collaborators for their expressive storytelling, “It would be amazing to explore blending our styles so that the music truly captures emotion in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.”
She also mentioned local festivals, such as Wanderland Music & Arts Festival, Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, Fête de la Musique Philippines, or Circus Music & Arts Festival, as stages she’d love to perform at.
“Festivals like these feel so special because everyone’s there just for the love of music, and you get to connect with the crowd in a way that’s unforgettable.”
Ultimately, listeners can anticipate new singles from Shanni as she continues to explore new sounds, which she promised would remain deeply personal.
“Beyond that, I’m also planning some live sessions and maybe a few collaborations, so there’s a lot of music and experiences coming up that I think listeners will really enjoy.”
