Meet SHN | Singer-songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with SHN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SHN, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Being a musician or singer-songwriter in my country means that you have to take on multiple jobs. The creative or art scene in Malaysia is relatively young, and in dire need of local and government support. Going into the industry, I knew this. So I took on several part-time jobs, mainly teaching. I would spend almost every waking hour just working, even on weekends – be it conducting classes or writing and producing songs, alongside creating content. It got to a point where I was just burnt out.

I’ve since scheduled in rest days. I think I came to an understanding that work will always be there. The more your work, the more work there will be to do – and it truly never ends. And my perspective on my value has changed as well. I used to think that my work or the successes of my work would define me, that it would bestow upon my being a value to humankind. But my worth is not determined by the works of my hands. I am just worthy, and I have value just by existing. And since then, there is less of a need to prove something of myself, and more of a need to enjoy the life I already do have – to practice gratitude, learn new skills, smell the flowers if you will.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was a child, I told my parents I wanted to be a singer. They expected it to change as I grew older, much like how you would not expect your child to still want to be a princess once reality sets in. And sure, my decision wavered through college, but when it came down it, I still wanted to be a singer.

So in high school, I started my own YouTube channel. I put up covers and originals alike. I kept that going for a few years, and finally, a record label decided to sign me as an artist. The only catch was that I had to sing in Mandarin – and I did not even speak Mandarin. Regardless, we agreed that I’d learn it up. I was sent to Beijing and Shanghai for training and auditioning. Fast forward to a few years later, the label became inactive and I am now an independent artist.

I have a lot of gratitude for the journey I was on so far, and I am all the more excited to unfold what lies ahead of me. My primary goal in songwriting has always been about storytelling. It is what I’m most passionate about. And I hope that when you hear my music, you would be led to feel deeply, that they would become your songs, and that the characters in the songs are as real as the oat milk you drink in your latte every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d bring them to the spots you couldn’t find on tourism websites, the kind of places that only you would know as a local. Secret spots and pretty places of significance.

Malaysia is a beautifully diverse country with incredible food. I’d take them to have banana leaf rice, nasi lemak (our national food) and Ipoh hor fun. We could visit some breathtaking caves and gorgeous beaches.

The city is also a great place to explore. Speakeasies, commissioned murals, hawker stalls, hipster cafes, and 2 of the top 10 biggest malls in Southeast Asia can be found in our cities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, it would be my parents. When I told them I wanted to be a singer, they had every right to be worried or concerned about my future. And I think it is because I knew of their apprehension that I am all the more grateful that they decided to support me, whether financially to study music, or in spirit as I went out into the world and built what I wanted to.

I also want to thank my listeners. The biggest encouragement is having someone tell me they resonate with my songs, that it got them through a rough time or that they play it a million times a day lol. Thank you for the support you’ve shown my music.

Shoutout as well to my little team! To my producer and husband, Sek Hao (also frontman of indie pop band, “RESORT”, producer Samuel Tan – thank you for crafting with me, ideating with me, sharing your thoughts and excitement with me. Isaac Miranda, friend and founder of PlainPack, for the guidance, the push and the hangs. I appreciate you with all my heart. And lastly, thank you God for this incredible journey.

Website: https://www.helloshn.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shnofficialmusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/helloshn

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRYuImQsz5yi3RbiTJPb1ng

Image Credits
Bryan Soh Wen Hao