INTERVIEW: Eshtar — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Eshtar

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THE amazing Eshtar…

has been talking with about her mini-album, Sound of World, and the themes/colours that go into it. She discusses working with Tomash Lukach on the project and all the sounds she incorporates into the music – she talks about moving from Iraq to Ukraine and what the music scene is like where she is.

Eshtar talks about early childhood musical tastes and whether she will tour soon; if a stop in the U.K. is a possibility; a new artist we should get behind; whether she gets time to chill away from music – ending the interview by selecting a great track!

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Hi, Eshtar. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello. I’m great! It’s been a busy week. I’ve had a lot of work. I’m writing new music, lyrics; doing some interviews. It’s always a process. Thanks for asking.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is Eshtar. If you want to find out about me, you can listen to my new mini-album, Sound of World, and maybe you will find the answers that are bothering you...

Sound of World is your mini-album. What sort of themes and ideas influenced the songs?

I love vocals, many vocals; I love to use it like an instrument in songs. Vocal packs are inspiring. Makes me feel like I have my own individual tool to creatе music. I'm obsessed with brass - my lovely influence from some Trap compositions. Deep, low basses; sounds - all that I need to create something interesting. The spirit of mysticism, protest; love, war; a strong character, savagery; passion and simplicity - everything is here. It’s the sound of the world. It catches you and makes you think about it.

BANKS, Kimbra; Jack Garratt, Kwabs; FKA twigs, Stromae and Sevdaliza inspired me regards writing.

There are a variety of genres playing alongside one another – including Trap and Pop. Was it hard putting them all together – or does it reflect your music tastes and the sort of music you usually listen to?

These songs were written in different periods. Now, there a lot of diverse music and genres - and you cannot listen to one thing all the time. Every day you like something different, something new. You find new artists, like the way they do, with new instruments, sounds and melodies.

I remember that moment when I fell in love with Trap. I saw the movie called Suicide Squad with unreal soundtracks. That (song) Purple Lamborghini by Rick Ross and Skrillex was mad. It completely conveyed my mood and I could no longer do without this genre.

What was it like working alongside Tomash Lukach on the project?

Most of the time, I work alone. I just go to my favorite coffee shop, start the Logic Pro and the work begins. None of the songs was written in the studio (i need my special places. Hahah); always different places – basically, where I can connect to the power socket. When I have all the vocals and most of the arrangements, I come to my friend’s (Tomash Lukach’s) studio to bring it together. He feels my music: he’s addicted to his JOB.

He wants my music to be COMPLETE! I can see he is interested in the process the same, as I am, and this is very very important to me! We do the rest of the magic with him. Sometimes, its just a small replacement of a bass drum and then mixing and mastering – and, sometimes, we sit like for hours just to pick right hats and samples or re-bounce some vocal parts. That makes a song (so) unique.

You were born in Iraq but moved to Ukraine. What was the reason for this? Is there a strong music scene in Ukraine?

My father is Arabian (he’s from Iraq). He moved to Kyiv to study at university where he met my mom in some city cafe. My mother is Ukrainian and they got married shortly after they met...and my father stayed in Kyiv. That’s how I was born in Ukraine.

Now, it's time for new music in Ukraine. There's a new wave of fresh sounds, interesting ideas and new artists. Everything is changing and it’s just beginning here.

Do you recall the sort of music you were raised on? Which musicians inspired you at a young age?

It was Whitney Huston, Michel Jackson; The Beatles, Backstreet Boys. During my school years, I preferred Avril Lavigne, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gorillaz; Linkin Park, Arctic Monkeys; Evanescence and Stevie Wonder. In high-school, I played in a band so there were a lot of artists and genres that I listened to.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I want to show my music to the world. I wanna be known as an artist that makes music; have some concerts, meet interesting artists; do some collaborations. Who knows where it can all go…

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Every memory associated with live performances of favorite artists is a favorite memory for me. When you’re there, something unbelievable happens with you and your emotions. It always changes you in a better way. It gives you power, hope, true happiness and that superhero feeling of invincibility. How they perform, how the musicians play; how everything works on the stage...it gets you thinking a lot after live performances:’How did they do it. Incredible!’

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Never give up and don’t listen to anyone. Your life, your decisions.

Might we see you tour very soon?

Oh. I want it so bad. We are already preparing for some live performances so everything is possible. I have huge plans, so we will see.

Do you think you’ll come to the U.K. and play?

I have loved the U.K. very much since my childhood and always wanted to go there. I hope, one day, this dream will come true

IN THIS PHOTO: Loïc Nottet

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I love to listen and watch the popular artists because that’s where most of the teamwork’s been done. I don’t think that I know an artist that you haven’t heard of. In winter, I found out about one Belgian singer, Loïc Nottet. He’s not the new one but he is so talented. He writes his own songs, has a great and interesting voice; amazing dancer, acting like a professional actor. I wanna be like him.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I’m twenty-seven and I’ve never chill away from music. I don’t even know if it’s good or bad but I know that you have to work. Don’t stop if something goes wrong. You need good results, improve your skills daily. It’s my passion. I get new information every single day. That’s how the character is brought up; that’s how dream works

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Great. I choose LSD (ft. Labrinth, Sia and Diplo) – Audio. Genius