With “ABUNDANCE” out now, we took some time to hear from ADHILAKER and SH3THEROOKIE. Read below to learn more about ADHILAKER and SH3THEROOKIE, the story behind “ABUNDANCE,” and what’s to come.
Hi! Let’s start with how did each of you get your artist names?
SH3THEROOKIE: It all started when a producer friend suggested that I should come up with a producer name. At first, I was happy using my real name, but after seeing how common it was across every platform, I realized I needed something unique. Honestly, I wish my name had some deep or original meaning—but it doesn’t. I couldn’t find anything super inspiring, so I decided to be upfront about who I am: a woman, SH3, in a male-dominated industry. ROOKIE reflects where I began and the nerves I felt about admitting it. Sometimes the name itself is the story: authentic, honest, and exactly where I am right now.
ADHILAKER: It’s a shortened first name and my middle name.
What city are you both from, and where are you both based now?
SH3THEROOKIE: I am Portuguese with roots from Cape Vert. I was born and raised in Portugal, the place that I am currently based in.
ADHILAKER: I was born and raised in North West London. My heritage is Jamaican and Ugandan.
When and how did you both meet?
SH3THEROOKIE: We first met at a creative retreat in Portugal, hosted by Isaiah St. Jean—an actor and singer who had just announced that he was opening the experience to any artist willing to join. When Adhi and I heard about it, we knew right away we couldn’t let the opportunity slip by.
Who are some of your guys’ main musical influences?
SH3THEROOKIE: Looking back, I realize how much my musical taste was shaped unconsciously by the songs that filled the air at family parties—everything from kizomba to morna, both traditional African genres rooted in Angola and Cape Verde. R&B also plays a huge role in who I am as an artist, and I can confidently name Chris Brown, Usher, and other singers from that era as key influences. More recently, artists like Billie Eilish and Finneas showed me that it was possible to start with nothing but a laptop and a music program. Their work inspired me to take the leap, install my first music software, and begin what would become my music career.
ADHILAKER: My favourite genres are Motown because of the lush arrangement and live clean sounds, EDM (drum and bass, house) which is the kind of music I produce. Disco music just has a joy to it that is indescribable. Worship music is very atmospheric with layered synths and sounds. I’ve played keys since I was a child and currently play in a church band which has broadened my exposure to many genres.
Who would be a dream to collaborate with?
SH3THEROOKIE: Billie Eilish.
ADHILAKER: Lauryn Hill has always been my dream collab, her on a disco house track? Phenomenal.
What’s one of the proudest moments of each of your music careers so far?
SH3THEROOKIE: That’s a tough question, honestly, because every day brings something new that amazes me. But if I had to choose, I’d say it’s the people. Meeting artists who remind me that none of us are really alone in this sometimes chaotic industry is what keeps me going. In the end, we’re all here because we genuinely love what we do. One of my standout moments was making a song with Adhi in a bathroom—meeting her and collaborating on that track reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. It’s about more than music videos, splits, or the daily grind to reach the next milestone; it’s about loving the process and the connections along the way.
ADHILAKER: I agree that this is a tough question. Releasing “ABUNDANCE” despite all the reasons we may have procrastinated in order to get “the perfect sound” or vocals, but creating something fun and meaningful within 90 mins with a real message of perseverance at the core really was a proud moment for me.
What would you both say are the greatest lessons that you’ve two learned so far?
SH3THEROOKIE: For me, it was that cringeworthy realization that perfection doesn’t actually exist—and that the real key to growth is pushing forward and making things happen, no matter what. Embracing the messiness is how real evolution begins.
ADHILAKER: To believe in the gift you have no matter what but also understanding that gift alone isn’t enough but to work on it and keep pushing to learn more that can improve your skill. This is keeping me going with other upcoming releases.
Now onto “ABUNDANCE.” What inspired this song?
SH3THEROOKIE: It was kind of instant, as ADHILAKER heard the beat she immediately said “I make money in abundance,” and we stuck with this theme of two musicians coming together to have a fun time making a track about reaching the goal/dream.
What is “ABUNDANCE” about?
SH3THEROOKIE: “ABUNDANCE” is a bit of a paradox between speaking about making money but also embracing the journey to getting there. It’s actually a lot less about money but about the mentality required to reach a goal, visualising what you want and going for it and cutting out distractions.
How did the collaboration come about?
SH3THEROOKIE: This song began with a challenge from the retreat host, who paired us up and gave us just 90 minutes to finish a full song. I played a few beats for Adhi, and she quickly chose one, saying, “Okay, let’s go with this one, I don’t want to hear any more.” But, I insisted on sharing one last beat—sometimes the unexpected is the best. When I played the abundance beat, she immediately started saying, “I make money in abundance.” Right away, I knew that was the one. Our excitement was unstoppable, and we rushed to the bathroom, the only quiet spot in the house, to work on it.
What was the creative process like when making “ABUNDANCE?”
ADHILAKER: I sing and have never really tried to rap besides with friends as a joke, but as I was unwell at the time and had a sore throat and couldn’t sing. So when the challenge was put to us, I knew this was going to have to be different from what I had done before. We recorded the vocals and adlibs in a bathroom, SH3THEROOKIE created the beat beforehand and we got straight to recording the hook.
SH3THEROOKIE: ADHILAKER then went away for 10 mins and wrote the first verse, and then recorded it in the bathroom. We had so much fun creating this, giggling and laughing. After this, ADHILAKER went off and wrote the second verse and the song was complete.
ADHILAKER: SH3THEROOKIE mixed the track within minutes before we revealed it to the rest of the artists at the retreat.
How long did it take to complete “ABUNDANCE?”
SH3THEROOKIE: The song was fully finished in 90 minutes.
What do you both hope fans take away from “ABUNDANCE?”
SH3THEROOKIE: We hope it inspires people to have fun and just release music! Don’t overthink it, the rawness of vocals and words usually hits the listeners ears just as well as poetic nuance so never think your work isn’t good enough and keep persevering.
What’s next for you all? Are you all working on any upcoming projects, or do you all have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
ADHILAKER: I am releasing some DNB and HOUSE tracks set to be released in the last 2 months of 2025!
SH3THEROOKIE: I’ve just finished a live performance and have some exciting releases and collabs coming up so keep an eye out!
Where can we follow you both on social media?
https://twitter.com/sh3therookie
https://www.instagram.com/adhilaker
https://www.tiktok.com/@adhilaker
Before you all go, let’s ask you all an off-topic question. What is each of your favorite food?
ADHILAKER: Sandwiches and Salad, I just feel like they are so versatile like you can have a steak sandwich and a mango salad, haha.
SH3THEROOKIE: SUSH!
Thank you both for the great interview; wish you both much continued success!
