Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Raza.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ali. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
All started out during middle school when my friends and I would freestyle in the car to pass time and we had a lot of fun with it. My friends began telling me that I sounded good and I should take it seriously by making real songs in a real studio. Then, I began to start making little mini songs on my iPhone 7 using the garage band app and recording them in my sister’s closet. At that point, I was not using social media at all, so with the help of my sisters, I redesigned my socials and made them presentable as an artist and a platform to grow. August 2018 came, and I decided to stop recording off my iPhone and go to a real studio. So, I did! I recorded my studio debut single, “Bothered,” and was simultaneously sticking posters of my Social media handles all around downtown Orlando, handing them out to organizations and companies, while also heavily promoting myself on Instagram and attending open mics, small shows, etc. to get my name out. Sometime around October 2018, I recorded a visual for my studio debut single “Bothered,” and it was well-received. December 2018, I invested in a blue yeti USB mic and a computer and some headphones. I started to make songs and post them on SoundCloud and released my first E.P “Good question” on SoundCloud around Spring 2019.
My sister being a photographer gave me support to always update my audience with professional photos and creative concepts. Black braids with the blue beads became my signature look. At this time, I was attending art school to become an audio engineer and later graduated Winter 2019. In between this time, I collaborated with well-known Orlando artist Danny Towers, who collaborated with the likes of Wifisfuneral and Ski Mask the Slump God. We released our Single “Petro” produced by Cris Dinero with whom I later worked with on a single of mine called “Keep my word.” With all the music, features and videos I was releasing, I decided to go on a media tour with my old manager to promote my Debut Studio E.P. “Got the Blues.” I met with BET, YouTube, Island Records, Music Choice and a few other companies within the industry. As soon as I returned I dropped a visual for my song “Danger” off of my debut studio E.P. “Got the Blues” and it was even better received than my visual for “Bothered,” so I went back into the studio to plot on another project and keep the momentum going. Being in and out of a lot of studios, meeting with great artists, and completing my first foreign collab, I dropped my second studio E.P., “108.” Most recently, I released the visual for my song “Banana Kush” off of “Got the Blues” and this is where I am now.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
So this is a tricky question… yes, I had all the resources to work on and make music. That was the smooth aspect of it, but the bumps were the hatred, doubt and jealousy I faced from friends and people in the audience. Being a minority in this day can be a struggle enough. Topping that off with an at first quiet and timid personality of mine, it creates shock in people to where they’re not expecting it. Identifying myself and my sound has also been a struggle. It wasn’t until recently that I realized what it takes to write a real record and structure it correctly. My parents are from Pakistan and practice the religion of Islam which frowns upon careers in music, and as of now my father is my only supporter as a parent. Consistency and a strong heart are crucial in this industry and are something I’m constantly yearning to have the patience for.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
As an artist, I try my best to paint a very vivid picture into the listener’s head and have been told I have a cinematic feeling in my music. People know me for being the first Pakistani kid in my area to work with names in the industry and to not be afraid to speak up about problems in my music. I am most proud of getting the chance to fly out to New York and have meetings with label reps and executives, and really get an up close and personal feel for the industry. My fast-paced and controlling personality in my career sets me apart.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The biggest quality any human being can have is to be a nice person and have an attractive personality. It helps in the long run with your ego and sense of entitlement; once you’re past that I believe you can conquer anything.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4073197754
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAgEuutHW7N/?igshid=1b1lac6yjc82l
Image Credit:
@per.sanaa
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