“Not everyone is that privileged to live their best lives.” reads one of the lines in SHNTI’s 2022 single ‘Best Life’.
The line captures the emerging rap artist’s balance of ease and thoughtfulness. SHNTI, in her music and her demeanor, has a way of presenting middle grounds. Her maturity and youthfulness, wit and sense of wonder, and a laid-back attitude matched with well-informed opinions on heavy matters. Much like any artist her age, SHNTI does not back down from any socio political subject and is not afraid to speak her truth.
Growing up in a musically-inclined family, hence the name Ashanti, she has developed a taste and skill which she consistently scales in different mediums. She’s pursuing a career in graphic design, together with a career in music. And she also has a knack for fashion.
Being a ‘femcee’ (female rapper) and being young in a genre predominantly known for its male artists, SHNTI has a firm view that she should not be seen differently or be measured with a special set of criteria. She asserts that she is a rapper. Not a female rapper, not a young rapper. And SHTI continues to drive home a point.
SHNTI is signed with Lightning in a Bottle Studios, a label founded by Waiian and Misha Salud. Both of whom have close professional and personal relationships with her.
This Sound Fiesta performance displays the 20-year-old rapper’s mastery of her work, confidence, and potential. With an EP “ELMNT” released last October and a music video on the way, there is definitely more to come from SHNTI. And you just have to follow through.
What inspires your work recently?
There’s a lot of aspects because I think [about] life poetically. In a way, I romanticize everything so I’m inspired by everything that happens around me. So in general, it’s just life itself.
Do you have a favorite track in your ELMNT EP?
Lahat! Charot. (Everything! Just kidding.)
“Rhythm.” I kinda tried a different approach in my music there. It was a different approach for me but it’s [many] artists’ go-to vibe but I just recently tried it with a friend who also stepped out of his comfort zone. And the track was also made on-the-spot. It was not supposed to be in the EP but there was like an extra beat here and I made a chorus and showed it to them [the label] then after mixing and mastering, it was there.
And it’s my favorite because I like unexpected things.
You seem to be an organized artist.
Not really! (laughs) I have to try a lot of things and then I’ll pick out what works best.
So right now, what works best?
For me it’s to let it just happen. And I give it time, I give it a week and see if I still like it.
Your music has varying melodies. How do you find the flow for each track?
It’s just by ear and it’s something I’ve picked up through influences. I’m also a kid who grew up with music. Also, Disney and like other pop songs that have a formula with their flow and you just kinda find your own.
Has the music-making process changed now that you are signed under a label?
It changed in a positive way kasi di na siya kalat (because it’s not as raw) like before. They also helped me to think about the goal. Before it was just for fun and then, now there are people listening so I have to use my platform for something. Now I have an intention and a goal. For my music, I want people to be comforted. I want them to feel like my music is good company.
Is there any particular topic you would refrain from discussing in your music?
Wala naman. (Nothing in particular)
How would you describe the SHNTI sound?
Parang pag tinatanong ako lagi, nag-iiba ang sagot ko eh. (Feels like everytime someone asked me that, my answer changes) but SHNTI sound changes as time passes. I explore and I find things from my own self and my own music. Since my goal is not to really be limited to rapping. I really want to explore many genres and make my own genre so if I describe my sound, it’s very experimental and adventurous.
Sound Fiesta is in collaboration with Playhouse Studio for video production and Kindred Productions for audio management. This video was shot in The Astbury, Makati City.
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