Take us back to the beginning — what's your earliest memory of music feeling like something you had to make, not just listen to?
The first few songs I remember listening to were “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “TikTok.” I was so drawn to the music that I could sing each song note to note without ever seeing the lyrics. “Hannah Montana” was a huge inspiration that fueled my dreams even more. I still remember the lyrics to some songs from the show, even though I don’t really listen to them anymore. That feeling of being in awe and wonderstruck is something I still experience today, now mixed with a touch of nostalgia.
Tell us about the first time you sang one of your own songs to a room of people — what do you remember most about that night?
I started performing my originals at open mics in Bangalore. I remember being extremely nervous and excited to start a new journey. I gained my confidence by doing a lot of open mics. The room was full of young artists, and everyone was so supportive of each other. That sense of community and encouragement made the experience unforgettable.
Your sound blends alternative and indie-pop with a jazz undercurrent — whose music shaped that palette for you?
Artists like Lianne La Havas, Alice Phoebe Lou, Phoebe Bridgers, Ariana Grande, Paramore, Mitski, Yebba Smith, and Rina Sawayama have all inspired me. Some are recent inspirations, while others have been with me since I was a kid. Their lyrics are beautifully personal, paired with such intricate melodies — something I always want to include in my own music.
You grew up around Bangalore and now write from Chennai — how have those two cities shaped the songs you make?
It’s been quite a journey of learning to live independently and trying to make a living out of music. The people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve gone through are all so unique, and I’m really grateful for that. As someone who travels quite often, I love discovering and experiencing new cultures and traditions. I’ve found my own community here in Chennai and in Bangalore.
What's the story behind your song 'Pieces'?
Back in 2023, there was a point in my life where I lost all of my friends and my relationship, and it felt like I couldn’t move forward with the same lifestyle I had. I had to change and start again. So I journaled until I felt better, and 'Pieces' was born from that. The reason this song is so close to me is because I felt like a failure, but it’s probably one of the best things to have happened to me.
You've shared the stage with your band — @sanjaishine on keys, @shanky.plays on bass and @gautamenonmusic on drums — what does playing 'Pieces' live with them give the song that a recording can't quite hold?
Feeling alive in the moment — I always love playing 'Pieces' live, and to do it with a band and with such incredible musicians is a privilege and something I’m so grateful for.
How does a song usually begin for you — with a melody, a single line, a feeling?
Sometimes it’s all about that voice or intuition that you feel strongly, and you just go with it. As a singer-songwriter, most of the time I’m writing the lyrics whenever and wherever I get the inspiration, and the melody comes second. Then I start working on the composition and arrangement of the song. There have been times when the melody came first to me. It really depends on what you feel at the moment.
Your debut EP brings together four songs — what do you most want listeners to discover across them?
I want them to enjoy the EP as a journey. It’s a collection of songs, and all of them are quite different from each other, just like different phases in our lives. If there is a part of the journey that resonates with one of the songs from the EP, then that’s something you can carry with you.
Tell us about the space where you write and make your music — what makes it the place your songs come to life?
In that space, I was working with my band, but mostly I wrote alone and worked on the song with my guitar and just a notebook or even the notes app on my phone to spew all my ideas into. For me, a quiet, comfortable space that I can call my own, where I can write the most vulnerable feelings onto a page, is what makes it important. If I’m in a space that’s not at home, I try to find places surrounded by trees and nature. The beach really helps — it’s my go-to place — or even travelling through cities, crossing the small cities surrounded by hills. It makes me feel more grounded and safe to open up.
What is this piece you're proud of, and what makes it one you keep coming back to?
It’s my debut song, 'Nothing Ever Lasts Long.' It always reminds me that nothing is permanent, and what really matters is what you feel in the moment with people who matter the most. You cherish those memories and keep moving forward.
As your EP heads out into the world at the end of 2026, what do you hope this next chapter holds for you as an artist?
As an artist, I’m really working on more songs and albums that I think will establish my sound and artistry in the scene. Something that people will remember me by.
Contact and Follow
Email: anjalim0522@gmail.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1abtJcecPicHNy09RshVht?si=wppOlLP6Q6CfkqPdG-xo7g&utm_source=copy-link
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@anjalisinging?si=h5QqISSALCOg3ZrE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itss_anj_ali?igsi=ejk3MmYwbHhtMHR1&utm_source=qr
