Growing up, Shephalika Dhakal was an introverted child, someone more comfortable blending into the background than stepping into the limelight. “I didn’t socialise a lot or make many friends,” she recalls. “But I was always comfortable on stage. One-on-one conversations terrified me, but performing in front of an audience felt natural,” she says.

Despite this, music and poetry were always present in her life. Writing poetry became a personal refuge, a means to process emotions and make sense of the world around her. However, it was only after her younger brother, singer-songwriter Nilotpal Dhakal, urged her to transform her poetry into lyrics that she began to consider songwriting. “He was like, ‘You write poems. You sing. So just write songs.’ And that’s how it started,” says Dhakal.

Her first attempts at songwriting, as she puts it, were “terrible.” But as she continued writing, she discovered that music allowed her to channel raw emotions into something meaningful.

Dhakal approaches songwriting with the same honesty that once defined her poetry. “A good song has to have at least one line of piercing lyrics that leave you holding your heart to keep it from sinking,” she says. Her work is deeply personal, often drawing from lived experiences and emotions. “I try not to limit my lyrics or worry about how they will be perceived. My poems were for me, and I rarely shared them with anyone. That allowed me to be raw and unapologetic, and I think that carries over into my songwriting,” she says.

Her songs are not just expressions of emotions but also tools for self-reflection. At times, she writes lyrics instinctively, only later realising their significance in relation to her experiences. This moment of realisation feels surreal to her, akin to a form of divine intervention from within.

Like many independent artists, Dhakal’s journey has been shaped by the music she listens to. Inspired by artists like Billie Eilish, Radiohead, Lana Del Rey, Damien Rice, and Dodie, she has carved out a sound that blends indie, alternative, and folk influences.

“Every song I write has its own distinct identity in my head. I don’t want to box myself into a single genre. Instead, I let each song take the shape it needs to,” she says. Her songwriting process is fluid and intuitive. “I don’t force myself to write in a particular style. If I’m feeling a certain way, I just let the music reflect that,” Dhakal adds.

Among her works, ‘Red’ holds a special place. “It was the first time I experienced a truly magical creative process. The words and melodies just kept flowing—I had no choice but to write,” she recalls, adding, “It expresses sadness and rage unapologetically, in its rawest form.”

The production process, however, was a challenge. It was her first professionally produced song and music video. There were moments of doubt. But her support system—cousins, friends, and the entire team—helped her through.

Similarly, ‘Fleur’ is another song that embodies her introspective nature. “My songs are my way of recognising what I’m feeling. Writing them helps me understand myself better,” she says. Dhakal’s first performance of her original songs was at Roya Acoustics. “It was the most heartwarming experience and the perfect place to start,” she adds.

She credits Roya Acoustics and Beers N Cheers for giving her the space to grow as an artist. Roya Acoustics allowed her to put herself out there, while Beers N Cheers has helped her connect with her audience. Many people who listen to her music today first heard her perform there.

She also performed her other original songs ‘Deranged’, ‘Butterflies’ and ‘Burn You To The Ground’ on WOW Unplugged.

However, performing live comes with its own challenges—especially as a woman in the industry. “Late-night shows are a natural part of this career, and while my parents have always been supportive, they worry about my safety. It’s something I try to navigate with open and honest conversations,” she says.

Dhakal’s music has started gaining recognition, with features on platforms like TEDx Talks. But for her, the true reward is the connection she builds with her audience. The release of ‘Red’ was a proud moment, a turning point for her as she performed with a band and saw the overwhelming crowd turnout.

Looking ahead, she plans to continue evolving her sound and experimenting with new styles. “Producing music independently is financially challenging, but I do this because it fulfils my soul. So, I’ll always find a way to make it happen,” she says. She is also excited about upcoming collaborations. “There are a few songs I’m working on that feel special. I can’t wait to share them,” she adds.

For those looking to pursue music or poetry, Dhakal’s advice is simple: stay true to yourself. “Talk to people, seek feedback, but always remember why you started in the first place. Good and bad are subjective, and challenges are inevitable. What matters is what feels right to you,” she shares.

As she continues her journey, Dhakal remains committed to creating music that is honest, emotional, and deeply personal.