Shy One

Shy One

Shy One is the alias of Mali Larrington-Nelson, an electronic artist from London. The project sits in electronic music and grime, and releases music on Big Dada. Shy One makes predominantly UK garage and grime instrumentals, and the name is also associated with underground hip-hop and electronic music.

Music and style

The project draws on a wide range of influences, including horror films and artists such as Rush, Led Zeppelin and Metallica, alongside Memphis rap and Texas underground rap. Those interests shape a sound that combines hip-hop ideas with electronic production and grime. The music is described as self-written and self-produced, with the artist making beats, writing songs, recording, designing artwork and making videos.

Early work and development

Shy One begins making music on a sister’s basic keyboard, recording beats through a karaoke microphone before progressing to a first studio demo in 1999. A solo track uploaded in 2000 attracts attention through MP3.com, bringing emails and orders from listeners in the United States, Germany and Japan, and later reaches number one on the site’s charts.

Graphic design and visual work

Alongside music production, Shy One pursues graphic design and enters design competitions. The artist continues to create graphic designs for personal use, affiliated artists and others.

Live performance and promotion

Shy One performs widely and promotes music directly in person, including by handing out flyers on the street. The live show is central to the project, with performances taking place in many cities and drawing a strong underground following across rap, metal, hip-hop, indie and techno audiences.

Recorded output

Shy One releases three solo albums and has produced 17 underground albums. The catalogue is described as completely self-written and self-produced, and the work is presented as having sold out in full.