Shab Discusses Her New Single ‘It’s On You’

In a revealing interview, Persian-American pop artist Shab shares insights into her latest single, ‘It’s On You,’ exploring the Afro-House rhythms that influenced the track and the unique collaborations that brought it to fruition, including her work with rising star Preston Harris.

Inspiration Behind ‘It’s On You’

Shortly before a trip overseas in February 2025, Shab stumbled upon an extraordinary EDM track titled “Something to Believe In” by the Amsterdam-based duo Avalon Rokston. Captivated by the sound, she returned to the U.S. eager to collaborate with the artists. To her surprise, her co-manager and longtime producer, Damon Sharpe, revealed that he knew one of the duo members, Valentijn Hoogerrf. With just one week available amidst a busy promotional tour, Shab and Valentijn managed to connect during Coachella, leading to two productive days in the studio, where they created four demos, including the first track, ‘It’s On You.’

Exploring Afro House

Shab has been drawn to Afro House rhythms for the past three years, noting similarities between these beats and the Persian music she grew up with. The hypnotic energy of Afro House resonates with her artistic sensibilities, making it a natural fit for her evolving sound.

Collaboration with Preston Harris

Shab’s collaboration with acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Preston Harris was serendipitous. After hearing Harris’s track “Loosen Up,” she reached out to Damon again, who confirmed he had a connection to Preston. This led to Preston agreeing to perform a duet on ‘It’s On You.’ Shab describes their vocal chemistry as a powerful convergence of talent, enhanced by Damon’s expert production, resulting in a track that blends their voices beautifully.

Personal and Sonic Evolution

As Shab reflects on her previous hits like ‘Lipstick’ and ‘Skin & Bones,’ she recognizes that ‘It’s On You’ represents her first deep dive into the Electronic Dance Music genre. The collaboration with Preston, an emerging talent in the industry, marks an exciting new chapter in her career as she continues to explore diverse musical styles.

Advocacy Through Music

Shab is committed to using her platform to raise awareness about significant global issues, particularly the ongoing situation in Iran, where protests and human rights violations are prevalent. She expresses disappointment over the silence from the music industry regarding these atrocities and aims to inform Western audiences about the struggles faced by her Persian community. Shab acknowledges the importance of artists like Yungblud, who have sought to shed light on these critical issues.

The Message of ‘Dance Til You’re Free’

In her empowering single ‘Dance Til You’re Free,’ Shab hopes to inspire a sense of liberation and community among listeners. While she acknowledges that music may not always lead to significant societal change, she aims to provide encouragement to those in Iran, reminding them they are not alone in their fight for freedom.

Defining Success

With over 25 million YouTube views and millions of Spotify streams, Shab is still defining what success means to her. She feels she is undergoing significant growth as an artist and acknowledges that there remain many challenges and opportunities ahead in her career.

Conversations Sparked by ‘It’s On You’

Shab hopes her new single will ignite curiosity among listeners, prompting them to ask, “Who is this Shab girl?” She aims for her music to foster dialogue and connection as she continues to carve her path in the music industry.

Conclusion

Shab’s journey with ‘It’s On You’ showcases her evolving musical identity while emphasizing her commitment to advocacy and raising awareness of pressing global issues. As she continues to explore new sounds and collaborations, her voice remains a powerful instrument for change and connection.

FAQs

What genre does ‘It’s On You’ belong to?

‘It’s On You’ primarily falls within the Afro House genre, incorporating hypnotic rhythms that resonate with Shab’s Persian musical influences.

Who collaborated with Shab on this single?

Shab collaborated with rising artist Preston Harris, who is known for his work with prominent figures in the music industry, including Kendrick Lamar.

What message does Shab aim to convey through her music?

Shab seeks to raise awareness about global issues, particularly the situation in Iran, while also providing a sense of empowerment and unity through her music.

What can listeners expect from Shab in the future?

Listeners can anticipate further exploration of diverse musical styles and more collaborations as Shab continues to grow as an artist.