Mali Hâf not only employs a unique blend of rhythmic, textural and tonal elements to craft the song “SHWSH!” but she also sings in the Welsh language. In the music video we see her auditioning for the part of a “woman” in a dance studio and in a variety of outfits to the theatrical to those more associated with ballet. And it all represents the point of the song which is to encourage listeners to be their authentic selves in the face of cultural and social forces reinforced by media and social media images and narratives to conform to someone else’s standards. The music, which may have resonance with dream pop circa Cocteau Twins, New Age pop and IDM, invites you to take it and accept it on its own terms and for its part is imbued with an energetic dynamic and immediacy that facilitates that acceptance. In writing the music this way with this intention, in a seemingly exotic yet locally completely common language like Welsh, Mali Hâf conveys the message that these identities including gender identity is personal to the individual and that you should be free to express it because it is another facet of the human experience worthy of respect. Watch the video for “SHWSH!” on YouTube and connect with Mali Hâf at the links below.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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