Shivani Day may be a newcomer in the music industry, but her artistic vision already demonstrates ambitious creative potential. Following the success of her singles ‘Too Well’ and ‘Know When You Call’, her music captures a rich tapestry of identities, offers commentary on human behavior, and explores the interplay between past and present.
Day embraces this complexity and encourages her listeners to recognize their own multifaceted nature. She identifies with the ideas of independence and introspection, which play a significant role in her artistry. Her creativity thrives in solitude, and she credits her unique, independent perspective to her moments of quiet reflection.
Moreover, her stance as an independent female artist representing her culture amplifies the significance of independence and introspection. When I highlighted the importance of distinctive identity in this context, she affirmed that she welcomes such discussions. As someone deeply passionate about them, she finds it challenging not to infuse these insights into her music.
Currently, Day is developing her upcoming project, which will draw on themes of retro-futurism and dystopia. This initiative promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of art's relationship with the world's current state.
Her diverse musical background spans DJing, Kathak dance, and Hindustani vocal techniques. As she incorporates these various skills into her next musical chapter, she appears to lead with creative purpose and endless curiosity. For someone who has just stepped into the industry as a musician, she seems destined to embody the quintessential artist of 2025.
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So, can you share some details about your upcoming project?
I’m thrilled to discuss this new project. It revolves around the concept of dystopia, which I believe is quite evident today. We exist in a dystopian reality, whether we acknowledge it or not. This project aims to merge ancient elements with futuristic ideas. I’m using the term ‘ancient-futurism’ as a guiding principle for this project, and I intend for it to be a recurring theme in my future work. This blend of the old and futuristic has always resonated with me, especially through the films and sci-fi stories I enjoy. Movies like Tron have significantly influenced me by combining those two realms. However, I am approaching it through the lens of my Indian heritage and Eastern influences, both of which are apparent in different ways.
My inspirations also include artists like Sade, Grace Jones, and Aaliyah. They possessed such grace and a strong self-identity, never compromising their true selves, which I aspire to channel through my work and visuals. One aspect I find frustrating about the current artistic landscape is the need for everything to be explicitly clear. Art is inherently subjective and should allow for personal interpretation. I want my audience to engage with my work in their unique ways. I hope they pick up on the main themes I present while also thinking critically about them. Everything I create is with intention, including the sonic aspects. For instance, one song features a conch sound, used in Hindu temples to call people in and set a tone for prayer. I’m integrating this into an electronic context, complete with glitches, to blend these worlds intentionally.
While the concept of my next EP is dystopian, I don’t want it to be seen as conclusive. I hope we avoid that path. It reflects a potential version of our reality that we may be approaching, but I remain hopeful that we will deviate from it. Even during chaotic times, I believe in the importance of optimism and hope, which I want to emphasize.
What inspired your interest in retro-futurism?
I would say it originated from my upbringing. I was deeply connected to my culture, consuming Bollywood and classical music, and practicing both Kathak and Bollywood dance during my younger years. At one point, I distanced myself from that. However, while at university, living alone sparked a rediscovery of those elements. It may sound cliché, but I truly felt like I was reconnecting with a part of myself that I had lost, which made me feel complete. Even though I produce electronic music, I often listen to classical or vintage Bollywood tracks from the 50s and 60s during my downtime. The blend of ancient and futuristic has always fascinated me. Parts of that aesthetic have consistently drawn my attention—from films and media to music. As I've matured, I've merged those interests into my style and design choices, emphasizing fusion.
This has influenced how I represent myself too. I believe my previous solitude allowed me to cultivate my own interests without outside influence. With no large social circle, I developed my unique style, both creatively and personally. Upon beginning my music journey, I knew I wanted to integrate Indian elements with futuristic electronic sounds. During this time, I was also DJing frequently. I acquired decks during lockdown and spent a lot of time mixing in my room. When I transitioned into music creation, I instinctively knew I wanted to merge these worlds. Although I lacked clarity initially, as soon as I began, everything clicked into place
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Shivani Day may be a newcomer to the art scene, yet her artistic vision is evident in its ambition and potential for creativity. Fresh from the