About Shiftypop
I’m Sarah Hughes, aka Shiftypop — a singer, songwriter, baritone ukulele player, music producer and voice-over artist based in South Wales.
I’ve been singing and writing songs since I was 15, and I’ve always loved finding slightly odd, playful and unexpected ways to make music. Basically, if it makes a noise and I can turn it into a song, I’m interested!
So, how did I get here?
My musical journey started with a guitar at the age of 13. As a teenager, I played and sang as a solo performer before heading off to The University of Wales, Newport to study music.
While I was there, I created Toypop — a girl band with a difference, performing songs using toy instruments as part of my degree. It was a pretty good indication of where my musical brain was heading!
Then, in my mid-twenties, I discovered the baritone ukulele.
And I was hooked.
I formed a duo called A Different Kinda Smile with my friend Isabel, and we spent our time rehearsing, writing and playing a few gigs together. Life then took a slightly different turn when I became a mum to my first child, Harry, followed a few years later by my second, Sebby.
After Sebby was born, I picked up my ukulele again and started performing as a solo artist.
At first, I was pretty nervous. I joined TikTok, went to open mic nights and recorded my performances, listened to others, met people, made friends and slowly built up my confidence. I had lots of fun performing and building a community on TikTok Live too! Eventually, I thought, “Right, I’m doing this properly!” — and bought myself a PA system so I could start taking on my own gigs.
Fast forward to now...
These days, I perform as Sunshine Rhythm with my partner David, who plays cajon alongside my ukulele. We love bringing upbeat, feel-good music to audiences and creating a fun atmosphere wherever we play.
But performing is only one part of what I do.
As Shiftypop, I create music for all sorts of wonderfully varied things — from business jingles and catchy commercial songs to children's music, YouTube channels, baby groups, comedy podcasts and sound books.
I've also provided voice-over work for well-known children's toy commercials, because apparently my lifelong habit of playing with silly voices has finally paid off!
I make music that sticks.
My favourite kind of music is music that gets into your head and refuses to leave.
A catchy tune. A ridiculous lyric. A characterful voice. A jingle you find yourself humming three days later without quite knowing why.
I love taking an idea and turning it into something fun, memorable and full of personality.
Whether you need a jingle for your business, an original song for children, music for a creative project, a podcast intro, a voice-over — or something a little bit different — I’d love to hear what you’ve got in mind.
And when I’m not busy making things up in my little musical world, you’ll probably find me with a ukulele in my hands, singing somewhere in South Wales.
That’s me. I’m Sarah. I’m Shiftypop. And I make things that make people smile.
