Music Makers & Dreamers of Dreams - Natasha Humera Ejaz, Music Producer And Electronica Artist
Tell us a bit about yourself and your music that you’re currently working on.
I am a singer-songwriter turned Music Producer and Electronica Artist. I’ve been recording and releasing original music since 2010, and am currently involved in releasing as “Natasha Humera Ejaz and Stupid Happiness Theory”, while also being a founding member of Islamabad based vocal ensemble “Gintaara”. I recently worked as a music director for Usman Mukhtar’s short film “Bench”, which so far has been doing really successful rounds at festivals all over the world.
What first got you into music?
I found joy in singing and performing as young as 3 and was fortunate enough to have a family full of artists that nurtured my passion to the point that I made a career of it by the time I was in my 20s. I went to music school in my 20s and have been an active part of the industry since I graduated. Islamabad also had a really healthy live performance scene while I grew up so a lot of my early gig experience came from being able to just go to a ‘Sweet Leaf Jam’ and sing my heart out. My whole family is heavily into listening to music so I got a good dose of all things music from a super young age.
Who inspired you to make music?
Life. What I felt in it. What I saw in it. What I became through it. I am in the business of selling emotions, so being one with them is really what brings me to writing every time.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Honest.
What is your creative process like?
Anything from traveling to finding myself being a home body is a creative process for me. When I can’t handle life and everything it’s throwing at me, I write a song. But also, when I am working for a director, my process is defined by the scene I am being asked to enhance through song. I also love collaborating with different artists when the opportunity arises, in which case I love being able to just have an honest conversation with them and take that forward into a more theoretical process that helps us achieve what we have to as a team.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Mmmm… Bobby McFerrin.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I sing all the time. The shower is the one exception I don’t actually sing!
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Astronomy, Space worker of any kind or a linguist.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
All over the world, from the Oslo Concert Hall to dark dingy clubs in New Orleans and Berlin. I think my favourite venue so far has been the Oslo City Centre because the reverb in that hall was so much fun to sing in.
How do you feel the social media has impacted the music business?
I think it’s given space to a lot of music that would never have been seen or found if not for it.
What is your favourite song to perform?
I have a song called “Here to stay” and one called “Love is a bird” (unreleased).
Which famous musicians (local and international) do you admire?
Soooo many and for different reasons but I don’t think I can ever get over Abida Ji’s understanding of herself through her music. It’s truly inspiring.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Live in the moment.
If you could change anything about Pakistan’s music industry, what would it be?
Payments on time, nurturing work environment, male ego and more training opportunities.
2020 has been…
Well, I’m alive… :P
What’s next for you?
More music, more music direction, more love!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS UNDERSTANDING WHERE I AM COMING FROM!
What are the top five songs in your current playlist?
Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now
Selena Gomez – Look at her now and Let me get me
Hassan Raheem – Aisay Kaisay
Hideaway – Jacob Collier.