Xefer Rahman is a treat to all your senses. You can either get lost in her melodious voice or watch her stir up a storm in a performance. Her latest release Somebody from her new album Uncaged is now on everyone’s lips. Let’s get to know her!
When did you realise you wanted to be a singer?
When I was 16 years old. My close friends and some of my family members appreciated my singing and I thought, hey maybe I should give this a shot.
Which classical instruments do you like the most?
That’s a tough one because I like so many instruments! But if I had to pick, I think I have a weakness for the violin, flute and dotara.
The first song that comes to your mind you are happy/ angry/ sad.
I am very random when it comes to this. It’s really tricky for me to think according to my mood. Most of the time, I end up listening to sad or depressing songs when I am happy.
In a sentence, describe your style of singing.
I like to treat my voice the way I would treat an experimental instrument. I try my best to use it for different styles.
What is the best thing to wake up to in the morning?
I am NOT a morning person so I have no clue. But maybe a cup of coffee would be nice?
The nicest compliment you received was?
When people tell me that I have inspired them, it motivates me to work harder
What should every woman try atleast once in her lifetime?
I still have so much to experience hence I don’t want to dole out such advice. Nonetheless, I think every woman should understand the importance of being independent in every sense of the word.
Your most favourite line in your latest single Somebody and why?
“Memories restless childhood feelings, now you deny my existence, is this how you feel?”
This line, in fact, this entire song is very close to my heart as it describes a lot of my own feelings.
An item in your closet you wear the most?
Anything BLACK!
On a long drive you would be listening to?
If I were to go right now, I would listen to Sevdaliza, Stromae or Lana Del Rey.
What was the first song you picked up on an instrument?
I can’t play any instrument, yet! But someday soon
3 words that define your personality
Fearless, passionate, headstrong
If there was something you could change about your singing what would that be?
I don’t know about changing but I love experimenting in general and I believe there is no end to learning
How do you react to criticism?
I like to laugh it off and sometimes share and make fun of my own memes and trolls. If you can laugh at yourself, you have nothing to worry about
Your beauty secret is
Haha, I wish I could name some endorsed beauty products but there is none. Jokes apart, I don’t consider myself that beautiful so I have no secrets to give out
Surprise us with a secret of yours.
When I tune my songs, I use a language that I have made up. It sounds like gibberish and sometimes even I don’t understand the language.
What do you enjoy more? Writing lyrics or singing?
Coming up with melodies is my most favourite step while making a song
Describe the style inspiration of your single Judge?
In one word ‘rebellious.’ The whole song is about ‘being yourself’ no matter what others think/say.
If there was one piece of advice you would give to your teenage self, what would it be?Please pay more attention in school! 😀
A word of advice to aspiring singers
Embrace your uniqueness no matter how absurd it may seem to the world. Also, be true to your passions!