Hometown:
I grew up half in Stockton California and half in Castro Valley California, but I was born in the city (San Francisco) and am fasho a bay area kid at heart.
How did you get started in music?
I’ve been writing since I learned to hold a pencil. Everyday coming home from elementary school my pops would have 106&park on and we’d watch music videos into the late afternoon. That show definitely had a lot to do with my upbringing and love for music. I’d watch award shows and live performances and mimic every one of them singing into my hairbrush in the mornings.
How would you describe your music to new listeners?
I’ve been described as so many different things but I tend to say pop when asked. Although the connotation surrounds bubblegum sound, the pop genre is popular music and that’s what I like to make, music that everyone can get up to. I like to make people smile with my wordplay and sing along with my melodies. My biggest influences are almost all exclusively pop artists, yet none of them sound alike, so I think my style digs a little deeper than just a genre, it’s a feeling.
Who are your musical influences?
My list is more of a book. Motown, Queen, Quincy Jones, Amy Winehouse, Etta James and Louis Armstrong are some of the first names that come to mind but growing up my parents had come from such different backgrounds that there was always something new playing, from mariachi to the Blues, Reggae to Bollywood to Lil Wayne and then back to Patti Labelle. I pulled inspiration from wherever and whoever I could.
How do you go about making new music?
I write every rhyme and thought that pops into my head, and I’m in the studio at least once a week. I try to collaborate with other artists and musicians as well, whatever catches that groove really. I just like to make people nod their head and say “who is this!?”
What was your favorite song to work on?
So far? Probably Kaleidoscopic. I wrote the whole thing in about 30 minutes before running off to work one day, right before I left I showed my pops and we recorded a rough take. I came home and the first thing he said to me was “you made a hit” that felt good. We never re-recorded it either, we kept that original take. Me and my dad went back into the studio together and really dissected what instruments we wanted, and then deep dived into old funk songs we loved and pulled inspiration from there. The track never fails to put me in a good mood and we just had an absolute blast making it.
What was your favorite collaboration and or dream collaboration?
My favorite collaboration is easily the next project I have coming out with Joyrizer, an incredible producer I got lucky enough to connect and create an EP with. I never leave a session with him empty handed, whether we have a new song, he puts me on or we just have a good time. It’s a blessing to be able to work with people who are as passionate as you, and it’s even better when those people become good friends.
How do you get through writer’s block when you’re not feeling creative?
I never force it. When I’m stuck I try and listen to some new music or even write how I’m feeling out, but if it’s not working I just busy myself till it free flows. It always comes back out and sometimes I just have to take a step back from it all.
Have you faced adversity in the forms of racism, misogyny, or other biases in the music industry?
I’ve faced my fair share as I’m sure most women/people of color have. I do my best not to let it get to me though. It’s hard not to carry those things with you so when I have experienced it I write it all out and do my best to move on right then and there. I’ve watched it become the chip on people’s shoulders and that’s the last thing I want.
What does your movement represent?
My brand aims to capture positivity, triumph and resilience. My goal in music is always to give people a good time, but the message behind the words goes deeper than that to me. They’re there to remind every listener to keep pushing to the finish line no matter what race you’re in.
What are your musical aspirations?
My life goal is to sell out an international tour. I have so many smaller aspirations on the way there but the journey in itself is what I look forward to so from big stage shows to a 4am studio session, as long as I get to do what I love I’ve made it.
What are your upcoming plans?
I will be releasing my deluxe version of Chingona, “Chingona: Reloaded” January 29th, 2021 and I have quite a few projects and collaborations to follow. My teams been working hard and I’m excited to show the world what we’ve created together.
Is there anything else you would like to contribute?
Not that I can think of at this moment but I’d like to thank you for taking the time with me. Feel free to reach out with any other questions or comments.
Connect With Anjali Asha:
Website: https://anjaliasha.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AnjaliAsha_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anjaliasha_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnjaliAsha99/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW1X_JC9fwmvR_Ztc8Av9_g
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3RJktSmDT3j4WHWaZCEW3E
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/anjali-asha/859029837
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/anjaliasha
Check out Anjali’s newest song Good Thing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ0uDyO4r9k
Music Without Any Boundaries 