IN CONVERSATION WITH INDIA SHAWN

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by CRSH

India Shawn is a fearless force in alternative R&B—unfiltered, ever-evolving, and unapologetically authentic. Her latest single, ‘Cotton Candy Blvd.’ featuring Grammy Award-winner Lucky Daye, showcases her signature blend of sweetness and depth - a dreamy, late-summer anthem that captures the tension before the kiss and the promise of something real. Known for her critically acclaimed album ‘Before We Go (Deeper)’ and collaborations with artists like Anderson and .Paak, India has long been an “artist’s artist.” Now, as she steps boldly into 2025, she brings a fresh creative vision that redefines what it means to be timeless and new all at once.

Your sound has always felt deeply personal, but also ever-evolving. What inspired the creative shift you’re bringing into 2025?

Songwriting has always been how I process life, but this project is the first time I’ve really taken the reins on crafting the sound, too. I wanted to do something unexpected and make a project that reflects what I’m actually listening to right now—psych pop, alt R&B, and 70s soul. It’s a mash-up of those influences.

You’ve been described as “unfiltered, fearless, and always evolving.” Do you feel that evolution is something you chase, or does it find you?

It’s both. I’m always curious about what’s next and willing to step into discomfort to find it. Growth hasn’t been a straight line for me at all. It’s come through trial and error, failure, and rejection. But I’ve learned to move toward the things that scare me. That’s where the quantum jumps happen.

How do you stay grounded in authenticity while still pushing your sonic boundaries?

Having a creative partner who’s really in your corner makes it easy. D Mile and I have that kind of mutual trust and respect. He knows me well enough to push me when I need it, but never too far. And through all the experimenting, I realised the sound and spirit of my voice is the thread that keeps everything feeling familiar and soulful, no matter where we take it.

‘Cotton Candy Blvd.’ feels like such a rich blend of warmth, tension, and vulnerability. How did the idea for the song first come to you, and what was the creative process like?

We started the song with our friend Chiiild, who’s such a brilliant artist and producer. Right away, it had this warm, sexy energy. We were going back and forth, mumbling melodies and lyrics. Honestly, there were so many different versions before it landed. Eventually, it became a story about going on a joyride with someone you want to be more than friends with, to a place you’ve never explored, where nothing’s guaranteed and everything feels a little uncertain, but maybe, hopefully worth the risk.

You described the track as “the tension before the kiss.” How did you and Lucky Daye tap into that emotional space together in the studio?

Lucky and I go way, way back. The chemistry was already there. For me, the tension was in the anticipation of us finally bringing our voices together. Us harmonising and running on the end, coming out of the last hook, is my favourite part. I could listen to it on repeat all day.

The song captures that dreamy, late-summer-night feeling so vividly. What do you hope listeners feel or remember when they hear ‘Cotton Candy Blvd.’ for the first time?

Honestly, life feels so heavy for a lot of people right now. I just want ‘Cotton Candy Blvd.’ to bring a little levity and fun. I think we could all use some of that energy right now.

‘Before We Go (Deeper)’ was a turning point in your discography. What did that album teach you, musically or personally?

‘Before We Go (Deeper)’ marked a moment of taking full ownership of my life. I was beginning to understand that everything I was experiencing, and creating, was a reflection of my inner world. It was part of a deeper journey of self-awareness and growth, both personally and musically.

Alternative R&B is having such a rich moment right now. Where do you see yourself within that space, and where do you want to take it?

This wave of alt R&B feels like what the Neo Soul era of the early 2000s was for me, a moment when artists were breaking boundaries and creating a fresh, new sound. I’m really grateful to be a part of this space with incredible people like Lucky, Ravyn Lenae, Mereba, Steve Lacy and so many more who are just creating freely. For me, no matter the genre, it’s about making music that feels good to me and true to me.

What can fans expect from your next chapter - musically, visually, or spiritually?

Freedom, in every sense. I’m having so much more fun right now, jumping in pools, donning floor-length bright green furs on ‘Cotton Candy Blvd.’ There’s a lightness and playfulness I haven’t felt since I was a kid. I’ve developed a healthy detachment that’s actually made me more present and creative. Whether it’s the music, the visuals, or how I move through the world, this next chapter is all about less pressure and more pleasure.

Finally, when you look ahead to the rest of 2025, what excites you most - on stage, in the studio, or beyond?

I’m really looking forward to building my show out and taking this new music on the road. Seeing how far and wide the music reaches, and hearing about how people are connecting with it is why I do this.