hen Jimmy Khan was asked to describe his working relationship with Haniya Aslam – as the latter produced his upcoming EP titled Shukar – he said, “it was the most gentle experience working with a producer,” calling Haniya, “inclusive”, “human”, “generous” and “sincere” among other things, and he is not the only one.

As she returned from Canada, Coke Studio 11 roped her in for an altered role in that particular season. Apart from being a featured artist for the song ‘Main Irada’ that would bring – for the first time – an equal number of men and women to the floor and within the song, the element of equality, Haniya was a member of the audio team.

Haniya helmed the song with the idea that if it appeals to even a small number of women, the job is done. Beyond that universal feminist song, Haniya Aslam also played multiple instruments during the season, depending on the sonic demand of a song and what it needed. Ali Hamza and Zohaib Kazi put faith in her because they knew she could deliver even when she had doubts.

As Instep spoke to Haniya Aslam about what the future holds in terms of her own music, she confessed that she had been busy with audio work.

“I’ve been busy with audio-post and score composition for web series throughout Covid,” she said, adding, “In the Fall of 2021, Jimmy had just come back from Hunza with these lovely songs and asked if I’d produce them. I had some time free until work on the next series began, and really liked the songs so decided to go for it. And I’m so happy I agreed.

“We got the best musicians together - Kami Paul, Sameer Ahmed and Danish Khwaja. The energy in the studio was just perfect. I really enjoyed the process, right through to the mixing, and I’m very happy with how the songs turned out. They sound quintessentially Jimmy.”

Before Jimmy Khan and the pandemic, Haniya also produced a feminist punk-grunge anthem, ‘Maa Behn Ka Danda’ for the music group Garam Anday featuring Anam Abbas and Areeb Kishwar Usmani.

And now Haniya is committed to finishing her own music that carries melancholia and shades of indie pop art. With plans to tentatively release her solo EP this year, Haniya explained why there was a gap between the release of ‘Ayi Re’ in 2020 and what would’ve followed it.

“This upcoming EP is the same one I had spoken about when I released ‘Ayi Re’ back in 2020. Fortunately, the pandemic was very busy for me workwise, and paid projects took up most of my time. I decided to not to take on any large projects this winter, specifically to give myself time to finish this album.

“These days I’m recording my own new songs for a short album I hope to release this summer, which I’m also very excited about!”

For someone who hates stagnation and prefers learning, 2023 looks even brighter with music and other aural journeys for Haniya!