Hello Aisha how are you?
Great! I just moved to Western Massachusetts from Florida and I’m loving the change of climate and scenery.
You are a singer songwriter based in the US, how did it all begin for you?
In 2015, I was in college and feeling depressed because my life wasn’t heading in the direction I had dreamed of. My goal had always been to be a singer/songwriter, and sitting in a classroom didn’t feel like it was helping me get any closer to that. So, despite my parents’ concerns, I took a year off, bought a guitar, and released my first EP online. Later that year, Volkswagen used my song ‘Waiting Around’ in one of their ads. Taking the risk to follow my own path opened up so many doors for me.
What did you listen to growing up?
I grew up immersed in pop culture and listened to whatever was on the radio. It wasn’t until later on in high school with the explosion of Youtube that I expanded my music library and began listening to a lot of folk music by up-and-coming Indie bands.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of The Sun Still Rises, how does it feel?
I feel incredibly grateful for the people who have supported me over the years and stayed with me as I’ve navigated my musical journey. While the themes in my music have evolved since I first started, I feel more aligned with my life’s purpose now than ever before.
The title is pretty poignant, how did you come up with it?
I often find inspiration in nature when creating music. The rising and setting of the sun is one of the most reliable constants in life. No matter what challenges we face, the sun always rises, reminding us that each day brings a new opportunity. Even when it feels like the world is falling apart, the sun’s rise is a symbol of hope and renewal. ‘If the sun still rises, then I will too’ – it’s a reminder that as long as the sun is up, we have another chance to heal, shift our perspective, and begin again.
It’s a ten track project, what’s the story behind it?
Given the anxiety and depression many people are facing during these times, I wanted to create an album filled with songs that are uplifting, empowering, and relatable. Each song conveys a message that has personally helped me through some of my darkest moments.
What’s your favourite track?
My favorite track on the album is ‘Side of the Moon,’ which I co-wrote with the members of the indie/alternative duo Handsome Ghost.
What was the easiest and most challenging part to put it together?
The easiest part is always writing the lyrics and melody; it comes quite naturally. The more challenging aspect is finding the right producers and coordinating with them to bring the songs to life. Many of my releases have been produced by musicians I’ve never met in person, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the process.
It’s been six years between the release of your debut and this one, has anything changed in your approach to writing?
My approach to writing hasn’t changed significantly, but I’ve become much more intentional and deliberate about the messages in my songs. Over the years, I’ve developed a clearer sense of purpose in what I want to communicate through my music
What lessons have you learned in the intervening time?
I’ve learned to embrace music for the sake of expression and art, while focusing less on the metrics of social media and external validation.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Beautiful Chorus. My favorite song of theirs is “I Am” featuring India Arie.
What are you looking forward to doing next?
My family and I are in the process of finding a few acres of land to homestead on. My goal is to create a space where we can host workshops and activities that bring our community closer to nature and foster a deeper connection with the land. In addition to that, I see myself performing in more intimate and curated settings. This past year, I had the opportunity to perform at a wellness music festival, and it really resonated with me. It’s the type of show I’d love to do more of in the future.