Today we’d like to introduce you to SHIVVA.
Hi SHIVVA, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Three years ago, we started as mutual friends and connected more through social media. We discovered that we were all running in similar social circles in South Florida’s alternative music scene (it’s very small). It didn’t take long for us to meet up and begin making music together. There have been a few lineup changes in SHIVVA, but one thing remains the same – we all love the shoegaze genre. Notable performances include playing at Revolution Live and Respectable Street’s 37th Anniversary Block Party. We enjoy performing at any venue that supports live and local music and art.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Anything worthwhile comes with its obstacles. Lineup changes were a challenge, such as slowing the momentum. Additionally, venues are few and far between in South Florida. There are venues that book entertainment, but it is challenging for artists who create original music. Losing beloved venues such as Las Rosas, Churchills, and The Granary where there is a big supporting community has been a loss for original artists. That being said, we are incredibly grateful for venues that value and support the importance of the Arts.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We are an alternative band with shoegaze and dream pop influences. We focus on dreamy sounds contrasting with distorted fuzzy and droning lashes of noise. Ambient waves of sound encase our audience with soft ethereal vocals, shimmering guitar and keys, and powerful driving bass and drums. We are currently a five-piece, consisting of Monica Ferrer on lead vocals and keyboards, Melanie Adaros on bass and supporting vocals, Sebastian Crow on drums, Michael O’Conner and Yardley Dominguez on guitar. We all collaborate and share ideas in writing our music. There is no feeling to describe how rewarding it is when audience members tell us after shows that our music resonated with them. We are grateful for the endless support we have received from our EP “Uxoricide” and the opportunity to perform in various established venues. There is an ever-growing demand from our audience that asks when our next show is and when new music and merch will be released. We all have a devotion to music and make all the necessary sacrifices to make it happen with full-time jobs and outside responsibilities.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
We are absolutely grateful to all the mentors in our lives and everyone who has ever supported us. The support from our family, friends, our audience, and the people who push to inspire us are irreplaceable. We are also grateful for special opportunities. For example, Melanie got to travel to L.A. earlier this year to volunteer for Grammy Week on behalf of the non-profit organization, GrammyU. Through the program, she had a mentor (Meka Nism) who taught her about the music business. Through that, SHIVVA as a whole has learned from this valuable experience. Additionally, Crow has gained experience by touring with other bands. Monica, Yardley, and Michael have prior music education backgrounds and bring back this knowledge for SHIVVA. We are all grateful for the mentors in our music education experience throughout our lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Shivvamusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivvamusic/
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/hkGf3Yd3GXDHhEzo8
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/619jLqgsLUvjJGH23yXQkl?si=h7OW1EVUTlif-TEJYa9P0g
Image Credits
Lazaro Ricardo, Roberto Badillo, Katia Valyi
