Friday Mixtape: artist Arina Shabanova's R&B favourites to dance around the house to

On the decks this week, all the way from Moscow, Russia: it’s artist Arina Shabanova!

Whether Arinas creating an ident for Paramount or MTV, any illustration — moving or not — her work is stuff we fall head over heels for. Cheeky chappies, comedy-infused shorts, or pictograms for the Olympic games, Arina’s back catalogue is vast, but through it all there’s been one music genre that’s stuck with her behind the scenes: R&B.

From her first ever CD purchase of Destiny’s Child, R&B has stuck with Arina and below she picks her favourite ten songs to dance around the house to.

It’s Nice That: Why have you picked these songs?

Arina Shabanova: Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of old hits, and particular these ones which are deeply rooted in my heart. These songs can instantly cheer me up and set the mood for a whole day, and my husband’s dances contribute to this too!

INT: When or where should this mixtape be listened to?

AS: Ideal for singing while cooking, for home dancing with loved ones, for road trips with friends. You can listen anytime when relaxed atmosphere is needed!

INT: Are there certain albums you listen to during the different parts of your creative process?

AS: Several years ago I could listen to different sort of music while working, but I realised that my productivity or quality of the work was suffering. Since then I’ve been working silently on most of the projects, except for my animation work, where there is a tight connection between sound and image. When the thinking part of the work is done, I could turn on something like Johann Johannsson or Max Richter and continue to draw, music such as this allows me to meditate while working!

INT: What records did you listen to when you were a teenager?

AS: Basically I was listening to everything that was on my brother’s music player; from indie rock to musical soundtracks. But I remember the special day when I went to the store with my friend and bought my first CD, Destiny’s Child, and I had no idea what music they do, I just chose by its cover. That’s how my love of R&B began.

If a feature film about your life was to be made, what song would be on the trailer?

Lots of dramatic songs begin to spin right away in my head but, to be honest, I think that my life sounds more like All Saints’ Pure Shores. I’m looking for a places, people, jobs that are close to my heart and make me feel free!