It’s time for our final Track of the Week of 2020!
To get us in the Christmas spirit, we’re listening to “Santa Check the List” from BIMM Berlin’s Minhaa Luaa. Take a listen and discover more about the track below.
What was your inspiration when you began writing the track?
Christmas is my favourite part of the year. I have always wanted to make a Christmas song, but it was never my priority until this year.
Even though this is not the kind of music I usually make or identify with, Christmas songs need to be cheesy. They are often about love stories, so I planned mine to be too, but I wanted to spice things up. I started by creating a story in my head.
This track is about a girl who spent every year searching for the right guy: the one and only. But this year, she gives up and is only wishing for someone to spend the holiday with. I wanted this song to seem like a cliché, but secretly be sarcastic. No offence to my main character, but I wanted her to look a little superficial.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
This track is more pop than what I usually do. The style of my music is soul and R&B, but I love discovering a new aspect of my voice and working in other artists’ worlds.
Music-wise, I get inspired by artists like Anderson Paak, Jamie Cullum, Alicia Myers, or Sergio Mendes. But for this particular song, all modern Christmas songs inspired me. However, I admit I had “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande in mind, which makes me dance every December.
What is key to your sound and how do you make your music stand out?
I have a jazzy deep voice and you will hear a jazz, soul influence in my sound. I also try to touch people’s feelings; I try to stay true. It is not about making your public cry; the goal is to give them emotions. Isn’t that what music is all about?
How does your songwriting process work?
When it comes to writing, I don’t usually start by thinking about what I am going to say. I focus on the feeling; my connection to the music is very important to me. I listen to music and jam to it. A melody and a few words will come out of my mouth, and just like that, my heart/soul gives me a theme. After that, I will focus on the lyrics but work close to the melody and rhythm. I need to feel music to create and enjoy it the most.
However, this time, I wrote the song with the singer/songwriter Louna Locicero and we started by creating an entire story. The lyrics were modified while finding melodies, but the chorus stayed the same.
Describe your sound in 3 words…
Charming, Joyful, Groovy.
How has studying at BIMM helped you develop as an artist?
Studying at BIMM gave me the opportunity to meet Louna Locicero (the producer). Without her, this project wouldn’t have been the same. I think BIMM is all about connections and meeting people. It also gives you the little push you need to start focusing on your career; there are no excuses now that it’s what you’re studying for.
I had just started working on the song when I began studying at BIMM. I have learned a bit more about the music business in general since then, such as how to promote myself.
What’s next for you?
I am working on my debut EP. This is the first time I’ve focused entirely on my own music, and I am very excited about that. I am trying to find great soul musicians/producers to collaborate with.
