A SUPERB collection of songs, cool collaborations, great live performances and a willingness to cross new boundaries has confirmed Shide Boss as one of the great British music talents.
The smooth-voiced singing star has effortlessly mixed up styles, languages and genres on songs that have formed a strong connection with cross-cultural listeners. That ability to reach across divides was perfectly illustrated by his recently released song Dil Ko (Hold You Down), which adds to his impressive list of top tunes.
Eastern Eye caught up with Shide Boss to talk about his music journey, new song, and future plans.
How do you reflect on your music journey so far?
I started off in this business when I was very young, barely into my teens, and in these years, my music has taken twists and turns. I started off as an r’n’b singer and from there was brought into the world of the British Asian music scene, where I developed my own sound. I couldn’t speak Punjabi, but sang in both English and Punjabi. I then had my own album For The Culture, where I sang and rapped. I have worked with the likes of Naughty Boy, Steel Banglez and had a single with British grime icon Chip. You could say I reflect on my music journey as one that is ever evolving, and I continue to ride my own wave.
You have a strong discography, but which of your songs would you say is closest to your heart?
The songs closest to me include Mere Naal, which is one from my For The Culture album. It just symbolises a time of change in my music career, and it is one where I produced the whole track myself. Also, now Dil Ko is close to my heart as it’s something that I am giving back to my friends and supporters. They all wanted me to remix a Bollywood track, and I did. It’s really one for the people and that’s what makes it right.
What is the biggest life lesson being in the music industry has taught you?
The biggest lesson I have learnt in this music industry is that life can change within a minute, and you need to enjoy every second of it.
What motivates you as an artist?
I love music and that is my motivation. I am an artist, and creativity is just within me. As an artist you can get motivated by a lot of things. I just want to be able to produce music the way I want, for however long I want to.
How important is it for you to do things on your own terms?
I am an independent artist and as all independents know, no one knows you more than you know yourself.
What inspired your latest song Dil Ko (Hold You Down)?
My friends and family. They loved the track and wanted to see what I could do with it. They love my r’n’b sound and vocals, so it was good to give back the love that my supporters have shown me all this time.
Who are you hoping will connect with this track?
I want everyone to connect with this track – it just has something for everyone. If you like r’n’b, but love listening to Bollywood too, this is your song. It’s the season for this sound.
What can we expect from you in 2023?
More music. I have a mixtape coming out with some amazing collaborations.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Anyone know how to get a meeting set up with Drake? That would be mad.
What kind of music dominates your personal playlist?
British rap and rap in general. The likes of Giggs among others.
If you could master something in music, what would it be?
(Laughs) I would like to master the art of doing these interviews.
What inspires you?
Life inspires me.
What does music mean to you today?
Music is something I love doing and as long as there are supporters out there loving my music, so be it.
Instagram: @shideboss
