Just off the release of her genre-blurring mixtape CAPSULE_002: CLUB DIOSA, rising artist and performer Shandelle brought her signature energy to the latest episode of Bad For The Community. Sitting down with the hosts, Shandelle opened up about her recent DJ debut, the cultural nuances of nightlife, her creative journey, and what fans can expect next.
Kicking things off with a recap of her first-ever DJ set at the soon-to-close Chop Shop in Lawrence, Shandelle recalled the electric vibe of a sold-out crowd. “Everyone was dancing—and that’s all I could ever want,” she said, emphasizing the joy and validation that came from seeing people move to her mix. The performance marked a milestone moment for the multi-hyphenate artist, who only began DJing after a well-paying Emerson College gig inspired her to invest in her own equipment back in September.
The group dove into a spirited critique of modern club dynamics, especially the rise of “wall huggers”—attendees more focused on filming than dancing. “You come to the club to vibe, not to post,” one guest noted. Shandelle and the panel explored how today’s hip-hop, often dominated by men, doesn’t always lend itself to danceable moments. In contrast, they praised artists like GloRilla and Sexyy Red for delivering tracks that keep the party alive.
They also unpacked the gender divide in club spaces, suggesting that women often go out to dance and bond, while many men show up simply to observe or engage romantically—without engaging with the energy on the floor.
Shandelle took listeners inside her latest project, which she described as a fragmented emotional journey through a night out, inspired by Charli XCX’s Brat. Rather than anchoring the songs to a single muse, the mixtape draws from a patchwork of personal experiences and relationships. “It’s club music with layers,” she explained, noting that she deliberately left lyrics open to interpretation. The result is a record that’s as mysterious as it is danceable—pulling from various genres and moods to build a universe of its own.
Though she only entered the broader music scene in 2023, Shandelle has been singing since the age of three and dancing since she was two. With nearly five years of music-making under her belt, she’s now weaving both crafts into a singular vision. “Being an artist means sacrifice,” she said, alluding to long nights, juggling jobs, and even dropping out of college to pursue her passion full-time.
Throughout the episode, Shandelle and her co-hosts grappled with the complexities of fame and authenticity. While fame is appealing, they agreed that artistic integrity must remain intact. One guest labeled their music a “God-ordained gift” and expressed discomfort with artists who prioritize profit over passion.
They also praised André 3000’s genre-defying flute album, admiring his ability to experiment freely thanks to a legacy built on innovation.
The crew turned their attention to this year’s Met Gala, breaking down standout looks and style faux pas. Teyana Taylor, Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, Yara Shahidi, and Janelle Monáe all received praise for embracing the night’s Black Dandyism theme. Others, they felt, missed the mark or played it safe.
They also raised eyebrows over cultural appropriation, suggesting some white attendees may have misstepped by not respecting the theme’s roots. The discussion expanded to generational fashion trends—think chrome, dystopia, and highly personalized flair. “If you don’t have confidence in what you wear, no one’s going to take you seriously,” one panelist added.
In a tender moment toward the end, the group reflected on childhood memories, sparked by a photo from the first day of kindergarten. The conversation shifted into a reflection on emotional freedom, self-expression, and creative identity. “Tap into your inner child,” one guest encouraged, “and live softer.”
Before signing off, Shandelle shared a heartfelt message about embracing her artistic journey and teased a new project—CAPSULE_003—set to drop in 2026. “Come dance with me, come take a shot with me, let’s live life. Period,” she said, inviting fans to join her movement.
