If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in the pulse of the night, ask Shygirl. The rapper, DJ, and self-proclaimed club kid has turned the chaos of after-hours into an art form. Her nights are long, her energy relentless, and her door keys? Often left behind. “I don’t even take them with me,” she laughs. “I make my boyfriend wake up to let me in.”
Shygirl’s journey from college parties to London’s underground club scene has been anything but ordinary. By 2016, she was releasing her own music, and by 2023, her debut album was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. With collaborations spanning from Charli XCX to Björk, she’s become a force in the music world, blending genres like grime, garage, and reggaeton into a sound that’s uniquely hers.
Her Club Shy nights, born from late-night demos and experimental tracks, have become a global phenomenon. What started as an after-party for Primavera Sound in Los Angeles has evolved into a space where Shygirl can let loose, blending live performances, DJ sets, and pure spontaneity. “It’s mood-driven,” she says. “It’s not about what people expect from me—it’s about what I want from myself.”
For Shygirl, the club is more than just a venue—it’s a battleground. “You have to fight for your space, secure it, and hold onto it,” she explains. “That’s where you find your identity.” Her music reflects this ethos, with tracks that feel like soundtracks to a life lived on the edge. “I want to feel like I’m that bitch in the video,” she says with a grin.
Despite her bold persona, Shygirl thrives on vulnerability. “It’s not about confidence,” she admits. “It’s about being vulnerable enough to let go and see what happens.” This philosophy has shaped her approach to both music and life. Whether she’s performing on stage or hosting a Club Shy night, she embraces the unknown, finding exhilaration in the unpredictability of the moment.
As she works on her second studio album, Shygirl is taking a step back from traditional shows to focus on her Club Shy sets. “I need to live a bit,” she says. “Otherwise, what will I write about?” Her fans, however, need not worry. With her signature blend of bravado and experimentation, Shygirl promises to keep pushing boundaries, one electrifying night at a time.
Shygirl’s upcoming EP, inspired by her Club Shy nights, drops soon, with more global sets to follow. And while she’s tight-lipped about her next album, she hints at a blend of classic and experimental sounds. “Just be patient with me,” she teases. “It’ll come.” For now, the queen of club chaos continues to reign, proving that sometimes, the most dangerous spaces are where you find yourself.
