Same as me: "Stand Up" (Exclusive Interview)
How did you get your start in music?
When I was 4 years old and saw MJ moonwalking across my TV screen. Real talk, ever since then I knew music was what I wanted to do. My also father named me after a famous Syrian/Egyptian singer, so I don’t know, as cheesy as it may sound, out of all my siblings I am the one that became a singer, so I guess you can call it fate.
What is your music and movement all about?
Being an advocate for me comes hand in hand with being an artist. All throughout history it has been artists that have led the way in social movements. The influence that art, music and the artist themselves can have is truly magical. People connect with the art and artist's on a level that cuts through all barriers, differences, races, religions and so on.
My artist name, same as me, is an anagram of my real name and it is meant to portray the fact that we are all the same, therefore should all be treated equally.
Other than social advocacy, the other side of my work is straight up having fun, being funny and letting out whatever it is I am feeling with my music - unfiltered. I am not just one thing, I do love Hip Hop and Pop, but a lot of us artist's get pigeon holed or are told to stay in our lane, but as human's we are not just one thing. Genre bending is becoming more and more accepted and that is a beautiful thing, because I love so many genres - good music is just good music - and I create from a feeling not from a genre.
What was the hardest part of making this song?
This song was born out of the pandemic and the protests breaking out all over the world due to the brutal murder of George Floyd. My executive producer, Roy, and I came together and knew we had to put my album aside and create a song that really spoke on this, we knew it had to be hopeful and Roy knew that it needed a gospel player on the keys. After our brainstorming session at the studio, I got home and thought to myself,
How am I going to write a hopeful song right now, when I feel hopeless.
Hip hop was born out of struggle, so I turned to music that inspired me and a day or two later, this melody and lyrics start playing in my mind:
We gotta stand up for each other
We gotta show love to each other
Cuz all I got is you and all I got is me
And everything you’re feeling I’m feeling it in me
What was the most enjoyable part of making this song?
Going into the studio with my demo version and watching Roy and a talented gospel piano player, Ta Jall, take it to the next level. Roy’s vision and the piano playing completed the song in such a beautiful that I am so very grateful for.
Who are your top musical influences?
This is a loaded question. But if I have to answer it: Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Tupac, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Kehlani and MJ of coarse.
Oh there are soooooo many more but I had to split the difference between rappers, producers and singers.
How did you prepare to make this all happen?
I had a complete album ready to go and then the Pandemic hit. It completely changed everything. I tried to work through it, but it didn’t feel right to reach out to people when they were just trying to survive and I was too. That is when we decided to put it on hold and write “Stand Up”. When the song was completed I went through a lot of life altering things, trauma, and like a lot of us, due to the changes the Pandemic brought, my mental health was shot. Though I am still fighting everyday now, I feel that it is the right time to start to releasing my music, the reason being, music saves lives, it's saved mine, so if this song can even bring someone else even a little bit of hope during a dark time, then I am fulfilling my true purpose.
What can we expect from you in 2021?
Releasing “Stand Up” will be followed by a music video. I will also be launching my merch line, which I designed and am super excited about. I have recently set up a whole new studio where I will be doing live shows from, performing my music as well as covers. I also started my TikTok and I FRICKEN LOVE it, it is so fun. I love dancing and making funny videos, I did go to drama school, so I am a proud drama geek at heart. There will be a follow up single as well, the release date will be announced on my website. So pretty much more music, visuals, TikToks and live performances.
