Music that matters

Amarjot Kaur

The song Iradey is 26-year-old Shaina’s fifth Punjabi song. Based in Chandigarh, Shaina has done M. Phil in music from Panjab University under the aegis of Pankaj Mala Sharma and says that she scored the first rank for PhD enterance test. 

“I have also performed at several places too, but I love folk music, especially Punjabi folk and sufi music,” she says.

A big fan of Narinder Biba, Surinder Kaur and Parkash Kaur, Sudesh Kumari, Jaspinder Narula and Bibi Ranjit Kaur, Shaina likes listening to contemporary Punjabi music too. 

While talking about her song, she says, “Iradey is a sad, romantic song and it’s also nostalgic in a way. It has been released under Mp4 Records.” Among new Punjabi singers, Shaina admires Amarinder Gill, Ranjit Bawa and Prabh Gill. 

Having released four songs before Iradey, including Unique Jatt, Block Kar Gai by Speed Records, Akh Badi Roi, Sarpanchi, and Maa De Tarle, Shaina has been singing professionally for over five years now. 

“I feel basic knowledge of music is important to become a singer. With the knowledge of raags and swarsas, you can add more music vocabulary to your song,” she says. Originally from Malout, Shaina likes to study the history of Punjabi music.  “Coming from Punjab, I understand Punjabi culture and I love it too. I have done my thesis on Punjab’s folk music. The reason why I have been releasing singles is because no one wants to listen to albums these days; it is the age of digital download,” she adds.