This week, You! features Shae Gill who has topped the list of five most streamed Pakistani women artists of 2022…
new year special
Anushae Babar Gill, popularly known as Shae Gill, is the new music sensation. She started her career as a cover-artist on Instagram in 2019. She mainly posted cover songs, before releasing her debut original duet ‘Pasoori’ with Ali Sethi.
Gill has always been interested in singing and started it as a fun thing. “It started from my best friend’s room in the hostel where we lived together and we just started making videos. I used to upload my videos on my social media account as per my convenience and ease. People used to request me to upload, they loved my singing skills,” says Gill. “Then Xulfi approached me and said that he wants to collaborate with me, which I accepted,” she adds.
The heart-touching track has been written by Ali Sethi and Fazal Abbas. Sethi and Xulfi composed the song whereas Abdullah Siddiqui and Xulfi produced the music. Google revealed its ‘Year in Search’ for 2022, and the chart-topping song by Sethi and Gill from Coke Studio has topped the list of most-searched songs on the international search engine.
Shae Gill is this month’s Spotify EQUAL Ambassador. In a candid interview with You!, Gill shares her likes and dislikes with our readers…
What inspired you to pursue music?
It just felt like a calling. There wasn’t any one particular thing that inspired this decision.
What is your specialised field of singing?
I am not specialised in anything yet.
What is your most memorable concert to-date?
The most memorable was the one in Dubai.
How does it feel to be the Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan?
I feel honoured.
How important do you think such initiatives are for women artists of our country?
Initiatives like EQUAL are super important because they give the acknowledgment and recognition that female artists deserve and create a more welcoming space for women in the music industry (especially the younger generation). When they see that women have a future in music, they will have the courage to pursue it.
Tell us about your song that is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist:
‘Sukoon’ is a song in collaboration with Hassan and Roshaan. The song is about a melancholic feeling inside even when everything is seemingly good.
Have you released any music album so far?
No music albums so far, but maybe at the end of next year.
Top 3 songs in your playlist?
‘Calm Down’ by Rema, ‘Saoko’ by Rosalia and ‘Kahani Suno’ by Kaifi Khalil.
Who is your favourite international music celebrity?
Rosalia.
Who is your icon in the music industry?
Hadiqa Kiani and Farida Khanum.
What was the role of music in your early years of life?
Music was a source of energy and motivation. Still is actually.
Who was your favourite rock/jazz/pop star when you were growing up?
When I was a kid I was crazy about Miley Cyrus.
What was the first instrument that you learned to play?
The flute, but I don’t remember how to play it anymore.
Your most irritating habit…
My friends think that my most irritating habit is that I make excuses when I don’t want to do something or go somewhere.
You don’t like people who are…
I don’t like people who cheat.
You are afraid of…
Crocodiles.
Your most valuable possession…
My voice.
Are you a shopaholic?
No.
What bores you the most?
A dull conversation.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
I like spending my Sundays doing nothing!
Who do you see as your main competitor?
My procrastination!
Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?
I wouldn’t say it is essential but I do think it gives you an edge if you do.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor?
Jogi (Punjabi mc).
What books are on your bedside table?
‘Of Human Bondage’ by W. Somerset Maugham and ‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I cannot resist checking my phone.
You get super uncomfortable when…
When people put me on the spot!
Where do you see yourself in next 5 years?
I see myself as a mature and skillful artist.
