100% shiv: the soulful Irish singer who’ll pull on your heartstrings
THE FACE gains some wisdom from the Dublin and Paris-based artist, who explores relationship issues on her EP The Love Interlude.
Music
Words: Jessica Morgan
It’s hard to believe that shiv (aka Siobhan McClean) only began her music career two years ago. Releasing her first single Here in 2019, the 26-year-old Zimbabwe-born artist exploded onto the Irish music scene with a warm, soulful sound that’s influenced by the ’90s R&B classics she sang along to with her mum as a kid. And following her debut release, shiv’s generated millions of streams with feel-good songs like Hold Me and Golden.
shiv’s new EP, The Love Interlude is led by Where You Are, an upbeat track peppered with elements of hip-hop and sultry jazz. The EP, shiv says, explores a chaotic journey of love through the four seasons – a common theme throughout her music. “We have been fed a narrative of a perfect kind of love, that is effortless and uncomplicated, that means you will find someone who fits every part of you flawlessly.”
As she prepares to release her new album next year – which explores her mixed-race upbringing in Ireland – Shiv is booked and busy with live gig dates, including a show at London’s Corsica Studios on 21st October and Sound House, Dublin, on 19th November.
Scroll down to check out Shiv’s video for Where You Are and get your 100% fill below.
10%: Where were you born, where were you raised and where are you now based?
I was born in Zimbabwe, raised primarily in Ireland, and based in Paris. We’re international hunny!
20%: What’s a piece of advice that changed your life?
People literally don’t care about you… In a good way. Everyone is too busy caught up in their own stuff to give your life more than a fleeting thought. Do whatever you want and live with honesty, integrity and respect.
30%: Do you believe in star signs and horoscopes?
I kind of want to believe in star signs more than I actually do. I definitely notice that the people around me generally display the traits of their respective star signs, but I’m not sure how much of that is just confirmation bias. I’m a Cancer and I definitely feel like that fits my personality. I don’t believe they can help predict your future though.
40%: At what point did you realise you’d be able to do what you love for a living?
It only really clicked that I could do this full time during the pandemic. Before that, I was a little bit half-in-half-out about the whole thing. I feel genuinely grateful that this is my job!
50%: What kind of emotions and experiences influence your work?
I’ve written about love, anxiety, creativity, self-worth, and I am currently writing an album about my experiences growing up mixed-race in Ireland. Writing is how I process stuff because I really have to search within myself to put words to my emotions. My newest EP, The Love Interlude, is about the ups and downs of love.
60%: Biggest pet peeve?
Arrogance and rudeness.. and people that don’t like admitting they’re wrong. You asked for one and you got two more as a bonus.
70%: How did you celebrate your last birthday?
My boyfriend’s sister was getting married so I spent it celebrating loveeee.
80% You rule the world for a day. What went down?
Get everyone to take psychedelics and realise that all we need is love, baby! On a global scale.
90%: Which five people, dead or alive, are you doing an ASDA food shop with?
Oooh interesting. This would more be out of curiosity of what their weekly shop includes, to be honest. Kanye West, Tyler, The Creator, Lil Nas X, Lisa Rinna and Erika Jayne.
100%: Who would you most like to see on the cover of THE FACE?
Aby Coulibaly, an amazing Irish R&B artist. She’s got big things ahead of her!
