Get to know: SHWA – The Pop Storyteller Turning Heartache into Connection

Emerging from the small Welsh town of Abertillery/Blaina to the buzzing creative scenes of London, SHWA is a rising pop artist ready to light up playlists and stages with her bold sound and heartfelt storytelling.

Growing up surrounded by music, SHWA first found her voice singing in pubs, choirs, and school shows, but for years she didn’t believe singing was something she could pursue seriously. “The disadvantage of growing up in a small town was that I believed singing wasn't something I could aspire to, so I chose to attend acting school instead,” she shares. It wasn’t until the pandemic that she realised her true passion: “I took up songwriting classes, became obsessed with getting my words onto paper and into melodies, and began exploring the different avenues to get my music released.”

That decision has since propelled SHWA onto stages like Brixton Jamm - a moment she describes as “really special.”

SHWA’s sound blends modern pop with a rock edge, pulling inspiration from artists like Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson. “Taylor Swift with a Kelly Clarkson edge,” she says with a smile. “Classic pop sounds with a rock essence but my biggest focus is on the lyrics. I want to create stories with meaning, and I’m so excited for what’s to come.”

It’s that focus on storytelling that sets her apart. Her songs aren’t isolated singles, but chapters of a bigger narrative. “My singles are never standalone songs. The ones released and those yet to come are all connected to each other. Stay tuned.” Her upcoming project 'Love Cycle' is a perfect example, exploring the emotional highs and lows of a failed relationship before repeating itself. “You can tell I have loads of luck with men, right?!” she jokes.

While relationships are often her muse, SHWA’s ultimate goal is deeper than heartbreak anthems. “I want to be perceived as a beacon of light for anyone who needs to know they’re not alone - whether that’s reassurance that their happiness is valid or experiencing heartache.”

That mission was inspired by her own concert experiences, where music created unity. “My most favourite thing when I’m in those arenas is when a ballad-style song comes on, and everyone puts on their flashlights. In that one song, everyone is connected through music and lyrics. First time I noticed it was at a Stereophonics concert in Cardiff, I want to create connections like that.”

As she readies the release of the 'Love Cycle' series, SHWA is already thinking ahead. This winter will bring darker sounds, while spring promises fresh energy. Long term, she envisions her sound evolving alongside artists she admires: “The possibilities are endless! I look at Jade and Raye and Taylor Swift and how their music ever evolves. I’d love to get more rock into my sound, so that’s exciting to explore.”

And if she had her dream collaboration? “If I could only pick one, I think it would have to be Stereophonics - it would be unreal to rock out with Kelly Jones and explore my sound with a live rock band.”

For now, SHWA is focused on the next chapter of her journey. “Right now, it’s getting Love Cycle out into the world. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to be selling out arena tours, but I think it’s important to enjoy all the little steps to get there.”

With her passion for storytelling, relatable lyrics, and drive to connect with fans, SHWA isn’t just another rising pop singer - she’s building a musical universe where every song is a piece of a bigger story. And for those watching closely, this is only the beginning.

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