INTERVIEW: Aneesha drops new single “Swoon”

Former child psychologist turned music producer and artist, Aneesha has been a rising star in the Indian music scene. With her varied influences, unique sonic output and fresh approach to production, the New Delhi-based artist has developed her own original sound blending pop, R&B and electronic music.

Aneesha is quickly establishing herself as one of the most innovative female artists in the country, drawing attention from major outlets like Rolling Stone India, Indian Music Diarie and GOGO Magazine. While her music has gained considerable traction across digital platforms, landing editorial placements on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Boomplay.

First unveiling her sound in 2020, she dropped her debut single “Latch” which she’s since followed up with multiple well-received tracks, remixes and her first EP, 12:12, while linking with artists such as Kenzani, Tech Panda, Pranay Parti, Aman Sagar, Ela Stiles and Konark Sikka along the way. Now she brings us her first release of 2024 with her brand new single titled “Swoon,” offering a stunning sound that filters her alluring vocal through a minimal arrangement and grooving Afro beat style rhythms.

Having first penned the track almost four years ago when Aneesha was exploring a collaboration with UK-based artist Joe Hertz, when the project was shelved due to Joe pursuing a different musical direction, the song was sidelined until now. Connecting with new creatives, Aneesha reimagined the track in her own style, resulting in a sound that reflects both her original musical offering as well as her collaborative spirit.

Produced by leading Indian artists Rounak Maiti and Okedo, “Swoon” lays down a shimmering alternative R&B sound brimming with danceable grooves and silky melodies wrapped up in a dazzling fabric of smokey instrumentation and exquisite sound design. Joined by Adnaan Siddiqui on keys, Aneesha threads her smooth vocal leads above the delicate flutter of sonic textures as the mellow shuffle of drums injects a subtly energising aesthetic.

With an upbeat vibe and instantly catchy vocal hooks, “Swoon” sees Aneesha lay down an enthralling outing of cutting edge, pop-focused music. Continuing to impress on her decorated musical journey, Aneesha is sure to charm fans across India and beyond with her enticing vocals and sensational sound.

We caught up with Aneesha to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Swoon” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Aneesha below.

Hey Aneesha, how’s things?

Hey Plastic, things are good!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I haven’t been making music long because before being a musician I was a school counsellor. I’ve been singing for much longer but in terms of composing and writing music I’d say I first synthesised something in the year 2019 during my music production training.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from a whole host of artists – from R&B female powerhouses like Lauren Hill, Erykah Badu, Sinead Harnett, Amber Mark to electronic pop artists like Kito, Banks, Darius, Billie Eilish, Lorde etc. I feel like I almost don’t want to box my sound and even though it might disperse my musical identity a little too wide, I prefer using these initial years to experiment and play with my compositions.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I’m very self indulgent; I’d say a lot of my music and lyrical inspiration comes from my own life and relationships and my relationship to myself as well. Life events have played a role in inspiring me, however production wise, sometimes I can’t really understand what the creative process draws from other than just a free associated flow state. Often, especially while composing and producing, literally not thinking about anything is helpful!

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

I had a slower start to this year, so I’d say the highlight hasn’t happened yet! I’ve written so much music that’s finally coming to fruition that I believe the best is yet to come. I did however join a New Delhi based 8 piece dub/ska/reggae/soul live project as lead vocalist and I’m super excited about that – our first show together at a prestigious venue earlier this year definitely sticks out in terms of highlights.

What do you love about the New Delhi music scene?

I think the New Delhi music scene has a lot of young, hard working talented musicians that want to hustle and want to make different kinds of music. It’s an exciting city to be in at the moment musically!

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I’d say overarchingly my sound is definitely within a pop electronic realm- whether its my more moody soulful R&B compositions, or groovier electronic disco stuff, all of it lends itself to an easy chill drive or Sunday cookout or even a playlist to have on during date night or with friends.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I’d say due to having a production based approach and personally enjoying upbeat music, I’d like to explore that side of my sonic identity more, apart from continuing on to write soulful, slower, vocal heavy compositions that show off my voice. Now with every new composition, I’ve enjoyed creating electronic renditions with co-producers but also stripped down acoustic versions as the melodies really lend themselves to all kinds of performance styles.

A friend once called my style of performance and lyricism a ‘rebel with depth’- I love that!

My newer music explores genres ranging from dance pop, R&B, afro beats, pop electronic and disco all layered within a distinctive brand of vocals that is what brings it all together under an experimental R&B electronic brand.

Has your production process changed much too?

Yes! I have taken short term courses to enhance my understanding and familiarity with Ableton and due to that everything from the way I approach sampling, vocal arrangement, synthesis has changed.

One example I can give you is I used to find it more comfortable working in arrangement view with my songs since they usually have a very standard pop, R&B structure – but in more experimental dance projects I enjoy the session view dynamism of creating without necessarily structuring or arranging, which has helped me expand my approaches.

I’d still say I have miles to go production wise, hence I keep bringing on co collaborators who often flip my entire idea – I’d like to reach a stage where I can feel confident about my self produced tracks.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Jorja Smith, Kaytranada, The Internet

How did you find making your new single “Swoon”?

The process of making Swoon has been long but worth it in the end. There is a whole story to this release.

The song was initially composed to collaborate with a UK based artist Joe Hertz, who’s manager reached out to me with an 8 bar instrumental and a request to compose a song for the artist. Although Joe’s team loved what I composed, the project sadly fell through due to a change in Joe’s sonic directions. After green lighting from Joe’s manager about independently moving ahead with the composition, I went on to self produce the song and enhance the vocal arrangement. The song lay dormant for a while until finally I found two Indian producers to collaborate with who took my initial sonic vision and newer references of artists like Cleo Sol, Nao, Burna Boy, Mahalia etc to create the final soundscape that highlights my sultry and smooth vocals and provides a laid back afro and R&B foundation on which the track lies.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I want audiences to connect with my vocals and the dialled-back production and feel that sweet, heady feeling you get when you first have an attraction to someone. It’s a sexy song and I would like the listener to connect to that pheromone-like feeling!

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to Mereba recently – went back to her EP AZEB. As well as this song by Amber Mark – Coming Around Again which is easy listening and catchy at the same time!

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I’d like people to connect to my vocals as I think that is my strongest contribution to the songs I write! I’d like people to enjoy the musicality and the interesting melodic places I like to go.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I was at a festival back in 2012 in the UK, where I watched the XX headlining (who were great!) – but I also heard London Grammar and HAIM for the first time – they were upcoming acts and I remember loving their performances. I think it was a special festival because considering that they’re so famous now, It was super amazing to discover them in a sense!?

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Jorja Smith, Dua Lipa and Kaytranada.

It would be at the edge of a cliff at a tropical destination like Bali or Thailand!

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Just create. I hardly know what I’m doing from day to day! But I’ve realised that if you’re passionate about something the doing of it makes all the insecurities fall away – also enjoy the process. I don’t approach this profession with an end goal in mind, because the fun is in the steps taken every day to create and leave a legacy of that creation, however small or big.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

A LOT more music! I’m releasing a bunch of singles in English and Hindi – from acoustic stripped back live one takes to heavily produced dance pop R&B bops, it’s all coming 🙂

In fact, my next release is a dance pop release in Hindi called Yaadein with New Delhi based electronic producer Chazz Bhalla as well as an acoustic stripped back version plus music video of the same in June!

Listen to Swoon below