Check out our interview with Scottish artist and producer SHEARS, who just released her new EP, “Now We’re Getting Somewhere.”
As the follow-up to October 2022’s Superhues EP, Now We’re Getting Somewhere was written, recorded, produced and mixed by SHEARS in her home studio in Leith, Edinburgh – a major statement towards the music industry, where women are still vastly underrepresented in production roles: “The release of this EP feels really timely as the title suggests. I feel like I really got somewhere personally and professionally with writing, production and mixing. However, there’s still a long way to go for women in the wider music industry and I certainly feel like there are opportunities I’ve missed purely because I’m a woman.”
Follow SHEARS @imSHEARS
Hi SHEARS, please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Becca, and I’m a songwriter/artist/producer based in Leith. I have two cats that would be upset if I didn’t mention them here, as they’re in the studio with me all the time. I make electronic music that’s a little poppy, with influences from drum n bass and dance music. I love to experiment with sound, and I write some music for TV and ads, too.
Describe your sound in three words.
Bassy, dancey, poppy.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
I’ve always loved music, and it’s been the only thing I’ve been truly focused on. I started with singing being my main focus, and listening to singers like Whitney and Christina in my bedroom and attempting to emulate them. I started writing music on piano in my teens and then went on to learning production, which I found I really enjoyed doing. I’m now influenced by a host of female producers and DJs like TSHA, Elkka and Grimes, but I love artists like Biig Piig and Tame Impala, too.
Do you play any instruments?
I do! I grew up playing piano, flute and guitar. I mainly produce electronically at the moment, but I like to add a few of these instruments in to my songs here and there.
Tell us about your new EP, “Now We’re Getting Somewhere?”
The EP is a 6-track body of work that I created myself in my home studio. It’s influenced by a variety of genres, but mainly pop, drum n bass and dance. It covers my life and general feelings from mid 2022-2023.
What’s the story behind the songs?
These songs are basically my feelings over the last couple of years, ranging from the confusion of lost friendships to the clarity of being understood. There was a lot going on at the time. In some ways, relationships were getting stronger, and in others, friends were moving into different phases of their lives and dropping out of the picture.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this EP? How did the ideas come to life?
I usually hear a draft of a song in my head before I arrange it into Ableton. This usually just depends on how I’m feeling, what I’ve been listening to and what’s inspired me that day. Once I’ve got the bare bones of it, I’ll start experimenting with different sounds and see what happens next! I’ve got some hardware that I like to use, like a Moog Sub 37 that I played live for the track “Figure Me Out.” There’s not usually a solid plan – I like trying things out and seeing what sticks.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this EP?
I think losing friends was definitely a big part of it. A little bit of frustration, sadness, but then also clarity and happiness on the other side, as other relationships grew stronger.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
I usually begin with the rough draft of the song in my head. It probably won’t have lyrics yet, but it might have a melody and a beat. I then arrange that in Ableton, and start experimenting with other sounds on top. The vocals usually come last these days – they used to come first when I wrote songs on piano, before I learned how to produce. It’s all switched up!
How involved were you in the production and arrangement of “Now We’re Getting Somewhere?”
I wrote, recorded, produced, and mixed the EP myself, so I was very involved. It’s the first body of work that I’ve done everything myself up to mastering, and I think I’d like to continue this way. I’ve really enjoyed the process.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
When I finish a song, and I really like it. I put it on repeat and it’s the best feeling!
What’s next for SHEARS in 2024?
I’m writing an album at the moment. I’ve always wanted to release one! I think it’s time – I’m excited.