In Conversation With The 'Dua Lipa Of Pakistan': Shae Gill Opens Up About Imposter Syndrome And 'Pasoori' Fame
On 6 February, 2022, the music video of the track 'Pasoori' released, changing the course of Pakistani and international music forever. Along with the legendary musician Ali Sethi, this time, the video featured a fresh face; young Pakistani singer Shae Gill. Currently, 'Pasoori' stands at 752 million views, which is a true testament to the sheer impact and virality that the song brought about, completely changing the game.
The track, which translates to 'difficulty' was released as the sixth song of season 14 (episode two) of Coke Studio Pakistan and is the first Coke Studio song and the first Pakistani song to feature on Spotify's "Viral 50 - Global" chart--all without much difficulty. Shae Gill was charted as an instant sensation, hence releasing tracks like 'Bulleya' and 'Left Right'. Her effortless charm and strong vocals quickly earned Gill the nickname of 'Dua Lipa of Pakistan' but after a chat with her, it seems like she might actually be the 'Hannah Montana of Pakistan.' Ahead of her performance at the EarthSoul festival with Jason Derulo that took place at the Coca Cola Arena on June 15, I got the chance to have a quick chat with the young musician.
As an artist, what was the moment when you realised your passion and potential for music? Could you describe that first spark that made you believe that maybe you had it within you as a musician?
Honestly, nothing yet, I'm just doing this for fun, because I enjoy doing it so much so I'm just going along with the flow. I still have a lot of imposter syndrome which I try to hide, because people expect you to be a certain way; to be happy, to be put together. So you have to mask it. I feel like I have so much left to do---so much to learn and so much to grow--and its probably because I judge myself quite a bit that I haven't had that moment yet. That moment is there somewhere in the future, but I haven't felt it yet.
'Pasoori' as a track has completely managed to change the game with regard to Pakistani music and music in general. While creating 'Pasoori', did you have any inkling that the track would be as big as it is today? How was it working with Ali Sethi?
I had an inkling because I enjoyed the song so much, even when it was in its demo stages. I was like, 'Oh my god, this is too good.' I just had that feeling that it was going to reach people's hearts. I was surprised but also not, at the same time.
It was incredible working with Ali Sethi. I learnt so much from him. He's so down-to-earth and he's just such a fun person to be around. He has so much energy and it was honestly the best. And I was a fan! I was so nervous when I first met him---I forgot how to speak. (She laughs) English, no? Urdu, no? It was so cool.
There's this trend of asking famous writers who their favourite writers are. I'm sure our readers would love to know; who are the artists you find yourself coming back to after a long day? Who are your musical inspirations?
I have a very random music taste--I listen to pretty much everything. But these days, I'm listening to Sabrina Carpenter a lot. She's my most-played artist at the moment.
When I was very young, because I was a Disney kid, so I was very influenced by Hannah Montana and Wizards of the Waverly Place which were famous around that time. I remember watching Hannah Montana, and thinking, 'Oh my God, that's so cool. I want to be like that.' I think that's the moment that I really wanted to be this. But obviously, that doesn't really carry on when you grow. Because, you know, brown parents have expectations--they want you to be doctors, they want you to be engineers. But they do come around to accept your decisions eventually. When I was very young, I had this dream (of being Hannah Montana), but growing up, I guess I've forgotten it. And now it's just turned out that way.
I feel like now when I make music in the future, I want them to feel confident--especially women. I want women to feel strong and badass when they listen to my music. Just to feel like, 'Yes, I'm here.' I want to invoke that sort of a feeling in them when they listen to my music, because I listen to that kind of music when I feel like you need a little bit of a boost. So I want them to experience the same kind of feeling when they listen to my music.
There's this wholesome video on the internet of you watching Pasoori for the first time with your friends. What were the reactions of your family and friends at the growth of your musical career?
When 'Pasoori' released, I remember that the video was supposed to release a day before but it got postponed because Lathaji (Latha Mangeshkar) passed away. They released it the next day. I remember that I wanted to watch the music video with my best friend Imaan, so I went to her apartment and I just randomly thought of recording it. My friends and family were surprised but then they were like, "Pata tha, humein pata tha." (We knew it, we just knew it.) And I asked them, but how did you know? And they just responded, we just did. So they always knew, it seems like.
Any sneak peeks you could grant us into your future projects? What are you most excited about in your musical future?
I do believe that I will be releasing the song with international collaboration soon, InShaa Allah. That's something to look forward to for sure, for the both of us---me and the viewers. So that is something that I'm very excited about.
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