Dive into the mysterious world of musician Sevdaliza, her music contains breathy vocals contrasting with heavy baselines, creating a mood that screams temptation. Born in Iran and now based in the Netherlands, 27-year-old Sevdaliza has made quite a name of herself. Her music videos caught the attention of many international blogs and Complex nominated her video "Sirens of the Caspian" as one the most creative music videos of the summer, alongside artists such as Lana Del Rey and FKA Twigs. Since there isn’t much information to be found on Sevdaliza’s background we asked the artist for an exclusive interview in which she finally shares her story.
Tell us about your journey with music.
It has been a life-changing journey. Music has always been my first love. I grew up in a small village and none of my friends were into music. I was, so I started listening to all kinds of music at a very young age and also did a lot of writing. I come from a family of poets so writing felt very natural to me. From there, my love for music grew more and more but it remained a hobby because I didn’t realize I could do this for a living. I got my masters in Communication and started a full time job. But deep down I knew that this wouldn’t make me happy. By the time I reached the age of 23 I was completely burned out. I wasn’t happy and I really had to dig deep to find my true identity, which I then found in music. I quit my job and there is were my journey with music began.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I get a lot of inspiration from paintings, movies and situations in my life or others. What I like about writing is that you can create your own world and live inside a world that you have created. I still listen to all genres in music, which can also inspire me, but nothing sounds like the music I create. For me, this is a constant reminder that I create my own world in which others are allowed to listen.
How would you describe your music? Is your music a translation of your feelings?
I would say my music is always melancholic and dark. It’s sensual as well but I can never pin point why that is. I tried writing happy songs but I simply cannot do it. I remember reading an interview with Lykke Li and she said the exact same thing. It’s not that I’m constantly sad or depressed; on the contrary I’m a very happy and positive person. I believe that with a positive attitude I can create dramatic, sensual music, which might sound strange to some, but I cannot create this when I’m sad.
While on a virtual stroll on the internet searching for information about you I recognized one thing: you are quite a mystical character, releasing music videos with extremely strong visuals without any statements, could you tell us something about that?
I do not like to fill in your definition of my music. I like to leave a space for people’s perceptions. I create my vision and leave it out in the open for people to create their own story and that is what I like about music. It’s so different for everyone and it’s always connected to something personal.
Let’s talk a bit about fashion, you recently landed an editorial in Vogue and became ambassador for H&M. Do you think music and fashion go hand in hand with each other?
Not always but for me they do. I have always had a strong connection with fashion, my style isn’t something I picked up in a magazine, it’s an immediate reflection of how I feel. For me it really has to do with your identity which sometimes changes but that’s ok, it’s part of being an evolving human being. Fashion for me isn’t about the latest trends it’s more about where you are in life.
You obviously have a sense of style.. Is your image and aesthetic important for you as an artist?
Yes it’s very important but I never chose a certain image.. I’m just doing what feels natural.
Your music has caught the attention of many abroad and you have been booked for various international performances. How does living in the Netherlands affect your work?
I really like living in Rotterdam because I can choose my influences. It’s very industrial and raw. Whether you like it or not, you are always influenced by your surroundings. In my genre there are a lot of artists who live in New York or London and I feel that it’s an advantage that I don’t live there.
Any artist that you admire?
Musically I would say Kurt Cobain, D’Angelo and Janet Jackson. I also have admiration for fashion designers such as Raf Simons and Zana Bayne but also draw inspiration from movie directors such as Wes Anderson.
Would you like to share some of your highlights in your career and dreams yet to realize?
The highlight in my career has been creating something that comes from my mind and sharing this with the world. For the future I just want to create incredible, timeless stuff. Something I can look back on and be proud of. I love playing live and people supporting my music but for me creating is the ultimate highlight and will remain the highlight for the rest of my career.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m releasing my first EP next year and will continue working a lot in the studio.
