How did you discover your passion for singing, and what inspired you to pursue a career in music? Can you share some of your musical influences, both within South Asia and internationally, that have shaped your style and sound?
I was only a 10-year-old kid when I had my first go at performing in front of people. And around the same time, I got my very first piano. I’d tinker with it, trying to come up with my own tunes. As I got older, I found myself writing more and more. I also stumbled upon SoundCloud, which became my go-to place for sharing my own songs.
It was my own little comfort corner on the internet. Then, I discovered Nescafe Basement and thought of applying with the thought of learning from other musicians in mind. The thing is, I was never really focused on making a big “music career.” For me, writing or listening music has always been cathartic or free therapy. My main goal was to create songs that felt real to me, that people connected with eventually. And as for my musical influences, it’s all thanks to my family. They introduced me to a mix of artists, from classics like The Beatles and Roxette to more recent stars like Justin Bieber. Plus, we had a lot of Bollywood music in the background during our car rides. What’s surprising is that I hadn’t really listened to Pakistani artists until I stumbled upon Nescafe Basement. It was a bit later in life for me, but I found a few favorites and even covered their songs in my own style. Music has this incredible way of opening up new worlds and encouraging us to explore different sounds and cultures.
What message or emotions do you aim to convey through your music, and how do you believe it resonates with your audience?
You know, there isn’t really one specific message I’m trying to put across with my music. I don’t sit down to write a song with a clear objective in mind. Instead, I let my music be a reflection of what’s going on in my life at the time. Our emotions are complex, right? Sometimes, it’s hard to say things out loud or admit certain feelings, like wanting someone to think about you after a heartbreak, which is what I explored in ‘I’d Like To Think.’ I think people connect with my music because it’s like hearing someone else express the feelings they might have trouble sharing. It’s about making people feel understood and seen. I think its why we also write music.
How do you navigate the challenges and opportunities of being a young woman in the music industry, particularly in South Asia?
Navigating the music scene as a young woman in South Asia definitely has its ups and downs. There are times when you feel like you’re breaking new ground and making your mark, and that’s an incredible feeling. But there are challenges too. It can be tough to be taken seriously, especially when you’re trying to do things your way. However, I firmly believe that being a woman in the industry is a strength, not a weakness. It gives me a unique perspective and allows me to connect with audiences on a different level. My approach is to stay true to who I am, work hard, and prove that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing your passion. The support and encouragement from fans, both women and men, mean the world to me. It’s a reminder that music transcends gender, and it’s all about the emotions and stories we share through our songs. So, while there are challenges, there are also incredible opportunities to inspire and make a positive change in the industry.
Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to make as a young female singer in South Asia, and what legacy would you like to leave through your music?
It hasn’t been easy trying to be an artist doing music thats different than the norm, especially when you’re in a place where the norm is to follow a set pattern. People can recognize differences, but accepting them is a whole different story. It’s been quite a lonely road because there’s not much room for differences. Throughout my journey, I’ve received a lot of advice. People often tell me to go for a more commercial sound or stick to singing in Urdu. But I firmly believe that my identity as a South Asian artist goes beyond just the language I use. Art is about breaking boundaries and expressing yourself in your own way, no matter what language that may be. My hope is to pave the way for future generations so they don’t have to deal with the same pressures. I want to be a guiding light, a source of inspiration for young artists who, like me, might feel the weight of expectations and judgments. I want them to feel free to be themselves and create the music that’s true to their hearts without being pestered with comments about fitting into a particular mold. So I suppose the legacy I want to leave behind is to fight for your authenticity, your music, your voice and more artists that are creating newer paths.
“I’d Like To Think” by Anna Salman
What upcoming projects or collaborations are you excited about, and how do they reflect your artistic vision and goals?
Working on my EP has been quite the journey. It’s a lengthy process, from digging deep into my emotions when I write, to those days in the studio where we’re trying to capture the perfect vocal takes. It’s about giving it your all, even when you’re not in the best mood, and making sure the production matches the vision in your head. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Creating music with my team has been an amazing experience. Studio spaces are like hallowed ground. They’re where I spill my secrets, where I tell these stories, and the people I share that space with become a part of those stories. Now, about the songs on this EP – they’re brutally honest, but they’re also incredibly catchy. I’ve embraced my “sad girl” aura and fused it with a pop sound. I went through an electronic music phase, but I’ve circled back to what my heart’s been yearning for. It’s all about making music that feels most authentic to me right now. I’m excited for this EP to be out for everyone else to have.
