We finally caught up with Risham Faiz Bhutta in her city - Lahore. It was tough to get hold of her, given her busy schedule but we pulled an incredible quick shoot and got to know more about this upcoming talent in this exclusive interview. Read on...
‘The pandemic actually made me more creative. It gave me the right amount of isolation I needed to execute my ideas and think better’
Hello Risham! We’re so excited to have you with us. Could you please tell us a bit about yourself? What was life like before fame?
Life before fame was confusing. I was dealing with two to three careers all at once - painting, a clothing brand and music. I was succeeding in all of these but once things hit high in music, I realized nothing else gave me that kind of confidence and satisfaction. Life became sorted after it. I sort of found my soul purpose.
How did you begin your journey as a singer? When did you discover your talent?
Funnily enough, I started singing before I could speak. Got a good voice from my mother and the maternal side of my family. It started from performing in school as a kid, participating in competitions and gigs, performing at festivals in college (NCA) etc. Later, I figured out, I needed to bring it out to a bigger audience when I first went to SomeWhatSuper’s studio where we made Kunwaray which was my debut.
What was your first big break in the industry?
As mentioned above, Kunwaray was my big break. Usually you don’t have many expectations from your first song. I released it in 2019 and the response went surprisingly good after Churails hit the market later.
‘Every song I write, is based on a real incident or story from my life. I take inspiration from my own self, my life and my experiences. So you might know my life better if you know my lyrics’
Let’s go back to 2018. You performed for the show ‘Dracula’ as the lead vocalist. Tell us about this. How much do you think you’ve grown professionally since the last three years?
Dracula was a spectacular experience for me. I had been doing theatre since forever, but that was my first show for such a huge audience. It gave me the right kind of push to keep progressing and setting my priorities right. That boost was what I would say any artist would need to make it big. The growth never stopped since then.
How would you describe your journey so far? What do you hope to achieve as being a singer in the near future?
My journey up till now has been a rollercoaster ride. I sometimes wish my mind was an easy one so I could get less complicated ideas to hit the world (Laughs). It’s been tough, happening, fun and dreamy. I hope to achieve establishing my voice not just nationally, but globally.
How are you coping with the pandemic? Has it changed you in anyway? What have you learnt about yourself?
The pandemic actually made me more creative. It gave me the right amount of isolation I needed to execute my ideas and think better. Yes, resources were less, the market was down and a lot was not happening around. But well less is always more.
‘If I inspire you in any way, whatever way it is, and if you feel like applying it to yourself, don’t wait - do it!‘
How do you overcome creative roadblocks? Where do you get inspiration from?
I stop. Whenever I am stuck and I don’t know how to proceed, I pause. I start another project, get my mind off of it for a while, think it through and then restart. Travel has always helped me find inspiration. It opens a lot of possibilities that you normally don’t realize being in the same conditions and surrounding.
How do you feel Covid-19 has impacted the music business or in particular yourself as a singer?
For me I think, Covid-19 made me artistically more productive but caught up when it came to executing those ideas. Pakistan’s industry needed a break to bring new things out but it also could’ve reached unknown peaks if it never stopped.
If you could change anything about Pakistan’s music industry, what would it be?
I think in majority the music industry is stuck in a creative block. People are still making the same kind of videos, music and concepts. They are doing work in what I would call their ‘safe zone’. I expect the industry to spice it up a bit, to play more, to explore more. Change is inevitable and we need to be in peace with that. The new-gen I believe is breaking a lot of norms but how long will that take to condition the eyes and ears? No idea. I hope it happens soon.
Is there a hidden message on any of your songs?
Every song I write, is based on a real incident or story from my life. I take inspiration from my own self, my life and my experiences. So you might know my life better if you know my lyrics.
Your favourite project till date and why? Tell us a little about it.
My favourite project is now my opening performance for HSA. I feel like I was able to achieve the ideal outlook I had imagined in front of so many bigger artists, it felt like fuel to my soul. I felt nourished!
What kind of role model do you want to be for girls who find you inspiring?
It’s very difficult for me to answer this question. Everyone has a different eye to look at you. I would say, if I inspire you in any way, whatever way it is, and if you feel like applying it to yourself, don’t wait - do it!
Any singer or musician you’d love to work with in the future (local or international)?
Jasmine Sandlas.
What’s next for Risham Faiz Bhutta?
Bangers. Bangers. Bangers.
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
PHOTOGRAPHER: FRAZ AHMAD
STYLIST: SALMOON JOHN DANIEL
MAKEUP ARTIST: NEHA BAIG