We recently caught up with D.C native Shif-T Da Nightchild to talk about his latest single as well as getting a chance to know the DMV rapper & her journey through the rap game. Check out our one-on-one down below.
Q&A WITH SHIF-T DA NIGHTCHILD
DJ SPINS: How Did You Come Up With your Stage Name?
Well I was actually given the name Shif-T after collaborating on various music projects & performing with live bands. I’ve always real creative and versatile allowing me to be able to tap into different genres and markets. My names comes from being able to switch up my style and shift gears musically at any given moment.
The name “Da NightChild” came along from my Mom RIP because I’ve been an insomniac since birth. I would always be up at night and like to sleep in the day time like a vampire. I always wanted to carry a piece of my mom with me so I added Da NightChild onto the name Shif-T.
Please tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?
I was born and raised in Washington, DC. I’ve been surrounded by music my whole life, but after doing various studio work and performing on stage with live bands I just found an forever love for music.
Who and/or what inspires you to create?
What inspires me the most is that I’m able to express myself unfiltered and I can give the world me authentically never mind the judgements or prejudices. Everyday we face something different so, I like to pull from experiences and create something beautiful. Life is a big puzzle so we all have the power to create the masterpiece our hearts desire. I’ve created some of my best work going through the struggle and music has been my biggest therapy.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
How would you describe your sound?
I like to call my sound Urban Goth because it’s a mixture of hip-hop, trap and rock.
What is your creative process like?
I’m an introverted extrovert so I prefer creating late nights alone in my own space of comfort. For the most, I can be found listening to instrumental music with my headphones on and just zoning out, and allowing my creative juices to go wild. Despite comfortability though, I’m very adaptive like a chameleon and always open to new surroundings and creating magic with others.
What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with the greats like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Sade, Mary J Blige, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and Linkin park.
If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?
I would love to open up for Linkin Park or Lil Wayne.
RAPID FIRE ROUND
What is one message you would give to your supporters?
My biggest message, I would give to my supporters is that all things are possible through God & that we are the true controllers of our destiny. Feel free to change, switch directions, or adjust as many times as needed, because at the end of the day we all are entitled to peace and happiness and to walk in our own purpose and truth.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I don’t believe in any talent being useless. A talent is a gift and a real blessing for anyone to possess for real.
What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?
If I wasn’t doing music, I would honestly study psychology and become a therapist. I love helping and uplifting others, and finding easier ways to navigate through life. It’s about living a fulfilling life and in abundance, and I truly want peace, unconditional love and happiness for the entire species.
Who are some artists you admire and why?
I admire 50 Cent because he’s not just an amazing artist with hits, but he’s an entertainer and a smart businessman and that’s what it takes to survive in this industry. The music business is about way more than music and you have to learn it if you want to become successful and have longevity in the game.
I would also, have to say I admire Lil Wayne because he is limitless stylistically and crosses barriers most are afraid to tap into. As an artist you have to evolve with the time and be creative enough to make a lifelong impact and he has done that ten times over.
IN CLOSING
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I was given was to learn the music business and not just my artistry.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
If I could change anything in the industry it would be the direction of female hip-hop. I would like to see us project more lyrical diversity. We are not all the same and have different visions and perspectives, so it would be great if we could have a safe space and a new lane to present that.
You Dropped Your Latest Release Earlier this Year. Tell Us About It.
I have my new single out it’s called “The Journey” and it’s giving you a sneak peek into my world of ups and downs as I continue on my road to success. I feel we all face our own share of struggles and sacrifice, so I wanted to present something everyone can definitely relate to.
What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?
In the next year, I want to drop more heart felt music for you to feel, set tours across the US & international, and make my brand (Phade 2 Green Productionz) a household name in the industry.
What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?
My music is available on all streaming platforms. Feel free to follow The Journey…
IG @shiftdanightchild
TikTok @shif_tdanightchild
X @ShifTNightChild
Facebook @Shif-T
Snapchat @Shif-T
YouTube @shif-tdanightchildofficial
#GetSOM via @djspins and check out more of his interviews right here.
