New York artist ShiShi discusses his latest album ‘Indigo’ in-depth [Interview]
New York native ShiShi has recently unveiled his latest album, Indigo. This independent release showcases the artist’s transition from electronic beats to live guitars, seamlessly incorporating Indian instruments like tablas alongside traditional rock elements. ShiShi, born Aasheesh Paliwal and raised in various countries, embraces his eclectic upbringing and musical influences in this transformative album.
The musician’s return to rock was not a sudden decision but a gradual realization of his deep-rooted love for the genre. While electronic production allowed him to craft music independently, ShiShi missed the collaborative nature of bands. Indigo marks a return to his musical roots with the fusion of Indian instruments and rock elements, a result of his desire to explore uncharted territory creatively.
A unique aspect of the album is its tuning to 432 Hz, believed to have healing properties that resonate with the human body at a cellular level. Despite minimal differences from standard tuning, this choice provides a warm and cohesive feel to the overall sound of Indigo. Each track on the album takes listeners on an emotional journey, reflecting ShiShi’s personal growth and spiritual awakening.
Indigo’s tracklist is strategically sequenced to mirror the artist’s evolving perspective, from chasing material achievements to seeking deeper connections with the divine. As a self-proclaimed cultural bridge-builder, ShiShi weaves spiritual messages into his rock compositions without diluting the genre’s intensity. Tracks like “KALI” and “Krishna’s Theme” explore Hindu philosophical concepts through contrasting musical arrangements, capturing the essence of fierce feminine energy and divine reassurance.
Having previously explored electronica in albums like Homecoming and Chrysalis, ShiShi incorporates production techniques from his electronic work into Indigo while embracing imperfections and human elements unique to rock music. The single “Loser” stands out as an anthem for outsiders, reflecting the artist’s personal experiences of cultural and musical nonconformity.
Indigo is more than just an album for ShiShi; it’s a creative map that guides listeners through his artistic evolution. From his early releases to the present, the artist’s approach to music as a tool for cultural exploration and connection has evolved, paving the way for a truly transformative listening experience.