Exclusive Interview with TAHRIMA

Tahrima is a solo female artist who writes, sings, and creates her own music. The singer wrote this song almost four years ago, during a phase of emotional turmoil with love. She decided to write this song just a few months after moving to the US, and the melody was beautiful. The artist then approached Riley Urick, a producer nominated for a Grammy, and asked him to assist her in creating this work of art. She holds this song dear to her heart. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

TAHRIMA: My name is Tahrima, I’m currently living in the United States. I’m an independent female artist, my interest in music started off since I was a kid probably I2 years old, when I started learning guitar back in Bangladesh and would experiment composing songs while I used to play the guitar. It also led me to start writing lyrics along the way.

2. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

TAHRIMA: My creative process typically starts with lyric writing, where I construct verses and choruses to shape the song’s narrative/message. Then I move on to selecting chords that resonate with the overall emotional tone of the song, using them as the foundational structure. Building upon these chords, I create melodies that enhance the lyrical content’s dynamics. I prefer working independently in the initial creative process of crafting my song’s structure. However, once the overall structure is established, I find value in collaborating with producers who can contribute their expertise in handling the technical aspects of music production.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘TAHRIMA?

TAHRIMA: My first big influence would be “Avril Lavigne” because I loved how I could connect with her music and the lyrics at the time. Few other artist’s such as Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga are some of my few strong musical influences as they reflect raw authenticity which can go beyond the norms, and I am a believer of authenticity. “Tahrima” is just my original name, nothing interesting there.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

TAHRIMA: As I already mentioned, I am a believer of authenticity who doesn’t abide by the rules/norms. When I create a piece of art, being real and able to articulate the complexity of an emotion or experience in a simpler intriguing manner are the most important factor to me, along with a melody that I find catchy. That’s the only way I think my listeners would truly connect with me.

5. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

TAHRIMA: When I’m doing music, I’m at the most fulfilling state of mind, the fact that I can share it with my listeners is my reward. However, if I could someday reach a larger form of audience, it would make me happier.

6. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

TAHRIMA: I do not have any formal training, I never learned singing, writing or composing music. However, I did learn to play guitar in a formal setting for a short period of time, I am very much self-taught when it comes to singing and writing music, I just make whatever comes to my heart & mind naturally.

7. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?

TAHRIMA: I surely have inspirations from other artists, but I’m also aware of the uniqueness of each individual’s life experiences and emotions, so I always made sure that I don’t drift away from my originality while also being able be inspired by others. I still don’t know if I have a specific genre/style, because I don’t follow genres when I make music, as I think that restricts our creativity. I’m open to experimenting different styles and genres, and if there’s anything specific I would stick with, maybe I’ll explore it at some point of my journey with music.

8. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

TAHRIMA: I see music as a form of expression, which can have a positive social impact. I am more inclined to the emotional aspect of life, and I think it’s a way of life that is much more than just entertainment.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

TAHRIMA: In my music career, interestingly collaborating with people. I have had experience working with several different musicians in the past, the most difficult part was the alignment of taste and pace.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

TAHRIMA: Being able to release my first own composition “SHE” while knowing how much effort I put in this song. However, I take it as a starting point, there’s a long way to go and so much more to give.