Wafia is an exciting Australia based / Netherlands born, Iraqi-Syrian artist. During this year’s Coachella Festival she joined Louis The Child to perform their new single ‘Better Not’. And she is currently in Los Angeles working on new music with a new single on the horizon.
Here we speak exclusively to Wafia to discuss her musical inspirations, heritage, future plans and more;
Growing up who inspired your love of music?
My parents definitely had a hand. They put me in a lot of dance classes as a kid and also played a lot of Arabic music around me.
Who are your current musical heroes?
Currently it’s Toni Braxton.
How do you feel your heritage impacts your musical style?
Well it’s impacted me as a person so there’s no way it hasn’t impacted my music. I think it informs my melodies to some degree and I come from a line of poets so I think that story telling is important to me.
How do you feel the music industries differ between the likes of Holland, Iraq, Syria and the UK?
I’m not sure! I spend most of my time between Australia and the US so it’s hard to compare it to something I don’t know.
Do you have any advice for budding artists from your native country?
Be patient. I think no one realizes going into the industry how much time is spent waiting around.
You’re releasing your new single very soon, what can we expect from that?
It’s a really fun song that I wrote about the people that come to the shows after a conversation I had with my best friend about how beautifully diverse my audiences are.
Can we also expect an album from you soon?
Do you have any touring plans lined up?
Yes! In Australia, I’m touring with Chrvches and also playing Splendour in the Grass in July.
What are your long-term career goals?
Hopefully to make music and be playing it for a long time
Make sure you follow Wafia on Twitter @Wafiaaa to keep up to date with all her latest music and tour news!
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