Singer-songwriter Dixi talks about her debut single and combining music with a medical career

by Asjad Nazir.

‘The key is to love yourself'.

A BRIGHT new star that has emerged in the music industry this year has been American singer/songwriter Dixi, who recently teamed up with chart-topping rapper Raxstar and ace music producer Shayal for her debut song Need Nobody.

Dixi has gone from performing bhajans (devotional hymns) with her parents in temples as a youngster to taking her first steps in commercial music with a song that has been widely appreciated since its release.

Eastern Eye caught up with Dixi to talk about her new song, music, future hopes and more.

You grew up surrounded by diverse influences, from devotional music as a youngster to joining a south Asian a cappella group at university, sharing covers on social media and performing with a band. But which artists influenced your

music most growing up?

In the American music scene, my initial influences were Christina Aguilera and JoJo followed by Ariana Grande. From Bollywood it was always Shreya Ghoshal. My style and voice resemble these artists and that is probably something you will notice in my music.

What led you towards this single?

I had been doing mash-ups and covers, but I wanted to take the next step with original music. Shayal reached out to me after seeing some of my work on social media. We chatted via Skype before coming up with a beat and melody. I had my own recording

equipment at home, so sent him over some vocals and that’s how this whole thing took off.

What led you towards this single?

I had been doing mash-ups and covers, but I wanted to take the next step with original music. Shayal reached out to me after seeing some of my work on social media. We chatted via Skype before coming up with a beat and melody. I had my own recording

equipment at home, so sent him over some vocals and that’s how this whole thing took off.

Tell us about Need Nobody?

This was my first time trying to write a song. I had to think about what to make the track about. So I reflected on where I was in life, what I had been through to get to that place and where I ultimately wanted to be. Trying to pursue a career in medicine put me through many challenges, including facing some of the toughest things in life at a young age –

sacrifices, loneliness, stress, resilience and more. I also hopped from one city to another

away from my family and friends, so had a fair share of betrayals and heartbreaks. I couldn’t do it any more. I was at one of my lowest points emotionally before I started writing this song.

What happened next?

I stood up for myself and really gave myself that credit I never received and found true self-respect. I realised, ‘I don’t need nobody.’ I have been on my own and was a strong independent woman who was perfectly self-sufficient. At the end of the day it was just me, myself and I, perfectly capable and happy. And that’s where I aim to be always. That’s

also what I wanted to portray to others who have been through what I have. So it is a very empowering song. In this day and age, I’m all about pushing the women empowerment message.

What was the biggest challenge of putting the song together?

Being raised learning Gujarati and English, and trying to come up with lyrics in Hindi and Punjab was difficult as I am not fluent in either. My knowledge of Hindi comes from watching Bollywood films and Punjabi from songs I like. I had to write out a lot of the words in English first and then translate it. I also had someone fluent in those languages

tell me how to say certain things. (Laughs) I even used Google Translate at one point.

What was it like collaborating with Raxstar?

It was an honour. Raxstar is a talented and humble artist known internationally. For him to work with a newcomer from the US really speaks for itself. He will always be influential in my musical journey as he has helped me kickstart this whole thing by featuring on my track. I loved the verses he came up with and despite him not knowing what I was feeling,

he depicted it almost perfectly with his words.

Did you enjoy working with music producer Shayal?

Shayal is brilliant and talented. He came to me with such enthusiasm, and pushed me to do this, probably way harder than I would have done myself. He had more faith in me than I did in myself and helped me see this vision he created. He has treated me like family, and ironically we discovered we are from the same village in India. Throughout working with him I discovered his passion, drive and humble nature. He has helped me make this dream a reality. He is family to me.

Who are you hoping connects with the song?

I especially want this song to reach out to young females trying to make their way up in life. But it doesn’t have to be just females. It can really be anyone trying to focus on themselves and be the best version of themselves. Today with so many career driven individuals, and even with the rise in expression of passions and hobbies via social media, I think many people can relate. So many of us try to be the best version of ourselves and lose sight of it when we get preoccupied or caught up in drama, unhealthy relationships. We all have our internal demons and insecurities, but the key is to love

yourself. That’s where I am at, and that’s where I hope other people can be too.

What is the musical master plan?

Although I am in the middle of my residency pursuing a career in paediatrics, I would like to continue releasing more original music, perhaps even collaborate with more artists in the urban desi music scene. There are so many talented individuals I would love to work with and it’s incredible what two musical minds can come up with when put together. That’s what I am trying to explore. I also want to keep being a voice and influence for the

younger generation through my music.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

I have always wanted to collaborate with Arjun and Mickey Singh. I have been following their music since day one and feel like our styles/vibes are similar. I really feel like we could create some magic if we worked together. This may be an unattainable dream, but if I could work with AR Rahman or Shreya Ghoshal, I would be ultimately fulfilled.

What music dominates your own play list?

I love r’n’b, hip hop, Bollywood and Latin music. (Laughs) I always tell people I have an ‘inner ghetto’ and really just love the Latina vibe. Growing up learning Spanish, I can at least appreciate some of the Latin songs. I also grew up dancing at a very young age and have always predominantly loved hip hop and salsa.

Why should we pick up your new single?

I think this song could really influence and speak to a lot of my generation. I want people to feel empowered and never feel like they don’t have full control of themselves. I want for people not to let their weakness get the best of them and come out stronger. I want females to feel like ‘boss babes’ and be ‘boss babes’. I feel this song could do that. Not to mention it is also quite catchy.

Finally, why do you love music?

Music has always been my outlet. It has gotten me through my darkest and roughest times. It has always been an escape from reality. Anytime I was stressed from studying, I went straight to my keyboard and mic. I would come up with a cover during my study breaks. It helped me get through medical school, believe it or not. You have to make

time for your passions and I do for mine, which includes singing, playing instruments and dancing. It feels like a burning fire in my soul that nothing or no one can put out.

KHAN SALMAN END TREND?

FORTHCOMING film Loveratri sees debutants Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain

being launched into the Bollywood big time by Salman Khan. Although it may seem like a dream come true for the Loveratri stars, the superstar actor has an awful track record when it comes to introducing newcomers, and this doesn’t bode well for them. Pretty much all those Salman has launched, including Sohail Khan, Sneha Ullal, Zareen Khan, Daisy Shah, Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty and Sonakshi Sinha, have struggled.

CHARLI: ACCESS ALL AREAS

LOOK out for a radio documentary on BBC World about Charli XCX next week. Due to be aired next Tuesday (11), it is certain to give a fascinating insight into the pop superstar’s

song-writing, recording and performing process, along with the highs and lows of fame. The behind-the-scenes access will follow the half-Indian British artist into the studio

and travel to her high-profile concert performances. There will also be a chance to hear exclusive new music from the multi-talented musician.

JHANSI: HISTORY LESSON

DID you know that the first really big disaster in Bollywood history in terms of money lost was 1953 film Jhansi Ki Rani?

Forthcoming film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi revolves around the same subject and most believe it will repeat history by losing its producers a tonne of money. The production has

been beset by a number of delays, escalating costs and negative stories revolving around lead star Kangana Ranaut. Actor Sonu Sood recently walked out of the film, which is due to be released in January 2019.

PRIYANKA’S BRAND POWER

THE massive global media attention Priyanka Chopra is getting in wake of her engagement to Nick Jonas may be invading her privacy like never before, but the upside is that her brand value has sky-rocketed globally.

According to experts I have spoken to, Priyanka can now charge a lot more for brand endorsements, acting projects and personal appearances. There will also be a bidding war for her wedding photographs and a major channel is interested in doing a Keeping Up With The Kardashians style reality TV show with her.

HEMSWORTH IN DHAKA ACTION

HOLLYWOOD star Chris Hemsworth has signed up to star in fast paced, India-set thriller Dhaka for Netflix. The action movie will see him play a man having trouble coping with

emotional turmoil who tries to rescue a kidnapped Indian boy. This will be a reunion

for Thor star Hemsworth because the script of Dhaka has been written by Joe Russo, who

co-directed superhero blockbuster Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War.