The Art Of Intention: Meet Shanuka
Photography by Raphaele Sohier
I first discovered Shanuka last September after a night out at the bars that consisted of blaring music, sticky floors, and dim lighting. As hours passed throughout the night, fatigue set in. I rubbed my eyes, willed myself to keep them open, and decided it was time to go home.
As I exited the bar–headphones in-hand, preparing for my late-night walk home–I queued up my Spotify radio. I quickly stumbled upon a new favorite track, "So Quick,” which drew me in through warm vocals layered atop a smooth and subtle introduction while I effortlessly connected with the song’s lyrical themes. It was Shanuka's mesmerizing voice that intrigued me enough to check out the rest of her discography.
Since starting her music career in 2019, Shanuka has been offering listeners a fresh perspective on Alternative R&B. We recently sat down with the Toronto-based singer-songwriter to better understand her artistry and growth over the last few years and hear about her upcoming releases.
First off, how is Shanuka doing?
I’m good! Thanks for asking. I’ve been in this headspace where I am eager to learn about being an artist. As I grow, I need to be able to learn along the way. That is my mentality, but I look forward to seeing what’s coming.
We’re only two months into 2023, but what three songs can you think of that have described your year so far?
Hmm, lately, I have been into songs that give me butterflies. The first one is “Starter Jacket” by Wakai. This song has been inspiring me a lot lately. I recently connected with that artist, which is super exciting as well. The second would be “Soulmate” by Sainté. He’s fantastic, and the last would be “Wake Up Alone” by Amy Winehouse, which I just performed a cover for at my previous showcase. With these songs, I have been trying to embody their stories.
I hear you, tying certain emotions to particular songs is sometimes ethereal. I read that when first starting your music career you did everything from writing, producing, and recording. Out of the three, did you favor one more than the others?
Honestly, it would have to be writing, even to this day. Writing, in general, is nostalgic for me. I have always been writing everything since childhood. During that time, I never thought I could write music, and then it just happened. I can creatively express experiences and my emotions. It’s an escape from reality, which I hold close to my heart. Lastly, I am grateful to be able to share my stories with others and see them connect with them.
You now work with the producers, @rarelythestudent and @sebavanwyk. I’d like to know more about your creative process and how it has been influenced since working with them?
Yeah! To give a little backstory, I met Rarely through our love of music, and from there, we decided to start working together. He was friends with Seb, they produced together, and here we are. As I learn more about producing, working with Rarely & Seb has elevated my craft because they’re amazing. They understand my vision, allowing me to focus on singing and writing. They are the first people I have ever worked with. Our visions, personally and creatively, align with one another, so it’s comforting.
Absolutely, surrounding yourself with like-minded people who wanna see you succeed just as much is so important. At the moment, is there an artist that inspires you? Why?
Although I have many, Snoh Aalegra is top-tier for me. I love her energy. She alludes to a good balance of divine masculine and feminine energy: a calm yet powerful and unique voice. I can easily relate to her.
I absolutely adore your single “So Quick” because it provokes emotions that a mass majority can relate to when they are falling in love. Was there a specific relationship or past lover(s) that inspired you to create this song?
That’s a good question. Sometimes with my love songs, I base them on my feelings during that time rather than a specific person.
In your recent interview with Canadian Beats, you mentioned that your biggest aspiration in life is finding peace. To date, what song of yours do you think has helped in achieving this and why?
“Hurricane,” probably. I was the most vulnerable in writing it. Again, I focus more on emotion than experience in my creative process. One of the lyrics is, “When I fall, I fall so hard, and when I feel, it feels so real.” This allows me to feel at peace, finding beauty in my vulnerability. I had an “aha” moment, being able to put this out there, and the response was everything. People felt this truth of mine which I always appreciate when taking the time to dig deeper
Congrats on 1M streams on Spotify! How were you feeling when you received the news?
It was shocking to me at first because I truly never thought when I first started putting out music that it would reach 1M. I thought rather, like, oh that would be cool to hit 1M. Then it happened, and it just felt surreal. I did that, you know. Grateful as always.
It’s well-deserved. Glad more people are discovering your music, and excited to see your growth! We heard you’re currently in the midst of creating an EP. Anything about the upcoming project you’d like to share with These Days and those new to your music?
It will be an intentional, personal, honest EP. Listeners can expect to get to know me better with this project and what I am trying to convey and put out into the world. Super excited to share that. I must be intentional with my craft, and this project is precisely that.
What color do you think your aura is? And why?
I love this! I talk about auras all the time. However, I would say it’s a mix of purple and green for me.
I have heard green is often associated as a healer and purple represents highly intuitive! Knowing what you know now, what do you wish you were aware of before starting your music career?
I think it would be knowing that being an artist is much more than physical properties. People gravitate towards music they relate to. I’d tell myself it’s bigger than what you think it is. It's about building a community and staying true to yourself always.
Lastly, what do you want the world to say about Shanuka?
Man, about me! I’d want them to feel my creative process as it comes to fruition and be able to say “If she can do it, I can do it.”