Anna Heer: My song-filled life

TALENTED BRITISH SINGING STAR RECALLS SPECIAL MUSICAL MOMENTS FROM HER LIFE

by ASJAD NAZIR

Talented singer Anna Heer lit up the airwaves with her recently-released song Radio and it was the latest chapter in a musical journey that started from a young age.

The British-born singer hails from a musical family and has been surrounded by songs from a young age, which includes having a father who was part of an award-winning bhangra band. Eastern Eye got Anna to look back and tell us about her life in songs.

My earliest memory of a song is…Laung Da Lishkara, which is an old Punjabi song that has been covered by so many people over the years. But for me, it is the first song I learned as a kid from my grandma. She taught me how to sing the song and I still remember singing it with her.

A song connected to a happy childhood memory is…Nachdi Di Gooth Khulgaye by Premi because it reminds me of my brother’s second birthday party. I remember dancing like crazy with my sister to it. Happy days.

Another song connected to a childhood memory is…Kehna Hi Kya from Bombay. The AR Rahman-composed song was on replay throughout the summer holidays when it was released, and I loved it. I still do.

A song that really influenced me growing up was…Cham Cham Nachdi Phiran by Asha Bhosle and Channi Singh from Alaap. I lived for her parts in this song. Her voice on this song, the melody and everything else were magical. I used to sing this a lot and wanted to sound just like Asha Bhosle.

The first album I ever bought was…Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number by Aaliyah. The late great singer died young, but left a lasting legacy and influenced many in some way, including me.

A song that inspired me was…Pyar Ka Hai Bairi by Sangeeta. Growing up listening to Sangeeta was inspiring. I would watch her on shows such as Network East and knew I wanted to sing. I loved what she was doing at that time.

The first song I performed live was…Dil Cheez by Bally Sagoo. I am and have always been a huge fan of Sagoo’s work. He was very good friends with my dad and kindly gave me the backing track to Dill Cheez as I was keen to perform it. It was a great experience and I knew it was something I wanted to do again.

The first song I recorded…unfortunately never got released. I first stepped into a studio to feature on a B21 song with Bally Jagpal and recorded it with the talented Bhoota Jagpal. It was a great experience and I learned a lot.

The first song I released was…Nishani Pyar Di and it was just an amazing experience. I teamed up with talented music producer Popsy on the song and also released an eye-catching music video filmed in an amazing location, which was so much fun to shoot.

A song connected to a recent memory is…Panjeb by Rashi Sood. The memory of my sister’s wedding will always stay with me and I remember us overkilling this track by playing it throughout the celebrations. Every time I hear this song, it reminds me of the wedding festivities.

A song by an artist I love is…Londono Patola by Jazzy B. I am such a huge fan of Jazzy and I like both versions of the track he released. But I do like the original a little more and after all these years, it still has the power to light up a dance floor.

An album that helps me is…Bollywood Flashback by Bally Sagoo. The timeless album has feel-good vibes even now. Listening to any song on the album puts me in a good mood.

A song that brings back beautiful memories even now is…Teri Akh Deh Ishaare by Heera. This track takes me back to my childhood and to carefree times. I am blessed to have had such an amazing upbringing filled with love and have so many great memories.

A song connected to a sad memory is…Sajna Ve Sajna by Gurdas Maan. This track reminds me of a loved one who sadly passed away. This was his favourite song.

A song I have on repeat right now is…Wang Da Naap by Ammy Virk. There is such a great vibe coming from India these days from talented artists delivering big tracks like this one.

My latest song…Radio is something different for me. I went out of my comfort zone with this track and I’m glad I did. I am really proud of this song and hope you love it just as much as I do.

My next song…will have even more energy than Radio. I’m looking to release more fun and upbeat music.

I love music…because it is in my blood. My dad has been my biggest role model and inspiration. With him being the lead singer for Geet The Mega Band and I have been around music, am in love with it. There is not a day that goes by without me listening to music or singing. Music is my biggest escape from everything in life, at times. I literally can’t live without it!