"It’s something that was really itching in my brain."
Arooj Aftab is a name that has become synonymous with genre-defying music, blending elements of South Asian tradition with modern experimental sounds.
The Brooklyn-based Pakistani musician has carved out a unique space in the global music scene, offering listeners a sound that’s both fresh and deeply rooted in her personal experiences.
Her music is a journey through emotion, culture, and innovation.
With a Grammy win and international acclaim under her belt, she challenges musical boundaries and redefines what South Asian artistry can be.
In an exclusive interview with DESIblitz, Arooj Aftab shared her thoughts on her creative process, the impact of her migration, and the role of digital platforms in her music’s evolution.
A Sound Born from the Unknown
Arooj Aftab’s music is often described as a blend of genres, yet she believes it goes beyond simple categorisation.
She explained: “My music is something that didn’t exist before. It’s something that was really itching in my brain.”
Her approach to composition is driven by a desire to hear something that she can’t yet hear in the world around her, something new and unique.
“It feels like it’s a world,” she adds, describing her music as an invitation into a realm where listeners can build their own stories.
The intentionality behind her instrumentation and arrangements helps create a listening experience that’s both familiar and foreign, making it easier for her audience to connect with her work on a personal level.
The philosophy behind Arooj Aftab’s music is equally as profound.
“It’s honest and personal. It makes you feel something.”
Whether it’s love, loss, or a reflection on the human condition, her music is designed to evoke powerful emotions.
“It’s about creating a feeling, about making you feel excited about its unfamiliarity, but also making you feel calm because of the common threads we share as a society.”
A Life Shaped by Migration
Growing up in Pakistan and now living in New York, Arooj Aftab’s migrations have played a major role in shaping her music.
Having spent time in various communities and musical spheres, she is free from the constraints of classical training.
She admitted: “I have no rules.”
This lack of attachment to tradition allows her to merge different styles and genres in a way that feels organic and fresh.
But while she blends different musical influences, she remains grounded in her own experiences.
She elaborated: “My approach is to create something that feels really honest to me.
“If you’re making something that feels honest, then it’s going to be okay.”
Arooj Aftab’s music reflects her personal journey and the complex emotions that come with it, including the profound influence of her migration.
Her sound becomes a testament to the universality of human experiences, connecting people from all walks of life.
Grief and Legacy in Vulture Prince
Arooj Aftab’s 2021 album Vulture Prince was a deeply personal project dedicated to her late brother Maher.
When it comes to difficult times, music has always been somewhere she can turn to.
She shared: “Music has always been my friend. It’s my therapy, my happiness, my greatest joy.”
Music has helped Aftab channel complex emotions like loss, hope, life, and beauty into her work.
The album became a legacy, a way to preserve the memory of her brother while also celebrating the healing power of music.
“Music can take all of those really subtle and complicated emotions and weave them into a song.”
Creating Vulture Prince was not just about mourning, but also about remembering a life, finding beauty in loss, and capturing the essence of a person who had passed.
This emotional depth and vulnerability make the album resonate with listeners on a much deeper level.
Breaking Barriers for South Asian Indie Music
Arooj Aftab also reflected on the role of digital platforms in her journey, particularly in the context of the South Asian indie scene.
She said: “The South Asian music scene is ancient and incredible.”
Yet, for a long time, South Asian music was boxed into specific genres like Bollywood, devotional, or classical music, leaving little room for experimentation in genres like pop or indie.
For Aftab, breaking into these spaces has been a long struggle:
“It took me almost fifteen years to get people to understand the vision I had.”
Now, as digital platforms provide an avenue for artists to reach global audiences, Aftab believes the South Asian music scene is experiencing a breakthrough.
She said: “It’s a wonderful moment for South Asian music to explore all genres and be seen.”
And through her own work, Aftab has shown that it’s possible for South Asian artists to make their mark in the global music industry, no longer constrained by outdated labels.
The Power of Language in Music
For Arooj Aftab, language plays an important role in the emotional depth of her music.
Fluent in both Urdu and English, she incorporates both languages into her songs, offering a bilingual experience that resonates with a wide range of listeners.
“Urdu is incredible,” she says, adding that it’s a language many people should explore for its richness and beauty.
However, she finds a deep connection to English, the language she uses every day.
This duality in language adds a layer of authenticity and emotional complexity to her music, as both languages bring different qualities to her creative expression.
She revealed: “I dream in both languages.”
This bilingualism enhances her creative output and highlights the fusion of cultures that defines much of her work.
Through language, Arooj Aftab connects with her audience on multiple levels, inviting them into her world from two distinct perspectives.
The Live Experience: A Chance for Connection
When performing live, Arooj Aftab hopes that her audience feels a sense of courage and excitement.
“I just hope that they’re having a good time.”
The live performance is where she connects with her audience in a way that’s not just about the music, but about the shared experience of being in the same space, feeling the same emotions.
For Aftab, this sense of togetherness is one of the most powerful aspects of her performances.
Aftab’s live shows are more than just concerts, they are communal experiences.
The atmosphere she creates is one of unity, where listeners can connect not only to her music but also to each other.
She added: “I want them to feel really good.”
And judging by the passion in her performances, it’s clear that her music does just that: it creates a space where everyone can feel part of something bigger.
Staying Grounded Amid Evolution
As Arooj Aftab’s sound continues to evolve, she remains rooted in her authenticity.
“I’ve always been very confident in my ideas,” she says, reflecting on her long journey as an artist.
Despite the contradictions and changes that often come with being an artist, Aftab’s unwavering belief in her music helps her stay grounded.
She stated: “That keeps me believing in the authenticity of my music while it continues to evolve.”
Aftab’s confidence in her creative process allows her to explore new avenues without losing the essence of who she is.
Even as her sound shifts and grows, her core remains unchanged, a testament to the power of self-belief in an ever-changing industry.
Arooj Aftab’s music is a reflection of her life, a journey filled with migration, grief, joy, and the constant search for authenticity.
The Grammy Award-winning artist continues to break barriers for South Asian indie music, offering a voice that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Through her sound, her story, and her passion, Aftab has shown us that music is not just a form of entertainment but a way of connecting, healing, and evolving.
Whether she’s walking by the water, writing in Urdu, or creating something entirely new, Aftab’s music journey is one worth following.
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