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Aneesa Sheikh

By Gul Nasreen
28 January, 2025

Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this young artist who is also Spotify’s singer of the month. Read on…

Aneesa Sheikh

you & me

Singer-songwriter Aneesa Sheikh has been involved in music since childhood. “I started playing classical and electric guitar when I was eight years old. Watching my brother’s piano lessons and seeing my sister skate to Santana’s music inspired me to learn an instrument. My dad and I also bonded deeply through music, which cemented my passion for it,” Sheikh shares.“By the time I was 14, I was writing and performing my own music. My first live performance of original songs was at the Lexington Opera House in Kentucky,” she adds.Now, as a professional singer, she is thrilled about her latest single and music video, ‘NY 2 Lahore’, which explores themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment. “The song celebrates cultures coming together, and working with producers from Lahore, my hometown, and NYC has been a rewarding journey,” Sheikh explains. Let’s see what are the likes and dislikes of this young artist who is also Spotify’s singer of the month. Read on…

* What is your specialised field of singing?

My style blends pop, singer-songwriter vibes, and melodic influences, all tied together by my distinctive ‘smokey Baby’ vocal tone.

* What is your most memorable concert to date?

Opening for Atif Aslam’s North American Tour.

* How does it feel to be the Ambassador of the Month for EQUAL Pakistan?

I am truly honoured to be a part of it. Spotify EQUAL has given me the confidence to take my music from New York to Lahore. Coincidentally, my role as a Spotify EQUAL Ambassador aligns perfectly with the theme of my song ‘NY 2 Lahore’.

* How important do you think such initiatives are for women artists in our country?

Aneesa Sheikh

Such initiatives are crucial for amplifying women’s voices, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation. Initiatives like the EQUAL Programme allows Pakistani female artists to showcase their talent and connect with audiences globally.

* Tell us about your song that is being featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist.

My song ‘NY 2 Lahore’ is very close to my heart. It reflects my journey of cultural connection, resilience, and embracing my Pakistani-American identity. I actually wrote the song last October when I was in Lahore. The song is also about breaking stereotypes. Many girls look up to me as an American-born artist. But through this song, I show that I can embrace my culture in Pakistan while staying true to who I am. I sing about how you don’t need to change yourself to fit others’ expectations - there’s real power in being authentic. Coincidentally, the release of this song aligned perfectly with my selection as Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador for January 2025.

* Top 3 songs in your playlist?

‘Yimmy Yimmy’ by Tayc; ‘Who Will Save Your Soul’ by Jewel and ‘Black Magic Woman’ by Santana.

* Your favourite international music celebrities?

Tyla, Santana and Jewel.

* What was the role of music in your early years of life?

Aneesa Sheikh

Music was my escape and comfort during challenging times, especially when my dad faced health issues. My guitar became my best friend in a busy household, and it brought me peace.

* Who were your favourite rock/jazz/pop stars when you were growing up?

I loved Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Nina Simone, and Aretha Franklin.

* What was the first instrument that you learned to play?

Piano, followed by classical and electric guitar and flute.

* Your most irritating habit?

Over thinking and biting my nails.

* You don’t like people who are…

Dismissive of others’ struggles and unwilling to respect different perspectives.

* Your most valuable possession?

My grandpa’s 50-year-old twelve-string guitar.

* Your all-time favourite movie?

‘The Sound of Music’.

* Are you a shopaholic?

Not really, but I can’t resist a good sale, especially on shoes and dresses.

* What bores you the most?

Small talk without depth and waiting in long lines.

* You are crazy about…

Music, ice skating, sweets, and exploring new creative challenges.

* How do you like to spend your Sundays?

Writing songs, practicing Urdu, planning my week, and reflecting on my music.

* What is your favourite tune nowadays?

‘NY 2 Lahore’, it’s so catchy.

* If you could have a musician tag along with you on a tour, whom would you choose?

Santana.

Aneesa Sheikh

* Your favourite hangout?

A cosy music studio, a walk with friends, or anywhere with good food.

* If you had access to a time machine, which era would you revisit?

The Roaring Twenties for the music, fashion and Great Gatsby vibes.

* Do you agree that it is important to learn and understand old music and its history?

Understanding old music and its history is essential for grasping musical evolution and creating meaningful art. I’ve also noticed modern artists sampling beats and melodies from older songs, blending them with other genres to create something fresh and unique.

* Song that always gets you on the dance floor?

Anything in the house genre, but I love the Alex Wann remix of ‘Milkshake’.

* What’s the last thing you bought?

A pair of crystal sneakers I’d been eyeing for a year and a set of guitar strings.

* What books are on your bedside table?

‘Letters to a Young Poet’ and ‘Anxious People’.

* First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Turn on my Bluetooth speakers and play house music while dancing and singing.

* When I am not working, I am usually…

Aneesa Sheikh

Brainstorming creative ideas, ice skating, travelling, or practicing Urdu.

* The most important relationship lesson you have learned so far…

No one is perfect. The key is to understand and decide if you can understand and tolerate their flaws.

* You get super uncomfortable when…

People make assumptions about me without knowing my story.

* Something very few people know about you …

When I started walking as a toddler I stumbled a lot. My parents were a bit worried, but I never gave up. Even as a child, I was determined to find my balance, and that persistence led me to become a triple gold medallist in US figure skating and to perform as Clara in The Nutcracker at a young age.

* Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Performing worldwide, collaborating with top artists, and using my music to inspire change.