Ep42: Shingai (Noisettes) on finding creative freedom through generosity

Penfriend's Letterbox

Content warning: two brief mentions of suicide, in the context of having lost friends.

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Visit the deluxe show notes page: http://penfriend.rocks/shingai

Read the text version: http://penfriend.rocks/shingai-ts

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Thanks for listening! Attention Engineer is a show where I seek to make the best use of my own valuable time and attention by having deep conversations with fellow artists about creativity, grit and determination. My aim is to consistently remind you - and remind myself - that creativity really is for everyone….because it really is. Let’s kick that inner critic where it hurts!

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About my guest: Shingai Shoniwa is the legendary front woman and bassist from the Noisettes. Dubbed “The new afrofuturist pop goddess” by Rolling Stone, her debut solo album “Too Bold” was released in October 2020 and marks a new chapter of her journey. This sonic odyssey through an effervescent soundscape fearlessly infused with a soulful yet spontaneous spirit is the sound inspired by Shingai’s London, Bantu and Zimbabwean heritage.

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In this episode, we discuss making music that’s a movement, too, the importance of creativity in a happy household, and how music helped Shingai navigate a childhood packed with grief, stepping off the major label conveyor belt and making music against the odds as an independent artist with integrity and the detrimental effect of social media and influencer culture on everyday creativity.

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About your host: I'm Laura Kidd, a music producer and solo artist releasing music as Penfriend. Come and grab two free songs plus letters about art and music from http://penfriend.rocks/hello.

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My new album “Exotic Monsters” is out now: http://penfriend.rocks/exoticmonsters

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If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll enjoy:

+ Episode 39: Stephen Jones (Babybird) http://penfriend.rocks/stephen

+ Episode 36: Sananda Maitreya (FKA Terence Trent D'Arby) https://penfriend.rocks/sananda

+ Episode 40: Laura Kidd (me!) http://penfriend.rocks/laura

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Til next time xo

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