Published on 12:00 AM, April 22, 2017

Tashfee

Even though she garnered mainstream attention after singing in "Wind of Change" on Gaan Bangla Television, she has been doing quite well in the Bangladeshi music scene for a few years now. Hailed as the "Adele" of Bangladesh by her fans, Tashfee has broken out of the conventional singing styles used here and is currently rolling in the depth of music lovers' hearts. Star Showbiz has a chat with the sassy diva in this exclusive interview.

What brought you into music?

I don't remember much from my childhood. However, I remember that we had a VCR, and a cassette tape of the top artists of 90s, Madonna, Michael Jackson, even Stevie Wonder and many more. My mom used to play that every day in the big stereo speakers. I didn't think this then, but now I realize that it was my first introduction to the spirituality of music. That's how it all started. I never really thought I could sing as a profession, but life does surprise you in strange ways.

Which singer/musician inspires you the most? 

Honestly, there's just so many to name. There's Beyonce, there's Ronnie James Dio and then there's Al Jarreau. I feel like artists evolve a lot. So my sources of influences evolve as well. Right now, my head is wired with lots of neo soul and jazz-fusion music. Hiatus Kaiyote, Robert Glasper Experiment and Esperanza Spalding are just a few who I'm listening to right now.

What would you say is your biggest achievement in music until now? 

One of my biggest achievements so far is performing on the same stage as John McLaughlin at the International Jazz and Blues Festival 2015 along with my former band Blues Brothers.

Tell us about your hobbies. 

Cooking is one of my biggest hobbies. People can order my home-cooked meals online from this page called Cookups, too! Also, painting and annoying my cats are my two other useless hobbies. 

There are noticeable changes going on in the music industry right know. What would be your take on that? 

I think change is great! Because of the change in thought, you are taking my interview. We are at a point where we can represent our music internationally. We have the resources, we have incredibly talented new artists and composers and most important of all, there's very little gap between the audience and an artist, thanks to the social media. So, in my point of view, if the artists work hard to give something great and new to the listeners, they would gladly accept it. 

Which projects are you currently working on? 

Right now, I am completely focused on working in my first album. I will release my first original singles soon along with a few surprises! 

Who are the real legends in the Bangladeshi music scene?

(Laughs) Who isn't?

What can we expect from you in the future? 

There's a lot you should expect from me! Hopefully I can drop my first single with a music video for all my lovely fans very soon!


Interviewed by Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz