Contributor’s Note: It was a great time conversing with Los Angeles pop artist AZRA with Madness To Creation. In this interview, AZRA discusses her role in the The Women’s International Music Network, performing at PRIDE festivals, her single entitled “Right Here” and mental health awareness. Fans can find AZRA at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/theazraofficial
www.twitter.com/theazraofficial
www.instagram.com/theazraofficial
Madness To Creation: How important was it for you to be partnering with the The Women’s International Music Network for your latest premiere?
AZRA: It was very meaningful for me to partner up with The WiMN on my latest premiere because we mutually value diversity, and empowering others to stay fearless, strong and authentic. My single “Right Here” is a vulnerable song that I’ve drawn from my personal realizations, lessons and reflections. So having it exclusively premiere with The WiMN was extremely nurturing and synergistic as we came together to serve our audience seeking this connection and, of course, promote women in music.
Madness To Creation: What does being empowered as an artist mean to you?
AZRA: Fully connected with the people who support and listen to my music. Having the vision, confidence and vulnerability to stay open to share my art with the world relentlessly.
Madness To Creation: Take us into the Los Angeles pop music scene and the coolest thing about LA culture.
AZRA: The Los Angeles Pop scene is vibrant, dynamic and ever changing. It’s very transformative and really, as an artist, you get to freely mold, experiment, and become the artist you envision yourself to be. There’s live music events every night somewhere in LA, and creative communities you can join, collaborate, contribute and grow with as an artist. This city forces us artists to challenge ourselves and grow in the most extreme ways. The overflowing energy of creativity and talent also keeps us humble. The moment you feel like you’re good, and got this figured out, you’ll be experiencing something that’ll make you grow. Also, the coolest thing about LA culture is that it’s so diverse that the city literally breaks you down and builds you up. At the same time you really have to get yourself out there and connect with others.
Madness To Creation: I love the song “Right Here”, take us into the writing process of the song and what were the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the song.
AZRA: Thank you! Means a lot. Writing “Right Here” with my co-writers Natalia and Eric was therapeutic. Actually all of my writing sessions feel like therapy. It’s great. For this song, I walked into the studio one day and said to Eric and Nat “TREE. Let’s write a song about a tree.” Yea they were silent at first, but they listened and we eventually all started sounding like tree huggers, haha, and we started comparing a tree to the human experience. I’ve always been obsessed with trees. I think they’re a symbol of how life should be when we strip away all the noise – they’re abundant, natural, fearless and strong. I was dealing with personal challenges at the time when writing this song so I decided to reflect on all the lessons I’ve learned throughout my life of being resilient. I also thought about all the people who could possibly relate and benefit from this song. The most challenging aspect of “Right Here” was making sure every word we picked was meaningful and that they delivered the same root emotions I was dealing with. The most rewarding part of the song was how it came out by showing emotional progression and growth as the song develops.
Madness To Creation: I love that you perform at PRIDE festivals, what does standing up for the LGBTQ+ community mean to you?
AZRA: It means standing up for diversity, individualism, the misrepresented, non-represented and celebrating those who “don’t fit” society’s box. It’s about being human and accepting.
Madness To Creation: At Madness To Creation, we advocate for Mental Health Awareness! What do you do to take care of your well being and what advice do you have for our readers?
AZRA: A lot of stress/anxiety comes with the territory of being an artist so you need to make mental health a priority. Yoga, reading self-help books, taking time to connect with friends and family, shopping, intermittent fasting, singing, dancing and connecting with nature are all helpful outlets for me. Oh! Of course, hanging out and taking care of Blueberry too.
Madness To Creation: What plans do you have for 2020?
AZRA: I plan to get out on the road more, and perform at local venues and colleges across the country. I actually have another single and music video coming out in late February and this one is also empowering but more fierce and high energy. Lastly, I’m always finding new ways with my music to connect with one of the most important people in my life (You!) and grow my art.
Madness To Creation: What else would you like to add?
AZRA: I would like to thank everyone in my creative team and business team for giving me the wings to fly and touch anyone who could benefit from my music. I want to thank Madness to Creation for being interested in my story. Lastly, please keep in touch @theazraofficial and please take a listen to “Right Here” on Spotify and YouTube – I hope it brings you strength.
Madness To Creation: Thank you very much for your time to interview with me for Madness To Creation!
AZRA: Thank you and remember to “Follow your passion, create your own show. The world is your stage, for anything you can imagine is possible.”
And there you have it! AZRA will be releasing her single entitled “Dangerous” soon. Follow her on her socials to pre-save the single to your favorite digital streaming platform.
