Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this talented artist who is also Spotify’s singer of the month. Read on…
you & me
Zaira Ali is a young singer, songwriter and a music producer from Lahore. Zaira first started singing at the age of six. Her parents encouraged her passion for music and her dad got her first guitar when she was 12. At 16, Zaira released her first original song, ‘Manzil’. It has been five years since Zaira has been active as a professional musician. Trained in classical music as well, Zaira’s music is a unique blend of classical and modern genres. She shows her creativity and uniqueness through her music by fusing various different genres and techniques together.
Currently, Zaira is pursuig Bachelors in Musicology from NCA, Lahore and simultaneously working on various different originals. Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this talented artist who is also Spotify’s singer of the month. Read on…
What inspired you to pursue music?
I used to listen to various artists. Asim Azhar mainly inspired me. Apart from that, I participated in my school choir. My teacher, Moazam Gill, inspired me as well. My father’s love for music and his support really pushed me towards music.
What is your specialised field of singing?
I like to fuse Hindustani classical and western genres together. For me, my specialised genres are Pop and Classical music.
What is your most memorable concert to date?
I performed with my idol Asim Azhar in 2022, at his concert at Ali Auditorium, in Lahore.
How does it feel to be the Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan?
This feels amazing. I feel extremely honoured to represent Pakistan’s EQUAL for November 2024. This way I can inspire my fellow female musicians.
How important do you think such initiatives are for women artists of our country?
Spotify’s EQUAL programme is such a great initiative for women artists of Pakistan. In Pakistan, we have very few female musicians who are putting their music out there. This programme boosts their confidence and motivates other female artists to do the same.
Tell us about your song that is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist…
‘Samjhawan’ is very close to my heart. This song is a perfect blend of classical genres and jersey club beats. This track features classical instruments such as sitar and tanpura. I played with my vocals in this track, singing in western and classical techniques.
Have you released any music albums so far?
No, but I have been releasing singles. Till now, I have released 11 original songs.
Top 3 songs in your playlist?
‘Saigal Blues’ by Ram Sampath, ‘Chanakya’ by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and ‘Nightcall’ by Kavinsky.
Your favourite international music celebrity?
I have a lot of favourite vocalists and producers. Choosing one is a hard one, but if I have to choose one it would definitely be Billie Eilish’s vocals and Finneas’s production.
Who are your favourites in the local music industry?
Asim Azhar and Nazia Hassan (late).
What was the role of music in your early years of life?
Music has always been very therapeutic for me. It’s an important part of my life.
Who was your favourite rock/jazz/pop star when you were growing up?
Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga and Nazia Hassan.
What was the first instrument that you learned to play?
Ukulele.
Your most irritating habit…
I get grumpy when I don’t get food.
You don’t like people who are…
I don’t like selfish and arrogant people. Especially people who are not true to their art and are extremely unprofessional.
You are afraid of…
Losing my loved ones.
Your most valuable possession?
My studio setup.
Your all-time favourite movie?
‘Shutter Island’.
Are you a shopaholic?
Yes.
What bores you the most?
Monotony.
You are crazy about…
Food and music.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
I like to sit, relax, read a book and produce music.
What is your favourite tune nowadays?
‘Lacrimosa’ by Mozart.
If you could have a musician tag along with you on tour, whom would you choose?
I would definitely choose A.R Rahman.
Your favourite hangout?
Coffee shop.
If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?
I would go back to the ’90s.
Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?
As a music student I think we should be aware of our culture and music. Knowing the history of our music is extremely important in order to convey it properly.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor?
‘On the Floor’ by Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull.
What’s the last thing you bought?
I bought myself a cute bracelet that has ‘Love Music’ engraved on it.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Honestly, no one. I just want to create true original music that comes from my soul.
What books are on your bedside table?
‘The Forty Rules of Love’, ‘Atomic Habits’, and ‘The Alchemist’.
The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…
Nothing lasts forever. Cherish every moment and learn from the mistakes. Leave no regrets behind, even the bad happens for a reason.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
‘Riyaz’ (vocal practice).
When I am not working, I am usually… Eating or watching a psychological thriller.
You get super uncomfortable when…
I am surrounded by people who don’t support a female doing music.
The biggest misconception about you is…
That I’m an unapproachable person. Not really. I have a resting serious face. As soon as you approach me, you’ll see a huge welcoming smile on my face.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see myself working in the music industry. Probably winning a Grammy. Working in Hollywood. Academically I see myself having a Master’s degree in music, and pursuing a PhD degree in music.
Something very few people know about you…
I’m an empath and a very loyal friend, a bit sensitive as well. Also, that I’m an only child.
What’s your ultimate desire?
I want to travel the world. Explore different cultures and meet up with international musicians.
