My playlist - Gaurika

TALENTED British Asian newcomer Gaurika announced herself to the music industry last month with her debut single I’m Alive, which featured pop star Sean Kingston.

The young singer/songwriter has been connected to music her entire life and grew up with eclectic global influences. That was apparent when the rising star selected songs she loves.

Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish: I could literally listen to this song on repeat. It’s so chilled out, with such simplistic yet evoking lyrics. Opening line; “I had a dream, I got everything I wanted” gives me chills.

They Don’t Really Care About Us by Michael Jackson: It’s difficult to pick just one MJ song. Listening to this makes me wanna get an army of people and just march/ dance to this beat. Such power in its musicality and then you add the lyrics, and video.

My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion: This song got me into trying to actually write my own songs, so it’s one I treasure. It’s an emotional one for me because it was the last movie we watched as a family before my mum passed away. This song will live forever in my heart.

Silsila Yeh Chahat Ka & Dola Re from Devdas: Both are equally fantastic. Dola Re makes me want to get up and dance; it’s also cinematically beautiful. Silsila Yeh Chahat Ka is a beautiful love song filled with the right amount of beauty and angst. Takes me back to when I was in Canada and went to a soldout cinema, and I remember being mesmerised by it, with plenty of tears.

I’m Alive by Gaurika Ft. Sean Kingston: I have to love this song because I created it. Literally birthed it from conception to ‘pushing it out’ to share with the world. This song has many meanings, from being in love and loving yourself to appreciating life. This song gives you ‘life’. I might be a little biased, but just finding out that I broke out into the billboard dance charts at number four certainly seems like others feel the same way as me.

Jesus Walks by Kanye West: One of Kanye’s best. I love that this song literally feels like you’re on a journey while listening to it. It’s an empowering anthem and I love that he broke ‘norms’ with a song rapping about Jesus. The song has a great message, just like I Can by Nas.

Yeh Samaa, Samaa Hai Yeh Pyar Ka from Jab Jab Phool Khile: A timeless Lata Mangeshkar classic. I remember my mum listening to old Hindi classics like Churaliya, Yeh Vadha Raha, Kabhi Kabhie and this was one I always loved. The melody makes you want to recreate a Bollywood movie, while dancing outdoors.

Umbrella by Rihanna: This song takes me back to being on stage singing an acoustic rendition of this for a nationwide campaign with Fashion TV. It’s a great song and was always a huge hit with crowds. Everyone would always sing along. Catchy pop at its best, among many of other Rihanna’s numerous hits, from Shut Up & Drive to Monsters with Eminem.

Ed Sheeran songs: I could pick all of his songs. An amazing artist in every aspect, from his lyrics to his musicality, rhythm and beats. You can’t go wrong with any of his song. I’d have to list albums instead of songs here. The last two albums have pushed him into a different musical stratosphere. I can’t just pick one song as it would be an injustice.

I’m Not Dead by Pink: I pick her I’m Not Dead album. The songs are lyrically great as all her other numbers are, but Cuz I Can, Stupid Girls, Who Knew and U & Ur Hand, all take me back to my first pop concert at Wembley. I remember being blown away and could see myself on stage doing the same thing.

www.gaurikamusic.com