Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of the Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan...
you & me
Hailing from the beautiful valley of Hunza, Natasha Baig sings in various genres including Sufi rock. Baig has no formal music education; she grew up listening to Abida Parveen, Michael Jackson, and others. Baig started off her music career in 2013 by taking part in a music reality show, ‘Cornetto Music Icons’. Baig, who is known for her live performances, is heavily inspired by Michael Jackson. “I loved the way he used to perform on stage and that made me want to become a great live performer,” shares Baig.
In 2014, Baig joined ‘Sounds of Kolachi’ a Sufi ensemble originally started by Ahsan Bari where she was one of the main lead singers. She then formed her band ‘Kaya’ but left it after a while and started performing solo. She performed at ‘Lahooti Music Mela’ and many other musical events across the country. In 2016, Baig co-founded a production Company ‘Laal Series’ that produced Baig’s music videos. She was also nominated for Best Emerging Talent at the 2017 Lux Style Awards for her song ‘Jhoom Le’ in the film ‘Janaan’.
These days Natasha Baig is working on her third music album. Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of the Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan....
What is your genre field of singing?
I think my Sufi Rock side is really strong and that is because Junoon was a big inspiration. I never saw any woman attempting this genre.
What is your most memorable concert to-date?
A concert that I did in Trondheim, Norway. Even though the number of attendees was less, the beauty of that audience was its diversity because there were Pakistani, Indians and Nepalis.
Have you released any music albums so far?
I have released two albums so far. My first album is called ‘Zariya’, released in 2020, and my second album's name is ‘Khirad’, released this year.
How does it feel to be the Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan?
Spotify seems like a blessing to me because it’s an international platform and it’s working hard to put our Pakistani artists on the map. EQUAL Pakistan is a great initiative for the female Pakistani artists and it makes me feel empowered as a woman when I see other female musicians from Pakistan shining through this platform. I’m honoured to be a part of this platform. It feels surreal.
How important do you think such initiatives are for women artists of our country?
Highly important because in a country like Pakistan music is often frowned upon. So, as a woman, opting for this career would mean facing huge difficulties. Thus, such initiatives validate the cause and help glorify the image of a woman who is a musician.
Tell us about your songs that are being featured on the EQUAL playlist…
Equal Pakistan is featuring songs from my album ‘Khirad’. It is a tribute to Sir Muhammad Allama Iqbal. The main motive was to compose his poetry in a way that even our youth can relate to it.
Top 3 songs in your playlist?
‘Rangi Sari’ (Kavita Seth, Kanishk Seth), ‘Know Me Too Well’ (New Hope Club, Danna Paola), ‘Way Back Home’ (Shaun).
Your favourite international music celebrities:
A.R Rahman, Salim Suleman, Sami Yusuf.
Who are your icons in the music industry?
Abida Perveen and Ali Azmat.
What was the role of music in your early years of life?
Music helped me break free from my mental barriers and gave me the strength to be the person that I am today.
Who were your favourite pop stars when you were in your teens?
My mom used to listen to Nazia and Zohaib Hassan a lot. So, they became my favourite too.
What was the first instrument that you learned to play?
Acoustic guitar.
Your irritating habit…
I’m short tempered.
You don’t like people who are…
Cruel to animals.
You are afraid of…
Being unhealthy or unfit.
Your most valuable possession…
A letter from India that I got from a friend wishing me ‘Happy Independence Day’. I never received letters so it is quite special.
Your all-time favourite sitcom:
FRIENDS.
Are you a shopaholic?
Kind of. I really have to control my habit of impulsive buying.
You are crazy about…
I’m crazy about K-Dramas these days.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
At home in my pjs lying around or decluttering.
What is your favourite tune nowadays?
Love the tune of the song ‘Way Back Home’ (Shaun). It’s just stuck in my mind.
If you could tag along a musician with you on tour for a month, who would you choose?
Lisa from BlackPink.
Your favourite hangout:
My studio ‘Laal Series’.
If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?
’80s.
Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?
Yes, it is very important because limited knowledge cannot help you grow as a musician.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor:
‘Ghazali’ by Saad Lamjarred.
What’s the last thing you bought?
Violin for a friend.
What books are on your bedside table?
‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ and ‘The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck’.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I check my phone first thing in the morning. I really need to stop it.
When I am not working, I am usually…
Making boards on Pinterest.
The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…
Give and take.
You get super uncomfortable when…
When I encounter narrow-minded people.
The biggest misconception about you…
That I’m not experimental in my field.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
To be globally recognised.
Something very few people know about you as a person....
People are not aware of my anger issues.
Your ultimate desire…
Help animals in whatever way I can.
