Interview With Somaya! (@SomayaMusic)
We recently had the chance to chat with singer Somaya about getting her start in the industry, musical inspirations, “Stand Up”, and more!
1. How did you get your start in the music industry?
I started writing songs when I was 11, and by the time I was 13, I had become obsessed with making music. I played my songs for friends and family and they really enjoyed the music, so I decided to take it a step further and post videos of me singing on YouTube!
2. Who are your musical inspirations?
As far as artistry is concerned, Halsey and Tove Lo have been huge inspirations. Their songs are so deep and edgy, but they don’t bring you down. As far as songwriting is concerned, there’s a lot of people, but Sia has definitely been one of the big ones. She writes about such a range of topics, and her lyrics feel very raw. Overall, I’m inspired by music that feels like it has a lot of thought and heart put into it. I try to put as much of myself as I can into my songs, because I think when you’re more honest, your music resonates with people more and can have a larger impact.
3. How would you describe your sound?
On my new album, “Stand Up”, the songs are primarily electropop. However, when I play live, my songs are stripped back and acoustic. In both cases, the songs can affect people, but maybe for different reasons. When you hear the songs through the album, it has the production to make it hit hard, but when it’s acoustic, I feel the lyrics come through more. At the end of the day, I try to make music that makes people feel something.
4. Can you tell us about your song “Stand Up”?
“Stand Up” is a song I wrote about standing up against sexual assault. The verses tell a story of a girl who has experienced sexual assault, while the chorus encourages people and society to stand up against it.
5. What inspired the song?
Sexual assault has affected many people in my family, some of my friends, and me. I’m also constantly seeing stories on the news about sexual assault cases in which the offenders get away with it. Sexual assault has become far too common, so I felt the need to take a stand, and music was one of my ways of doing that. Hopefully, through my lyrics, I can help raise awareness, or maybe help a victim feel less alone.
6. Do you have any other upcoming projects?
I’m constantly writing new songs in preparation for whenever I start working on Album #2!
7. What are your social media accounts?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somayamusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somayamusic1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SomayaMusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/somayamusic
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