Shygirl discusses imposter syndrome, and being cosigned by Madonna and Björk

If there's anyone having a moment right now, it's Shygirl. Not only is she up for three categories at the AIM Awards, and leading the nominations alongside RAYE, she's also nominated for a Mercury Prize award for her debut album, Nymph.

When she found out about the nomination, one of the first things Shygirl did was tell her mum. "[This is] the one thing she actually knows something about. It was nice to be able to talk to my parents about something they understood in music, because I say a lot of things and they don't really understand what I'm talking about," she says.

Shygirl adds that she's still processing the fact that her album is out, let alone the fact that it was eligible to be shortlisted.

"It was really nice to cheer me on, as you can kind of get to a point with the record where you go, 'do people like it? Was it good or was it terrible? Do I need to go back into the studio?'," she adds. "It's nice as an artist to be proud of the piece of work and be validated a little bit. I think no one could deny that like being shortlisted with incredible other artists like is a hugely validating experience."

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Being recognised for her work has been incredibly validating for Shygirl. "I would like to think that I would back myself, and think if I'm doing something worthwhile, then I'm doing it to the best of my ability. I always wanted to be considered in these spaces," she says.

"To actually be considered...," she says, taking in the weight of being shortlisted, "It's a bit like, wow. I did what I set out to do, and beyond that, made something that I actually enjoyed the process of and I'm enjoying the music long after it's out there."

She adds that it's nice to have something that also validates her fans for their interest and support of her. "I'm just so grateful for the nomination, and to be in the room, because as an independent artist, it's hard. Without the people that are championing independent artists, you don't have the space to talk about your music or be up there with other people who are with major labels".

Overall, Shygirl says her life is a "crazy experience" right now. "Having the artists that have collaborated with me on this album, and who believed in me – people like Björk, and even recently, Madonna – having those greats there has been crazy. I still feel like I'm acclimatising to it."

Björk enlisted Shygirl for a remix of "Ovule", which featured on her tenth studio album, Fossora, and also remixed Shygirl's "Woe (I See It From Your Side)", which featured on Shygirl's remix album, Nymph_o.