Shirin Kalyani Naissance Interview

Emerging Sydney based singer/songwriter Shirin Kalyani has released her debut single "Naissance." The new single, written and produced by Shirin features a flawless cross of alternative rock and dreamy pop. This electrifying single is prepping Shirin Kalyani for a thrilling new year.

Skillfully fusing the borders of optimism and dark edge "Naissance" explores the depth of human experience with deep lyrical meaning, that hit both with force and soft sadness. Reinforcing the song's message through haunting sonic elements, Shirin encorperates stirring riffs and kick drums akin to heartbeats that sit deep within listeners.

"Naissance' is an ode to adolescence and the discovery of the complex intertwining between life and death," said Shirin. "Written at a time when everything was in turmoil, 'Naissance' is a survival anthem, expressing a deep longing and optimism for new beginnings."

New kid on the block Shirin Kalyani is melancholic, dreamy and mysterious. Inspired by the likes of Lana Del Rey, Morcheeba, R.E.M, David Bowie, Primal Scream and Massive Attack, Shirin combines her love for upbeat and experimental electronica, dream pop and alt rock to bring a fresh yet nostalgic sound to the table.

Attempting to make sense of the world around her while simultaneously fighting for who she is through the means of music, a rebellious and undying spirit shines through in Shirin's sound. Fascinated with concepts like space and time, existence, politics and the human experience, Shirin's songs are universal yet closely relate to her lived experience.

Interview with Shirin Kalyani

Question: How would you describe your music?

Shirin Kalyani: I would describe my music as emotional with a huge emphasis on lyrics / ideas. I often try to write about things on a macro level that still relate to my lived experience. And if I get really stuck I just simplify the plot of a Shakespeare play into modern lyrics and that seems to work like a treat!

Genre wise - I am going for late 90s/ early 2000s alt rock / electronica blended with a more fresh dream pop / bedroom pop sound.


Question: Can you tell us about Naissance?

Shirin Kalyani: I wrote Naissance last year during a really difficult time. It's about an experience I had that taught me about the intertwining life and death, and the great unknown. I would also say it's an ode to my adolescence more generally. Although I wrote and produced it in a dark time, I ultimately view it as a positive song, like I was on the verge of a new beginning.


Question: How does it feel to release your debut single?

Shirin Kalyani: Scary! Exciting! I've been working for a really long time so it feels great but also overwhelming.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Shirin Kalyani: I hope Naissance can mean something different to everyone and help people get through dark times. It is about survival / positivity but with a darker tone which I think can be really powerful so I hope people can listen to it to heal / work through any disillusionment they may be experiencing.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Shirin Kalyani: A bit of both. There is nothing better than a good live gig where the crowd gets into it and you feel the drums and bass in your bones! But it does make me very nervous sometimes. Some of my favourite moments are when I'm in my room with just my keyboard and my speakers pumping and I just get to mess around with sounds and chords and melodies for hours on end.


Question: What was your first performance?

Shirin Kalyani: The first performance I ever did for my own project was supporting my friends at the Lorde Gladstone. I did have a band at that time but it was right in the holiday period - so I ended up doing the show solo, playing guitar, keyboard and launching different sections of the songs in real time using Ableton. It was so fun but I definitely prefer gigs with my amazing band behind me!!


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Shirin Kalyani: Self expression. Apologies if that's selfish haha! But yeah, it took so long for me to actually release something, and I think I have over 200 draft songs. Anytime I experience - well - any emotion really, I get a song out of it. So at this point I would say I'm mostly motivated by a desire to express whatever I'm going through.

Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Shirin Kalyani: Beach house, Arlo parks, the avalanches, LAUREL. :)


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Shirin Kalyani: When I started showing people some of my draft songs in early high school, the positive feedback I received really helped. It was late high school when I started thinking I wanted it to be more than just a hobby!


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Shirin Kalyani: Lana Del Rey - that would be a dream.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Shirin Kalyani: Not really - all I know is there are many different sides to it, especially with the digital revolution, which expands your options as an independent artist!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist so far?
Shirin Kalyani: Definitely the opportunities to meet like-minded people. It's probably the most rewarding thing about making art - seeing it connect with others!


Question: What's a typical day like?

Shirin Kalyani: Pretty busy at the moment!! I work a lot and I'm in my last semester of my degree. I'm also working on producing 15+ songs for my future releases, doing gigs and kicking off this project. I definitely am the personality type that needs to be busy to be productive!


Question: What's next, for you?

Shirin Kalyani: I definitely want to release more music and do regular gigs. I have so much music sitting around ready to go out into the world and I think this release will be the milestone / push I need. I'm so excited, but I also do feel like I'm on the edge of a cliff, about to plunge into a new world.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Shirin Kalyani: Instagram 
Facebook 
Triple J Unearthed 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort