Shadu hails from the town of Partenit in Crimea. At the tender age of six, she began her violin studies at a local music school. After graduating with honours, she embarked on her musical journey in 2022, following a stint as a director for Ukrainian TV channels. Her career took off when she participated in the Holos Krainy music show, part of the international The Voice franchise, and won the prestigious Narodna Zirka contest, a Ukrainian music competition. In September 2022, she released her debut EP, Gravity, featuring tracks like Gravity, Take Me Away, and Au Au, which quickly climbed the worldwide retro wave charts.
By 2023, Shadu had already made waves in the international music scene. Her single Apologize, released by a US record label, introduced her music to American audiences. Her subsequent EP, Babylon, released in the UK, charted in Canada, the USA, and China, with tracks like Dancer, Babylon, and Somebody Again earning her global recognition. A frequent visitor to Dubai, Shadu appreciates the city's vibrant DJ culture, attributing it to the locals' deep understanding and exposure to global music trends.
Shadu's love for Bollywood is evident when she speaks about it. "I grew up watching Bollywood movies, which were always on TV. They are all about celebration, bright, and mesmerising. I enjoyed them so much, feeling the characters' emotions and laughing and crying with them. The hundreds of dancers moving in perfect unison, dressed in gorgeous outfits and jewellery, captivated me as a child. I even dreamed of becoming a heroine in one of these films," she reminisces.
When asked about her favourite musicians, Shadu names Black Coffee and The Weekend. "I just love Black Coffee. He's an incredibly talented musician with immense willpower, overcoming tough times to become one of the most popular artists in the electronic scene. And The Weekend, his view of modern trends is so precise, and his songs make me feel good. His gentle voice soothes my soul," she shares.
Shadu believes that music transcends language barriers. "Music is a universal language understood by everyone on the planet. It captures moods, experiences, and emotions. Words are just an addition, one of the elements. I often include important phrases in my tracks that beautifully complement the melody," she explains.
Technology has revolutionised the music industry, according to Shadu. "Thanks to modern technology, we can create music without needing a large studio. In the past, you needed 20 synthesizers, drum machines, and mixing consoles. Now, all of that fits into a small laptop, with access to all the samples you need. This means we can create music anywhere—in a plane, a car, or a hotel," she says.
Shadu believes that artists can transform suffering into sublime art. "I'm a very creative person, so any dramatic events in my life have always influenced my art. Often, these were negative events or experiences, and it was during these times that new melodies were born. Over time, I learned to write not only when I feel bad but also when I feel good," she adds.
To protect her inner space, Shadu finds solace in nature. "Artists must balance inner and outer worlds. It’s important to keep your unique spark while staying interesting for your audience. Walking alone in nature helps me a lot. I find inspiration in its shapes, sounds, and smells," she says.
Shadu handles career highs and lows by learning from her mistakes. "I step back to see my mistakes. Mistakes are good for you because they teach you. I love the saying, ‘Only people who do nothing [don’t] make mistakes’. Despite errors in my life, I keep living and moving forward," she explains.
When asked about her life story and what a memoir would be called, Shadu says, "I’d call it Dream On! It's my life's motto."