By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Lucienne
Q) Last time we spoke in 2024 you described your music as pop-punk. How have you evolved as an artist since then?
A) Everything has evolved!! I think just as time goes by we, as humans, are constantly experiencing life which causes us to grow and change no matter what. Everything from sound, writing process, experiences, style, have evolved! I feel like as time goes by, I become more and more of who I am!
Q) How does your Persian and Indigenous heritages play a role in the music that you make?
A) I believe it plays a role in everything, especially in storytelling. I was raised with these traditions that music is sacred and used to tell stories. So, I continue that belief by sharing my life experiences through writing and sound!
Q) Your music is known for having raw emotion to it. Why is that so important to you?
A) It’s very important because all the songs I write come from those raw and vulnerable places. I really want to connect and relate to the listener, and I think it’s key to be as open as possible when it comes to my writing. It is also a release of energy which is so important to the healing process.
Q) We’ve been loving your new song “Games.” What inspired this track?
A) “Games” was inspired by just being silly and not caring about what others think. I love the wiring on this song because it’s so “I am who I am you either love me or leave me.”
Q) The song kicks off with an electric vibe. Was that something you wanted to intentionally do with the track when you began crafting it?
A) Yes! I love how the foundation of the song is very instrumental. It’s exciting and give that’s head banging feel! It’s a very fun song to perform live as well! I really wanted this song to feel big with the guitar and drums and we did that!
Q) How difficult is it to go from those rapid fire rap sections to those soaring vocals for the chorus?
A) It takes a lot of breath control and focus!! It’s hard sometimes because when performing you’re so amped by the crowd and then you have to really real it in and focus vocally on what’s next!
Q) With “fairytale” and “Games” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) It won’t all come together as an EP or album. My focus for this year was to drop a single a month and I’ve been absolutely loving this release process. I’ve really enjoyed just releasing a song month and allowing each song to have its moment!
Q) You recently headlined at the iconic Viper Room. What did that achievement mean to you?
A) So much! The Viper Room is such an iconic venue in Los Angeles and being able to headline that was really fkn cool for me! I grew up knowing all these bands that played there and that had always been on the list of venues that I wanted to play at!
Q) You even performed at New York Pride, London Pride and LA Pride. That’s quite the trifecta! What do you hope your music provides to the LGBTQ+ community?
A) I’ve had so much fun at those shows!! I love performing at prides because it’s so personal to me. I hope my music brings understanding and creates a safe space for everyone in the community.
Q) Also, in our last interview you mentioned your dream collab would be Avril Lavigne. Who are some other artists you have recently thought about collaborating with?
A) Yungblud! Third Eye Blind! P!nk!
Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of the incredible music you keep putting out?
A) Don’t give up!! Be you! The only person you should be up against is yourself! Talk how you want to talk! Walk how you want to walk! And love who you want to love!