“We artists will always be a bit of a slave to the art. We can have absolutely nothing, but we never give up on chasing the inspiration, chasing the “dream”, whatever that is.”

Latest since her collaboration with the American DJ Duo Deep Dish on the single “Say Hello” the Iranian-American singer and songwriter Anousheh Khalili has been one of the artists we adore; for giving us those good times long lost but never forgotten. In 2012 she released her debut EP “The Trouble I Find” and on the 10th of February her eagerly anticipated first full album *Make Noise* will be available worldwide on all major media platforms; followed up by the announcment of an US and UK tour. 12 months of self-discovery; writing, producing and recording and inspiration by great women such as Banks and Tove Lo resulted in a very authobiographical album, that explores Anousheh´s personal struggle “with connecting to the art of songwriting over the years, as well as my growing need to really put myself out there as a solo artist.” So now make some noise for Anousheh Khalili who philosophizes with us about being proud, struggles and nostalgia. And her new song “Run It”…

www.anousheh.com
Photograpy by Bree El Davis

Your new album “Make Noise” will be out soon. How was the work on it and what´s different compared to your last EP “The Trouble I Find”?

This album process has been very special. I collaborated with an amazing up-and-coming producer Joshua Quarles, after hearing a remix that he did for the song “The Trouble I Need” off my last EP. As soon as I heard that remix, it’s like a creative light bulb went off– I knew I wanted to do an entire record with him. The process was very collaborative, and moving more into the electronic soundscape ultimately felt like a natural progression for me and my solo music.

Another wonderful thing about this project is that I was able to fund the entire process via Kickstarter. Through the support of friends, family, and fans I was able to raise enough money to finish the album and release it independently. The crowd-funding platform is a total game-changer, and I am very grateful to everyone that supported my project.

“My music is very personal and all of my lyrics start autobiographically. I like to use a seed of truth and then write a story.” is what you told us in our first interview. Is this still the same?

Yes! I still write very much so in this same way. On “Make Noise”, there’s a really dominating theme (the title pretty much sums it up!)– very autobiographical. The album explores my personal struggle with connecting to the art of songwriting over the years, as well as my growing need to really put myself out there as a solo artist. A lot of the “relationships” in the songs on this album are actually inspired by arguments that I’ve had with myself! Regardless of the stories I’m telling on this record, the feelings that inspired the stories are very much so true to my life.

“The album explores my personal struggle with connecting to the art of songwriting over the years, as well as my growing need to really put myself out there as a solo artist.”

You have been doing music for over 10 years. Do you feel already a lot of routine or is it still the same magic ?

Before writing this album, I admit I was feeling a bit stagnant– I wasn’t sure where to take my songwriting, how I was going to promote myself, how I was going to “get back out there”. I took a bit of a hiatus a few years ago (after much of the Deep Dish success and a few bumps in the road), so coming out of that was really difficult. I am happy to say that fortunately, I found my inspiration again with the writing of this record. It’s one of those magical projects that just worked on every level– and I held nothing back in the process. I am so so proud of it, and therefore really excited to put it out there and support it to the best of my ability.

And what kept and keeps you going?

Ha, something that I explore in a song called “LTD (Living the Dream”), is the notion that regardless of what we get out of it, we artists will always be a bit of a slave to the art. We can have absolutely nothing, but we never give up on chasing the inspiration, chasing the “dream”, whatever that is. It’s a bit of a cheeky song poking fun at how insane it is to devote yourself to such an intangible thing, something so outside reality sometimes. But yes–the search for that connection does keep me going. That, and also a bit of ridiculous compulsion. Can’t let it go!

What music did you grow up with? And who do you consider an influence on your music?

I’m revealing my age here, but I grew up in the 90s, and was very much drawn to the grunge culture as a teen. I’ve always loved all kinds of music, but there’s nothing like the music you fall in love with as an angsty youth! The love of my 16-year-old life was Tori Amos (not a huge surprise since I play piano), and I also really feel that my musical skills were initially influenced by artists like Radiohead, Bjork, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Portisehead, Hole, Nirvana, Cat Power, Songs:Ohia… the list goes on.

What do you think about social media? Do you think it´s enhancing our life?

I have mixed feelings about social media. As a musician, social media is amazing for allowing artists to market themselves in a very personal way. It’s a great way to connect to fans, and to promote your music while also building a community. The dialogue potential with fans is a great thing that wasn’t possible before social media existed.

On the other side of it, I don’t love the fact that I’m addicted to my phone now- I think it adds to my stress levels and keeps my mind racing constantly. Sometimes I want to throw it out the window!

It’s also true that I see a lot of younger people that have essentially grown up online, and I know that I will never understand social media and the internet like they do. Self-promotion is like a part of teenage culture now– so weird for someone remembers what the world was like pre-internet and pre- Smartphone!

Btw. On your instagram I noticed you are posting sweet cats. Yours? :)

Ha, YES those are my cats. The one I post pics of the most is Batman (he has the markings of the Dark Knight’s mask!), and I have another named Monkey. I really love my cats, probably a bit too much! :)

“I am happy to say that fortunately, I found my inspiration again with the writing of this record. It’s one of those magical projects that just worked on every level– and I held nothing back in the process.”

“Say Hello” was one of the most successful dancetracks back then. This song makes me feel nostalgic. What are your favorite memories?

It makes me feel nostalgic too! I have a lot of fond memories surrounding that song, including all of the exciting things I got to do because the song was so successful. Because of that song (and Flashdance as well), I got to film two really cool music videos, go to the Grammy’s, and tour all over the US and some in South America. We had good times in those days, and hearing Say Hello takes me back for sure.

And what are you dreaming about for the future?

I have learned not to formulate my dreams too specifically– things never turn out how you expect them too, especially in music. I am trying to be open to what the future will bring. But right this minute, I dream of playing shows all over the world to support this album. I’ve got a great live band, and I am ready to tour. Ready to play.

Besides music, what makes you feel good?

My wonderful husband, food in all forms (cooking/eating/dreaming), my cats, good TV shows and (last but not least) family & friends. As you can see from this list- I’m kind of a dork. I’m ok with it.