music
For Amna, music has always been her passion - her first love. “I’ve always been a huge music listener. Songs would make me feel so connected and moved, and I used to wonder how people could create something so powerful. That fascination pushed me to try it myself. I’m actually the first in my family to take this path,” says Amna Riaz - a self-taught singer-songwriter from Islamabad. “I picked up the guitar when I was only 14, but I properly stepped into music when I released my first single back in 2020,” she adds.
Amna’s music is all about catchy melodies, meaningful lyrics and a vocal style that’s uniquely hers. Her dynamic arrangements and soulful delivery make every song a mood. Some of her known songs include ‘Duur Se’, ‘Bachpan’, ‘Hold On’, ‘Ghaayab’, ‘Asmaan Aur Main’, ‘Dabbay’, ‘He’, ‘Do Hazaar Bees’ and ‘Upside Down’. “I recently dropped a few collaborations, and now I’m diving into more new music - maybe even an album soon,” shares Amna.
This week, You! is in conversation with this natural singer who is also Spotify’s Ambassador for Equal Pakistan (from October to December 2025). Read on…
What is your specialised field of singing?
I usually make Urdu indie-pop music - that’s the space I feel most myself in.
What is your most memorable concert to date?
My first out-of-city concert in Multan. The crowd sang my songs back to me, and it was honestly surreal. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment.
How does it feel to be the Spotify’s Ambassador for EQUAL Pakistan?
Honestly, it feels incredible. I’m really grateful and honoured to be part of this, especially alongside so many insanely talented women.
How important are
initiatives like EQUAL Pakistan for womenartists of our country?
Having a platform like this makes you feel supported and seen. When you know other women are going through the same journey, it gives you the confidence to keep pushing forward.
Tell us about your song that is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist.
‘Kya Sach Ho Tum?’ is my most recent single - I actually wrote it for my husband. It’s a very raw, real expression of love and care and I’m so grateful it’s being heard by people everywhere.
Top 3 songs in your playlist?
‘Doob’ (Maanu, Asfand), ‘The Subway’ (Chappell Roan), and ‘Kya Sach Ho Tum?’
Your favourite international music celebrity?
Chris Martin.
Who is your icon in the music industry?
There are so many who inspire me, both local and international. But at the moment, Billie Eilish is at the top for me. Her latest album with Finneas has me in awe.
What was the role of music in your early years of life?
I was that kid who always had headphones on. Whether I was studying, walking around or even falling asleep - music was always playing.
What was the first instrument that you learned to play?
Acoustic Guitar.
Your most irritating habit…
Definitely overthinking. I get anxious about pretty much everything.
You don’t like people who are…
Unsupportive of others.
You are afraid of…
Not trying - or giving up too soon.
Your most valuable possession?
I’m not too materialistic, but probably my phone.
Are you a shopaholic?
Not really - but when I do shop, I go all in and plan it properly.
What bores you the most?
Repetitive tasks with no purpose. I get restless if I’m not learning, growing or feeling fulfilled.
You are crazy about…
Music, my family and my friends.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
Relaxing, unwinding or catching up with a friend.
What is your favourite tune nowadays?
‘Doob’ (Maanu, Asfand).
If you could have a musician tag along with you on tour, whom would you choose?
Billie Eilish.
Your favourite hangout?
A drive, some food in the car and chai.
If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?
My childhood.
Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?
I think it’s always good to explore different genres. Knowing history can help, but what matters more is keeping yourself open to all kinds of music.
Song that always gets you on the dance floor?
These days it’s ‘London Thumakda’. Keeps changing, (haha).
What’s the last thing you bought?
I just bought a Shezan mango juice box (I’m obsessed).
What books are on your bedside table?
I’m not a reader. I have my journal if that counts.
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Check my phone.
When I am not working, I am usually…
Watching YouTube.
The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…
Communication, patience and respect are key in any relationship.
You get super uncomfortable when…
I’m asked to sing without my guitar. But I’m working on building that confidence.
The biggest misconception about you is…
That I’m not approachable. I just have a
serious resting face, but I actually love talking to people.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Hopefully, happy and fulfilled as a musician, with my own space and a family.
Something very few people know about you?
I was a regional table tennis champion at one point.
What’s your ultimate desire?
My ultimate desire is to be happy and make people closest to me happy.