She’s one of the most vibrant and exciting new music artists in the LGBTQ community and delivers smash hit after hit. With more new music on the way and some live performances lined up to delight and entertain the PRIDE masses, it’s time the world got to know more about NEONshe!
We caught up with the artist to chat just before her upcoming June 4th gig at the Manchester All Day Slay Festival to find out more about this shining, rising star.
What first got you into music?
According to legend, I could sing before I could talk. I used to write simple little songs (one day I would love to create a kid’s album with them), but I properly got into singing after I was offered to sing a solo when in a recorder group ‘The Tooty Fruties’ at the age of 6. I used to be part of a church and this recorder group was run by them. The recorder group were surprised after hearing me sing, so the Vicars son, who is an incredible organist & pianist, taught me the song Abba Father. Within no time I was performing for my first solo in my local church.
Soon after, my mum found me an audition for classical singing lessons, which I was awarded and I never looked back. I was put into many singing competitions as a child and I won a lot of them, with prizes such as days in recording studios, and money that I could put towards music. With the recording prizes, I recorded my songs and my family helped me make artwork to make them into proper CDs that I then distributed. My dad was the person who got me into recording at around 12 years old. He bought me a laptop with Cubase, an interface and a microphone.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
I am lucky to have such a creative and supportive family. Most of my family plays some kind of instrument. My grandad and uncle are both incredible piano players, my father is a talented songwriter, guitarist and singer and electronic music producer, and my auntie is a brilliant graphic designer, who helped me create my first CDs and business cards. She has designed a lot for various festivals including the Marsden Jazz Festival, which we always go together to and is the highlight of my year. Even my grandma, who doesn’t play an instrument, was knitting outfits for her dolls before she was 10! There is a lot of creativity in my family and it has shaped a lot of who I am today. Her mother, my great grandma, who I never met but feel very connected to, was a classical singer in Wales. I listen to tape recordings of her singing in old people’s homes – her voice was a strong, operatic soprano. It is very wholesome and inspiring.
Where does the name NEONshe come from?
It took me a VERY long time to come up with the name, literally over a year. NEONshe is the creative project that I want to use for the rest of my musical career, so the name had to be perfect. I wanted a name that was unique, fun and fitting to who I am. I am a very typically girly person so I thought my pronouns were a simple yet effective signifier of my creative expression in music, fashion and just as a human. NEON, because I love electronic music. NEONshe is a creative project that can be fluid and changeable in the genre. I enjoy writing in loads of styles but the consistency I’ve noticed is the electronic element that always sneaks its way into my music. I just love computerised digital sounds. They’re fun to work with and they make my ears happy.
Who are the artists that inspired you to start making music?
As I mentioned, my father has been a big inspiration, especially for getting started in recording and producing music, which today is one of my biggest loves. But before any of that, when I was really little, I used to dance around in my kitchen to albums on repeat like Aqua’s ‘Aquarium’ and ‘Cartoon Heroes’, Shania Twain’s ‘Come On Over’ and basically every Disney soundtrack. I was also inspired by Theatre a lot. To this day, I’m still obsessed with Wicked, We Will Rock You, Rent, Hairspray, Annie and loads of others.
How has the reaction been to your latest releases?
My last releases have reached my audience in a way that I’m very proud of! I’ve released more collaborations recently, which has been a really fun way to try out different styles and influences. Lost To The Rhythm with Goetiak received possibly the most messages I’ve ever had from people who loved the song enough to let me know. It quickly became a crowd favourite at my gigs. Luckily, I also love singing it live!
After that, in May, I released a remix by Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, which has done particularly well online; it’s made its way onto over 66 Spotify playlists and is nearly at 10,000 listens already! I’ve worked with both of these producers in the past with a big love for the music that came out so I’m sure you’ll hear more in the future!
What’s next for you in music?
I’m making a new EP! I’m working hard behind the scenes finalising an EP for my mental health journey over the last year. The EP is called ‘Butterfly’ (this is the first time I’ve announced the name) and it transports you through my journey particularly with chronic pain and panic attacks. The EP ends with uplifting songs about healing, closure and perspective. Creating this EP has been a huge part of my healing and I can only hope that when my unicorns listen to it, they can feel better or at least a little less alone.
Outside of the EP, I have been working on more collaborations as well as lining up some gigs to make the most of my last summer in the UK!
Have you had a chance to play any Pride festivals? What was the experience like?
My first gig in Manchester was an LGBTQ+ event called Fluff, which is run by my dear friends Norrisette and Industries Manchester. That was a surreal experience because I had met Norrisette online and become a fan of her song ‘Prometheus’ about a year before while I was living in Japan. Then, without realising it, I ended up moving to the next town to her! Now we hang out, do gigs and vibe together over tea and music.
I have also played Evil Things, run by Flowers Of Evil in the Northern Quarter, where I dressed up as a unicorn and launched my single ‘Lost To The Rhythm’, a collaboration with Mexican producer Goetiak.
I also headlined Levenshulme Pride 2022 where The Vegan Queens performed their drag show and I fangirled.
Are you playing any this year?
I’m playing at the All Day Slay Festival this Sunday! Although I’m not sure if this publication will be out by that time. It is an all-day festival spread over two venues fundraising for Mermaids, LGBT Foundation and Otto’s top surgery. This will be my last gig while living in Manchester! I’m so excited but also so sad to say goodbye to so many wonderful people! I’ll be moving down south and gigging and enjoying various festivals until moving back to Japan near the end of the year. More to come on that!
What is your favourite song to perform and why?
It changes! Right now it’s got to be Osaka Child, which is a song off of my album J-POP. I love bouncing around on stage and then letting my vocals go wild at the end, where I can belt it out. It’s a fun, upbeat song about my love for Osaka (the best city in Japan) and the production always makes me feel energetic with its offbeat synths and many key changes. I feel like that song encapsulates that era of NEONshe perfectly.
Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance to get rid of nerves or performance anxiety?
My routines, pre and post-gig, are a huge part of my performance. Before every performance, I practice every day for a week, if not more. The day before the gig, I will have a long bath and use that time for deep meditation, to listen to a podcast (usually Happy Place by Fern Cotton) or to put on some of my favourite tunes. I also spend the whole day before prepping and packing so I can just rehearse and leave on the day. Post-performance, I have a slow day where I unpack, unwind and get back into my routine, usually by doing yoga, reading and going into nature and putting my feet in the grass. Gigging is such a high-energy experience and makes me super excited. I am highly sensitive, so I need my downtime before and after to avoid burnout.
I believe that it’s important to feel nervous and excited. Years before creating NEONshe, I had a phase of feeling, well, nothing before going on stage. Now I realise that if I feel nothing, then there is a lack of care towards my performance. Nerves and excitement remind me that I care about what I’m doing and it makes me do my best. Performance anxiety, on the other hand, is something I experienced recently for the first time. I could tell the difference because of the negative emotions that surrounded it. For me, I go to therapy when those kinds of emotions creep up. I also meditate and drench myself in lavender oil.
Who would be your dream artists to perform with?
The 1975! I’ve seen them live 3 times and I love their presence and stage show! I love that they like to change their style frequently. Especially their songs ‘I Think There’s Something You Should Know’, ‘Spinning’, & ‘Frail State Of Mind’, I could imagine the NEONshe sparkly sound fitting in there.
If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?
Owl City! Adam Young has been my favourite musician since I was about 12. His music helped me through so many hard times as a child such as bullying at school and loneliness. I used to put on his albums every day, literally every morning, as I was getting ready for school and the music would uplift me. The reason I went to visit Japan the first time was to watch him play on his Cinematic tour, which was a childhood dream come true. Without going to that gig, I may not have gone to Japan to visit or even to live after. I can’t imagine how different my life would look if Owl City wasn’t part of my history.
As a young and out LGBTQ artist, you are no doubt positively impacting so many youths. Have you had many of your LGBTQ fans reach out to you?
I feel so grateful to be relating to others about being a queer person through my music. You could say that LGBTQ fans reach out to me but I haven’t seen it like that. I see it as making friends and connecting with like-minded individuals. One of my favourite things in the world is hearing someone say ‘Rainbow Flag’ is their favourite song or that my music helped them. There’s no feeling quite like it.
How do you see the current position of LGBTQ artists in the music industry? What are the challenges you feel are most primary?
To be alive now is a blessing in so many ways because of how much freedom there is compared to the past. However, discrimination and prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals still exist, affecting opportunities, visibility, and acceptance in basically every industry, not just music. Some artists may face backlash or limited support due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. But these challenges only bring us together as a community. Other big challenges LGBTQ+ artists still face today are face is lack of representation, stereotyping, tokenism, mental health issues, and access to resources and opportunities, especially for those who come from unprivileged backgrounds. They may struggle to get quality education, studio time, and financial support for their art. No matter what problems they are facing, we are all humans trying to express ourselves and be happy. That shouldn’t be jeopardised because of who you are or what gender you love.
Who are some of the LGBTQ music artists you listen to and admire?
Lady Gaga (my favourite on this list), Mika, Elton John & Freddie Mercury / Queen.
How do practice self-care while dealing with the challenges of the music industry?
When my body and brain are healthy, I can face challenges with clarity. This last year has been pretty hard, but I’ve found myself on a healing journey from struggling with chronic pain literally every day. Recently, I go to therapy for my mental health, the chiropractor for my back (now I’m having pain-free days for the first time in years), I eat delicious vegan food that heals my body and I listen to my body’s needs by not overworking or staying still for too long. I do yoga (even if it’s just for 10 minutes in the morning), meditate and get into nature every day.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in music?
Just start! Get music online asap because then you can reach out to people with it, get gigs, collaborations and even feedback. Your work will get better the more you release stuff.
Also, make music you love. People (including myself at one point) waste so much time creating something they think others will like and it’s the most unsatisfying thing. Now I make music I love to listen to, and my unicorns find me because of it. Music connects us all, so make sure you’re making what you love & you’ll find the people who love you too.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
The gender gap! There is such a lack of women in the music industry it makes me so sad! I’m not sure exactly why the gap is so big, but it seems that men control the music industry (and the world) for the most part. I love all of the people I work with dearly, but honestly, I’d love to work with more girls, and I’d love girls to be taken more seriously in the music industry! It offends me how some people can’t get their heads around women being producers, for example. They exist and I’m one of them! My entire career there have always been fewer girls, whether it’s in music school, bands, the studio or working at festivals. We are totally under-represented and still a minority in this industry.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It’s changed it big time! When I released my first single ‘Future’, it was during the pandemic, and my entire promotional campaign and audience were online. The internet has helped me reach people all over the world, including collaborators, radio and of course now this interview! On the other hand, the pace at which it’s changing is pretty crazy. It feels like you have to be clued up on the latest trends and algorithm changes to keep up on social media. That is pretty tiring, to be honest. But, I still believe that real human connection is the best business model, more so than social media and the internet. When I play gigs and meet people in real life, I make real friends and find more opportunities.
Quick fire questions!
Celebrity Crush?
Ellie Goulding
Best TV Binge?
Rick and Morty
Favourite Dessert?
Mochi!
Pet Peeve?
Milk Powder in every bloody thing.
If you could have any song from any artist be yours, what would it be?
Lolipop by Mika! Such a bop!
Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life?
Emma Watson
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can put my amputated finger on my nostril hole and in my ear to look like a magic disappearing finger – great party trick!
Best song to sing in the shower?
How Will I Know by Whitney Houston
If you were stranded on an island and could only have one album with you, which one would it be and why?
Owl City ‘All Things Bright And Beautiful’ because that album saved me.
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