Back for good

by ASJAD NAZIR

AVINA SHAH RETURNS WITH A NEW COLLECTION OF SONGS

NATURALLY-GIFTED Avina Shah has been working hard over the last few years on songs she is planning to release in 2018.

The versatile British artist has also been travelling and working extensively in India on music she hopes will launch the next chapter of her career.

The first song to release from the next episode of Avina’s musical story is catchy number Playboy, which is accompanied by an eye-catching video and was picked up by Indian streaming giant Gaana.

Alongside the music, the business entre­preneur is going to continue building a beauty brand that is growing in stature.

Eastern Eye caught up with Avina to talk about music, her exciting plans, the best advice she has received and more...

How do you look back on your time in the music industry?

Music has brought quite a rollercoaster of new and exciting experiences in my life that I never really expected.

I’ve had the opportunity to travel a lot through my performances and have met so many interesting and talented people. I feel now I’ve grown and developed so much as a person, so am ready to start a brand new chapter in my musical journey.

What is the biggest lesson the music industry has taught you?

To believe in yourself! Confidence is key and you should never stop believing in your inner-strength. Everyone has a unique gift inside them, so never limit your creativity and don’t be afraid to take some risks. Life is short, so if you have passion for something, you should just go for it.

Who has been the most interesting person you have met on your musical travels?

I’ve been very fortunate to meet so many interest­ing people that I respect and look up to in the fields of business, entertainment and philanthro­py. Each person has been an inspiration to me in so many ways.

It was particularly special to get to know my childhood idols in person like Madhuri Dixit and the late Sridevi just months before she passed away. Having a chance to speak to her on a number of occasions made me realise just how beautiful and talented she was on the inside as well as outside.

You are very talented, but why haven’t you re­leased more songs?

I’ve actually spent the past few years working on creating all the music that I’m about to release. I’ve spent a lot of time in India as well and have some great collaborations lined up. It’s taken time, dedication and a lot of courage to develop my vision and bring it to life. I can’t wait to share it with you!

It seems as if you will be making up for that this year then...

(Laughs) Most certainly! I have a full album of tracks getting ready for release and there’s no stop­ping me now.

Tell us about your new song release...

My first song release is called Playboy. The title is self-explanatory, but it’s got a playful twist. It is ba­sically saying that ‘girls just wanna have fun!’ We are in a new era now where gender roles are equalising and women are very much in charge of their lives, so it’s in theme with that.

What was the biggest challenge of putting the song together?

This song was created in both London and Mumbai so it has taken a while to put it all together, especially with coordinating and collaborating ideas across the globe. It was an incredible experi­ence working with such a large team and I have learnt a lot.

Who are you hoping connects to the song?

It’s a fun and quirky dance track so I hope people of all ages enjoy the vibe of it, let their hair down and sing along to the words. It’s got one of those catchy choruses that stick in your head for a while.

Tell us about the music video...

It’s a quirky retro style dance video that is very dif­ferent to anything I’ve done before. I’m a nerd in the video who fancies my nerdy friend, but he’s just not interested in me until the very end. You have to watch the video to see how it pans out!

What can we expect from the other songs?

You can expect a new and different vibe every time. I’m exploring my full creativity at the moment, so each song is starkly different from the other in terms of sound and vision. But I’m staying true to myself and creating music that I per­sonally love and would listen to.

What is the masterplan for you as an artist?

To create original songs that spread love, positivity and memorable messages to my lis­teners. I want to challenge myself and push the boundaries with every re­lease so my listeners get to see a new side of my personality every time.

I’d also love to help other artists achieve their dreams. There are so many talent­ed people out there that haven’t had the opportunity or guidance to follow their true passion.

You are also great live, but what has been your most memorable live performance?

My musical jour­ney has given me the opportunity to share the stage with huge stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, perform for Middle Eastern royal families and also live in Las Vegas. I’m really thankful for these won­derful experiences and look forward to what the future has in store.

You are a versatile artist, but what kind of songs are you drawn towards?

I’m an old soul at heart because I love a lot of the music from the time before I was even born. I have quite a broad taste, but it’s got to have a good mel­ody and stand out lyrically to really draw me in.

What music dominates your own playlist?

I always have the radio on and mainly tend to lis­ten to chart music. Although I mainly sing in Hindi, I tend to lis­ten to a lot more Western songs.

Which singer do you admire?

I find Rihanna very intriguing. She’s just so unique, bold and is a risk-taker. Her songs always stand out and she has a natural charisma about her that keeps me engaged to see what she does next. Rihanna also launched a very successful range of beauty products, and that is something I’m also focusing on with my brand Faces By Avina.

Do you have any ambitions away from music? I want to develop and launch more beauty prod­ucts. I started my beauty business Faces By Avina when I was only 12 years old and it has become very successful over the years. Two years ago we launched our own range of eyelashes and hair ex­tensions, and I’m currently in the process of de­signing some new exciting beauty products.

If you could learn something new. what would it be?

Gymnastics! I used to be really good at gymnastics when I was a child. I could do the splits and all these crazy tricks. I didn’t keep up the practice, but would love to learn it all again.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Your tribe attracts your vibe, so surround yourself with positive inspiring people and stay away from negativity. When it comes to creativity, do not fol­low the crowd; always stay true to yourself and let your individuality shine through. But most impor­tantly, be very careful who you take advice from!

What inspires you?

People inspire me. I’m a people person. I love meeting new and interesting characters. I feel that I learn something new and feel inspired in some way through every person I meet.

Why should we go out and pick up your latest song Playboy? Because it’s cool, fun and will surely put you in a good mood. (Laughs) And you won’t be able to get it out of your head, I promise.

Why do you love music? Music has a unique and amazing power to con­nect with people and spread a lot of love and posi­tivity. That’s what I’m all about.

•  Playboy by Avina Shah is out now. Visit www.avinamusic.com, www.shopavina. com, www.facesbyavina.com and www. easternillusion.com for more