Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: Hey! So I come from a little town in the Valleys called Abertillery/Blaina, so typically surrounded by music! Funnily I used to hate performing in school, When I was little I would scream my eyes out crying and be filled with anxiety but in my own space I would constantly be singing and writing songs, dancing around the kitchen and making up little shows with my bestie Leah, and then I saw my school production of Billy Elliot and I finally realised that performing was what I wanted to do; I started gigging around the local pubs, completed my acting degree and finally found my self-confidence. It was through the pandemic that I realised I wanted to establish myself as an independent artist; I took up songwriting classes and became obsessed with getting my words onto paper and into melodies and began exploring the avenues that I could take to get my music released.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: Asides from Taylor Swift, I’ve started listening to Olivia Rodrigo- she was never someone I listened to before but wanting to expand my craft as an artist, she was someone who hooked me in with her storytelling. Her stories are beautifully told and as someone who writes about relationships, I can relate to her words all too well.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘SHWA’?
A: Surprise surprise, Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ was the first music video I ever watched on TV so I became instantly obsessed! I stopped listening to her after Red but under the heavy influences of my bestie Owen, I have rediscovered that love. Again, I always loved Taylor’s stories!
Another massive influence was Kelly Clarkson for her massive vocals- just incredible! But my biggest musical influence would be my stepdad; music always filled the house, lots of David Bowie, Led Zepplin, Reef, Stereophonics, Prince, Depeche Mode, Nirvana, the list is endless! He sparked my love for music.
And SHWA comes from my time in drama school- in our accent classes we learnt the phonetic symbols, and one of the symbols is called a ‘schwa.’ My name being Ayesha, my friends started calling me ‘Aye-shwa’ and eventually ‘Shwa.’ So since that was a name that holds many memories for me, in a time of growth and expansion in my self-discovery, it seemed fitting to go by SHWA.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Learn To Hurt’. Is there a story behind it?
A: I always say I’m a ‘typical Libra’ as I was always searching for love and finding ‘the one.’ I’ve been in many relationships and of course ‘many’ implies that there wasn’t a successful ending and on top of all that, I realise now that I never knew myself because I would always get lost in that other person and their needs. This song reflects the turning point in my life where I decided to be the one in control and put myself first.
It amplifies those feelings of delusion when we get caught up in love. It was so much fun exploring this idea through animalistic connotations to create strong images that I hope will connect with how others have felt at the expense of another’s change of heart.
Writing ‘Learn to Hurt’ came from pain, but this loss really was the best thing that the Universe gave to me, so that’s why the lyrics are juxtaposed with upbeat vibes, showing that the struggle between sadness and strength runs parallel to each other, but knowing that you can get through it.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: Not quite yet, I want to focus on single releases whilst I get to know my feet a little better in the industry. However, I do want my listeners to feel like they’re joining me on my discovery of understanding all the emotional experiences we face, risking to ‘fall in love.’ I’m gonna take my audience through the ‘love cycle,’ the ups, the downs and everything in between. So since ‘LEARN TO HURT’ seems like the end of a chapter and the dawning of a new one, the focus next is to write about how it all began.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I would describe myself as a hybrid of Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga- My songs are all centred around storytelling, conveying the words and emotions through dramatic vocal choices. But I’m also very influenced by Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston… so a mixture of pop and maybe some R&B/Soul in future releases.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it? or are you expecting something more?
A: Oh 100%. I couldn’t believe the abundance of love that surrounded me on my release, it was surreal and I am beyond grateful. It’s such a pleasure having that support. But even if only my mam listened to it, I sing and write because it’s my calling, I do it because I can’t not do it. This is for me and whoever wants to join me is more than welcome.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: I usually start by having a one-line idea that I’ll write down and voice record to find out what key I’m in. It then flows from there- that one line will create a verse and I’ll then dig deeper to find the core of where this idea stemmed from. Sometimes I feel blocked, so I’ll leave it alone for days- even weeks with some- but keep playing and singing what I have without pressure to finish it, because in that indulgent state, the words to follow come through. I talk a big game of storytelling and that is what’s most important to me, so I’m continuing to work on my craft and learn from others to make each song a story I can be proud of.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: A big turning point in my life was when I decided to put myself first instead of searching for others to fix me. After a break up that I thought was going to be the long ride, I finally saw how far I had strayed from myself. I had no confidence; I had no self-love and that’s where I decided that I had nowhere else to go but up. The pandemic gave me the space to return home to Wales; surrounded by nature and my family I had time to reground, grow, and rebuild into a higher version of myself. I practise mindfulness and gratitude every day and it was through this dedication to myself that I realised that I wanted to release my own music. I’m still learning new things about myself and definitely about this industry, but I’m enjoying the free fall and eager to keep learning and exploring.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: the fact that I’m here! I’ve released my debut single which I am extremely proud of doing! It’s still crazy to think this is happening, every step, I’ve got myself here. I’ve worked so hard this last year, but I feel like I have been rewarded three folds. I’m learning and exploring and growing and there is no going back now!
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