Negative Shawdy began releasing music deep in the era of pandemic haze, only to step back from music for a few years around the same time as one of her many musical idols, Jean Deaux. Earlier this year she returned with a newfound vigor and a slew of singles (a breathless release campaign that matches two more heroes: Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter) leading up to her debut album, Dancing with the Lights Out. Whereas 2021’s debut single “Old Self” signaled smoked-out cloud rap as the songwriter’s specialty, these songs instead align themselves with overactive hyperpop, glitching electronica, and futuristic R&B. In short, Dancing sounds like the work of an artist who’s been mainlining Tinashe singles since she was 14.
Yet none of these reference points quite does justice to the 10 tracks packaged together here—each one its own hyperactive world imbibing an impressive variety of fringe pop and electronic influences and spitting them out even further from the realm of generic appeal without disposing of the sugar-coated hooks. What these reference points do provide us with is a look under the hood at how a project like this comes together, with additional names like Billie Eilish, Grimes, Doechii, and Omar Apollo providing context for the musical and lyrical avenues Dancing with the Lights Out explores.
With the record landing tomorrow via Future Gods/Silver Lab(s), check out Negative Shawdy’s influences playlist below (as well as the visual for new single “Is It Me,” created by Zak Forrest). Additionally, you can pre-save the record here.
Amelia Moore, “See Through”
One of my favorite songs this year. Always blown away when she drops a track. If you don’t know Amelia Moore, you probably should. She makes the type of music you can physically feel in your soul.
Billie Eilish, “Overheated”
This has been on repeat for the past three years. I love the effortlessness in her vocals. Obsessed with the beat. Billie has mastered the art of being cool.
Grimes, “Oblivion”
This song always brings me back to high school. At the time, my friends were really heavy trap listeners. This was one of the only songs they’d let me bump on aux that wasn’t trap. We aren’t close anymore, but I still think about the good times when I hear this song!
PinkPantheress, “Do You Miss Me?”
Not only is PinkPantheress one of my favorite artists, but KAYTRANADA is also one of my favorite producers. Need I say more? This song bumps—they make a great team.
Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso”
It took me a while to listen to this song in full because TikTok had the chorus in a chokehold. I remember playing the song in the car for my fiancée and her looking over at me with that “Ohhh, this is a jam” look on her face. We played it three more times. Such a fun song!
Chappell Roan, “Hot to Go!”
“Hot to Go!” is literally an instant mood booster for me. Chappell is that girl. There’s not a single song on her album that I don’t vibe with. She deserves all her flowers.
Lola Young, “Wish You Were Dead”
I will ride at dawn for Lola Young. She needs to be protected at all costs. I think I honestly cried to “Wish You Were Dead” and a couple other songs she has. I just really relate to her lyrics. Low key think she could be my spirit animal, is that weird?
Audrey Nuna, “Dollah Bills”
If you ever need a song to flex on these hoes to, “Dollah Bills” should be the only option. Audrey Nuna is the hottest out right now! She’s a huge inspiration.
070 Shake, “Cocoon”
I used to play “Cocoon” on a loop when I was driving to work. It honestly just pumps me up and gets me hype for life. The lyrics give off this overall sense of “Fuck you, I’mma do me,” and I really resonate with them.
Tinashe, “Getting No Sleep”
Such a jam. Tinashe never fails to release heat. Fun fact: I’ve been a fan of hers since she dropped “Aquarius” in 2014. I was 14! She’s made such an impact on my sound.
Omar Apollo, “Less of You”
Another song that needs to be played a second or third time after it comes on. I had the pleasure of watching him perform this live in September! His artistry is insane. One of the best performers, hands down.
Jean Deaux, “JD’s Revenge”
This one’s heavy. I relate to this song because I kind of took a slight hiatus from music after high school and popped back up like, “Hi! Here’s a single—oh yeah, there’s also an album coming.”
Sabby Sousa, “Spoiled!”
This song is so cunty. Can I say that? Short and sweet, “Spoiled” is an elegant flex, ya know?
Doechii, “Catfish”
Can I dedicate this song to someone? Just kidding (kinda). Doechii always embodies the baddest bitch energy like it’s nothing. “Catfish” is my favorite song on her new album.
Audrey Nuna, “Dance Dance Dance”
Off her latest album, “Dance Dance Dance” is a song you can’t help but move to. She really did her thang on this one.
BIA feat. Lil Yachty, “Pissed Me Off”
This song is so cold I have to wear my Sp5der hoodie when I listen to it.
