Shida Shahabi previews upcoming album First Light at Hand with PJ Harvey collaboration

Stockholm-based composer Shida Shahabi is set to release her third studio album, First Light at Hand, on 5 March 2027 via the Still Light label. This new record follows her 2023 release Living Circle and continues her exploration of ambient and orchestral textures.

The album's initial preview comes in the form of the single "Wreath," which includes a collaboration with British artist PJ Harvey. The track represents the first glimpse of the project's thematic and sonic direction, with lyrics that reportedly act as a central motive for the album.

The collaboration originated in 2024, when Shahabi performed at an event in London’s Gunnersbury Park curated by Harvey. Their encounter led to a creative exchange grounded in mutual respect and shared aesthetic values, with the partnership on "Wreath" emerging organically during the production process.

Both artists contributed significantly to the track’s development. Shahabi initially crafted the music, while Harvey responded by writing freeform lyrics inspired by the composition. These were then refined into the song’s final form, characterized by a simple and repetitive melodic structure designed to complement the evolving musical arrangement.

Shahabi’s artistic interests include naturalistic themes, particularly the dynamics of light and its role in life cycles. This focus informs not only the album’s title but also the selection of song names. The record features titles such as "Phantasm," "Infinite Fifth," "Iridescent," and "Sun-Filled Swarm," each reflecting different aspects or states of light.

Prior to this album, Shahabi expanded her work into film scoring, composing for Thibault Emin’s feature Else, Teresa Sutherland’s Lovely, Dark and Deep, and Charlotte Le Bon’s Falcon Lake. This diversification suggests a broadening of her musical narrative, intertwining cinematic and personal elements.

The presence of PJ Harvey on "Wreath" is significant given Harvey’s stature in alternative music and her prior curatorial role in Shahabi’s exposure to a London audience. Their creative synergy adds a notable layer to Shahabi’s evolving soundscape and may attract broader attention to the album.

From a career standpoint, the collaboration and cinematic compositions position Shahabi at a nexus between instrumental innovation and collaborative songwriting. This indicates a strategic expansion of her artistic footprint beyond traditional ambient and orchestral circles.

Touring plans or further promotional activities tied to First Light at Hand have yet to be disclosed, leaving aspects of the album’s rollout unconfirmed. However, the timing of the release in early 2027 suggests preparations could already be underway.

For audiences familiar with Shahabi’s prior work, First Light at Hand promises a continuation and deepening of her exploration into texture and mood, now enriched by lyrical interplay through Harvey’s involvement. This aspect of introduction of vocals marks a potential evolution in her typically instrumental approach.

The album’s thematic emphasis on light and natural phenomena resonates with contemporary trends in ambient music, where conceptual frameworks often play a central role in listener engagement. Shahabi’s personal interest in gardening and natural cycles likely provides authenticity to this motif.

The release through Still Light, a label known for supporting experimental and ambient artists, situates First Light at Hand within a context of carefully curated sonic artistry. This alignment may heighten the album’s reception among dedicated followers of the genre.

The unfolding collaboration between Shahabi and Harvey could influence future projects for both artists. For Shahabi, it may open avenues for further vocal collaborations, whereas for Harvey, it represents an extension of her curatorial and collaborative pursuits.