SHY PUMA On the Making Of “Gambler”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Gambler?"
The spark came from the eternal indecision that has dominated most of my life - that fear of taking risks because I might lose. The lyrics reflect the anxiety of choice and the realisation that by not participating in the ‘game of life’, I’ve lost from the start. In a way, the song isn’t really about who I was, but more about who I’d like to become: someone who takes risks no matter the outcome, just for the joy of playing. A true Gambler.
Can you talk about any collaborations you had while making "Gambler?"
I wrote the track with Matteo Busti, who’s one of my best friends and songwriting partner since the start of this project, and the production was a collaboration between me and Alessandro La Barbera, who is the producer of all my music so far, and has been central in shaping my sound. SHY PUMA wouldn’t exist without them.
Can you describe the emotions or feelings you hope this single evokes in listeners?
We created a contrast between the music and lyrics purposefully: while the words are full of doubt and inner conflict, the music has this playful, almost mischievous quality. The lyrics dig into fear, regret, and the paralysis of not taking risks, but the production opens a door to possibility. I want people to feel that tension and, ultimately, to feel encouraged to take chances, to play for the sake of playing, even if the outcome is uncertain. ‘Cause you might ‘win it all’ in the end.
Can you tell us about your musical background and what inspired you to become a vocalist?
No one in my family was an artist or musician, but music was always very present growing up, especially Egyptian music. I then started taking singing lessons in a music school in Milan, where I’m from, just for fun. After a few years I realised how much I loved it and decided to move to London to study formally, earning a BMus in Vocal Performance. I’m not someone who shows a lot of vulnerability in everyday life, I tend to keep my guard up. Hence the name Shy Puma! So I guess what inspired me to become a vocalist was realising that my voice could carry the emotions I often struggle to express in any other way. Singing allows me to channel what I usually hide.
What's your favorite part about performing live? How do you connect with your audience during a performance?
The production of my songs is a blend of live instruments, samples, and programmed drums, but when we perform them live, they take on a new shape, as the band plays (almost) everything live. I love creating a performance that exists just for that moment. I’ve always loved going to gigs myself, and some of my fondest memories are tied to experiencing live music. My goal is to give the audience that same feeling, a memory, a shared moment of connection. I guess I connect with the audience by sharing my truth. And by being a bit silly in between songs to lighten the mood hehe!
