This week Hareem, Spotify’s artist of the month, shares her likes and dislikes with our readers. Read on….
you & me
Young and bubbly, Hareem Rashid’s music journey started on social media some five years ago. For Hareem, music is something that is very close to her heart. “I have been singing since I started talking and it has always been where my emotions find their groove. I just wanted to be a part of this magic where you create something that resonates with others and connects at a level which is way beyond the boundaries of spoken language,” explains Hareem. While talking about her present engagements, Hareem says, “As I have started writing and composing my own songs, I am working on a lot of new music and I am really excited for my upcoming tracks.” This week Hareem, Spotify’s artist of the month, shares her likes and dislikes with our readers. Read on….
What is your specialised field of singing?
I feel most comfortable in R&B and Soul but I am open to other genres as I am still experimenting.
What is your most memorable concert to date?
The concert journey has just begun, but most memorable would be the Soul Fest 2022.
How does it feel to be the Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan?
I am absolutely over the moon. I have been working hard over the years and now I’m basking in that ‘I made it’ feeling.
How important do you think initiatives such as Spotify’s EQUAL program are for women artists of our country?
Such initiatives are game changers for female musicians. They provide vital representation, equitable chances, and a supportive network. Equal program provides a great opportunity and motivation to a lot of struggling and well deserving new artists.
Tell us about your song that is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist.
The featured track ‘Pathar Dil’ holds a special place in my heart as I not only penned down the lyrics, I composed it as well. I feel like this track of mine resonates with a lot of people. The story unfolds around a young woman who, after experiencing heartbreak, has built emotional walls as a defence mechanism. While she may appear indifferent on the surface, deep down her true desire is for genuine love.
Top 3 songs in your playlist?
‘Aja Sawariya’ by GURBAX, Rashmeet Kaur and Rusha & Blizza; ‘Mirza’ by Lost Stories; ‘Kho Gaye’ by Taaruk Raina.
Have you released any music albums so far?
No, not yet, as my focus was on some singles but I plan on releasing one soon.
Your favourite international music celebrity?
Demi Lovato.
Who is your icon in the music industry?
That would be the late Lata Mangeshkar.
What was the role of music in your early years of life?
Music was my emotional refuge in the early years of my life, a secure place where I could freely express myself and navigate the emotional rollercoaster that comes with growing up.
Who were your favourite rock/jazz/ pop stars when you were growing up?
Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez.
What was the first instrument that you learned to play?
During Covid I learned to play guitar on my own.
Your most irritating habit…
I overthink a lot and I am really stubborn.
You don’t like people who are…
People who are materialistic and judgmental.
You are afraid of…
I am afraid of heights and being left alone.
Your most valuable possession?
Rajjo, my car.
Your all-time favourite movie?
‘Chup Chup Ke’.
Are you a shopaholic?
I hate shopping.
What bores you the most?
Folks who turn every conversation into their autobiography.
You are crazy about…
I’m crazy about reading. I have a library of my own in my home.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
I would love to devour a book with unlimited supply of chai with an absence of any sneaky work vibe.
If you could have a musician tag along with you on a tour, who would you choose?
My friend, Ibrahim Sulayman.
What is your favourite tune nowadays?
I have been grooving to drill beats these days.
Your favourite hangout?
Secret Sky and Café Sol (Islamabad).
If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?
Late Middle Ages, early Renaissance period.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I don’t see anybody as a competitor. Everyone brings a distinct voice and point of view to the table, and I believe there is room for all of us to thrive.
Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?
Absolutely! Understanding old music is like cracking up a musical time capsule. It has an impact on modern music, protects cultural history, and broadens your musical worldview.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor?
Literally any Punjabi song.
What books are on your bedside table?
‘The 48 Laws of Power’; ‘The AlChemist’ and ‘It Starts With Us’.
What’s the last thing you bought?
A cute pen.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Check my phone. GUILTY!
When I am not working, I am usually…
Scrolling through my phone. Again, guilty!
The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…
I have always been the kind of person who puts a lot of effort and energy in relationships so, I have learned not to do that and I focus on reciprocation now.
You get super uncomfortable when…
I’m around pretentious people or if I can’t be myself.
The biggest misconception about you is...
My facial expression tends to be more serious when I’m not actively speaking. Unfortunately, when people see me being quiet, they sometimes misinterpret it as having an attitude problem.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Catching sunsets on my private island, surrounded by talking unicorns! Just kidding, but hey, as long as I’m doing something I love and thriving, that’s the dream.
Something very few people know about me…
I stick with my own even when it means taking a hit. Loyalty is my currency, even when it comes at a personal cost.
What’s your ultimate desire?
I want to be like a cool tune that never gets old. I don’t want to regret anything in life and I want to be a ray of sunshine for others, spreading good vibes and inspiration wherever I go!
