Whether you’re going out out this New Year’s Eve, having everyone round yours or playing it safe with a solo dance party, you’re going to need a strong soundtrack. And if a wrap up of 2021’s best music isn’t your thing, maybe you’d like somebody who’s seriously good at partying to take the aux? Introducing Shygirl.
Since she appeared in The Post Truth Truth Issue of i-D in 2019, the 28-year-old south east Londoner has levelled up with her signature brand of dark pop music for the club. “I love seeing emotions that’re considered to be taboo, the worst of us, and just being like: fuck it, I’m going to explore that,” she told us back then. Her EPs Cruel Practise and ALIAS — produced by serial collaborator and bestie Sega Bodega — as well as stunning new single “Cleo” (which came with an orchestral version recorded at Abbey Road) do just that.
It didn’t take a whole lot of consideration to come to the conclusion that Shygirl (artist, DJ and PDA affiliate) would be the ultimate person to call on for a NYE playlist. Opening with her latest single, she cues up everything from her remix of Gaga’s “Sour Candy” with BLACKPINK to “Club Bizarre” by 90s Eurodance group U96. “Here’s some of my go-to party selects when I have control of the aux,” she tells us. “You’ll find some classics mixed in with some newbies, plus some Shy songs because it’s not a party without Shygirl lol.”
This year though, her plans involve sidestepping the madness. “I’m hiding in Mexico, so I’ll see you on the other side!” she says. 2021 has been a busy year of work for your fave, after all. “I’m proud of so many things but ultimately of maintaining my sanity,” she says. And what’re her 2022 plans looking like? “I want to do more things that scare me; to surprise myself.” Her to-do list also includes pleasing you lot, you’ll be happy to hear, as she promises that there’s more music to come. “Some of my favourite tracks aren’t out yet, so I can’t wait for you to hear them,” she adds. The feeling is mutual. Until then, get stuck into Shygirl’s ultimate NYE playlist below.
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