A while back we shared Nirob Islam‘s single ‘Snakes’, under the guise of SHY Nodi. Since then, he’s officially reverted his stage name to his birth name.
We decided to chat with Nirob about the reason for the name change and also about his new single ‘Busy Making Plans’, out now via BLNK Music.
1. Describe your sound in three words.
That’s really hard as I always try to push myself to try different things with every song I release, but if I had to use only three words I’d say: smooth, different and moody.
2. Why music?
Music has always been part of my life since very early on in my childhood. My Bengali and Swedish upbringing has given me an environment where music and other aesthetic forms have been ever-present. Music was just something that came naturally to me, and it’s always been the most expressive way to convey my emotions.
3. You’ve recently changed your stage name from SHY Nodi to your birth name, Nirob Islam. Explain some more about the decision.
There’s been a lot of things leading up to this decision. It’s been very difficult for me to navigate living in Sweden with my Bengali heritage. I’ve always felt as if I’m in between two very different cultures, which makes it difficult for me to navigate my identity. In the eyes of people from Bangladesh, I’m Swedish, but in Sweden, I’m seen as a foreigner. So who am I? SHY Nodi was a persona that tried to fit into the mainstream media. I hid my roots and who I really am. I’m the guy in the middle, a third-generation kid stood at a crossroads. Being that person is all I’ve ever needed to be, nothing else. That’s why I decided to change my artist name to my real name, Nirob Islam. Hopefully, I can inspire people to be themselves, and push the industry in a direction where you don’t have to look or act a certain way to be successful.
4. Tell us about your new single ‘Busy Making Plans’.
‘Busy Making Plans’ is a song about the distance that’s created by a lack of communication. Not talking about the issues you have with a partner can make you feel misunderstood. I’ve always had a hard time expressing what I’m feeling when I’m down, or if there’s something’s bothering me. It’s even harder when you’re constantly travelling and not getting the chance to talk things through face-to-face.
5. We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?
Right now I’m listening to artists like Hazlett, Billy Raffoul, Domenic Fike, Summer Walker and Snoh Aalegra.
Sounds like: SHY Martin, KIDDO
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