Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this talented gal who is also the Ambassador of this month for Spotify’s EQUAL Pakistan...
you & me
Known for her compelling voice, Yashal Shahid is a gifted singer. She has an engineering degree but her passion for singing brought her into the showbiz industry. “Music has always been my escape from the world, my safe haven. It just felt right to pursue my passion for music,” shares Yashal, who started her career in 2019. She recorded a song with renowned vocalist Mustafa Zahid, in 2020. She is the singer behind the beautiful OST ‘Bharaas’ for a TV serial followed by another brilliant OST ‘Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay’ which gave her immense fame. Yashal’s music is a fusion of pop, rock, and R&B. Her music often features relatable lyrics that resonate with her fans. These days Yashal is working on her two original songs, out of which one will be released this year. Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this talented gal who is also the Ambassador of this month for Spotify’s EQUAL Pakistan...
What is your most memorable concert to-date?
I performed ‘Dil Diyan Gallan’ with Atif Aslam back in 2020, that has to be my most cherished memory of a concert.
How does it feel to be the Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan?
It’s a surreal feeling for two reasons: a) Being put on the same platform as some of the artists I look up to, and b) Global amplification of my craft. Pakistan was in dire need of something like EQUAL, which Spotify has very aptly done.
How important do you think such initiatives are for women artists of our country?
These initiatives are crucial for female artists of our country. This instils great hope in the coming generation, which is beneficial for the overall music scene in Pakistan.
Tell us about your song that is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist.
My first ever cover release, ‘Sajna’ is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist. The original was released in Nescafe Basement by the very talented Sibtain Khalid ages back but it always had a very special place in my heart. Hence, when I got the chance to record something at Lightingale Records studio with Ali Zafar, I chose to cover ‘Sajna’ and I think the rest is history.
Have you released any music albums so far?
Not yet. But I am currently working on an EP.
Top 3 songs in your playlist?
Currently, in no particular order, they would be: ‘What Was I Made For?’ by Billie Eilish; ‘Cruel Summer’ by Taylor Swift and ‘Khabar-E-Tahayyur-E-Ishq’ by Ali Sethi.
Your all time favourite international music celebrity?
Taylor Swift. I just hope to be able to try and write like her someday.
What was the role of music in your early years of life?
I found out that I could sing when I was 16 years of age. So, no such memory of music from my early years.
Who was your favourite rock/jazz/ pop star when you were growing up or in your teens?
Can’t think of anyone but Atif Aslam from my teens.
What was the first instrument that you learned to play?
I learned basic guitar when I was in college but then could never take it up properly.
Your most irritating habit…
My procrastination.
You don’t like people who are…
Dishonest.
You are afraid of…
Heights.
Your most valuable possession...
My grandfather’s ring that I have been wearing for almost 12 years now.
Your all-time favourite movie?
I am a die-hard fan of Shah Rukh Khan. Any of his movie are my all-time favourite.
Are you a shopaholic?
Not really, but, I whole-heartedly believe in retail therapy.
What bores you the most?
Small talk.
You are crazy about…
Sneakers.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
I’m a homebody, I love staying in.
What is your favourite tune nowadays?
Has to be ‘Sleepless’ by AP Dhillon.
If you could have a musician tag along with you on tour for a month, who would you choose?
I would choose Aima Baig, would love to learn her ways of versatility when it comes to vocals.
Your favourite hangout?
Jamming under the stars.
If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?
I’d like to go and relive the NFAK (Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan) era.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Considering the kind of talent we have, every single musician in our country is a competition for me.
Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?
100 per cent.
A song that always gets you on the dance floor?
Any Punjabi song would serve the purpose.
What’s the last thing you bought?
I bought a pair of sneakers.
What books are on your bedside table?
Currently, I have just one book, ‘Concerning My Daughter’ by Kim Hye-Jin.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Stretch!
When I am not working, I am usually…
Gaming with my friends or jamming in a studio.
The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…
Beware of the fact that every relationship has its expiry date, when you feel like it’s about to run its course, say your goodbyes and move on. Dragging it won’t help.
You get super uncomfortable when…
Even the smallest part of my clothes gets wet.
The biggest misconception about you…
I’ve heard I’m intimidating which is incorrect because I’m the nicest person you’ll ever get to meet.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In Pakistan, having released a lot of my original music and paving a solid way for the coming generation.
Something very few people know about you as a person….
I am not the biggest fan of my own voice ha-ha, very grateful to those who like it.
Your ultimate desire…
Being an inspiration for young people and putting my country’s name on all top charts of the world.
