Interview: Asila
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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
(Hana) my sister. Started singing lessons with her at the age of six, and that really started my journey into music. Cookin!
What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I love to go to concerts, hang out with friends and family and travel. Watching our favorite artists play live always leaves us so inspired- but then also the experiences that you get through travel, through connecting with people- these also get your creative juices going!
How long has your band been around?
Asila has been around since 2017!
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
We’re originally from South Africa. But each of us also have diverse backgrounds both musically and culturally. So that has resulted in a sound that we believe is unique to us.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.
Asila means Purity in Turkish. We wanted something unique and that has never been used before. Music is one of the purist ways to express yourself- so it seemed fitting to us.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
Best- Grahamstown national arts festival. Such an experience travelling together and getting to play to new people, in a really eclectic and fun town!
Worst- Starting off- the empty crowded shows are pretty gut wrenching- but part of the journey.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?
Rumours or Hardrock Cafe. Would love to play at Viper Room or Whisky a go- go or a big festival in the US. Working on it!
If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?
Evanescence, Halestorm, Lacuna Coil, Billy Talent.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?
Take the time to find the right fit- its like any relationship- there needs to be chemistry and lots of hard work involved. Practise practise write, learn :)
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
Be open to all types of music and all musicians. The fact that music can be interpreted and written in so many ways is part of the magic. Music is a long journey, so get ready for the ride.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Prison in my heart (coming soon). It was written at a pretty dark period so for me it reminds be of my personal journey, and symbolizes strength.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
Restore, Resistance, Hot Blooded Woman, Prison in my Heart. Restore is definitley requested quite a bit!
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
It varies. Previously Richard used to write a lot of music and create demos. Hana would then write lyrics and melody to the demo. We’d present the demo to the band and Adrian and Taryn would then add their personality to it and shape it to the sound of the band. Lately Hana has been starting the songs either via lyrics of whole musical ideas.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
A message of strength & perseverance, women power.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
For sure haha! We listen and adapt. We are very real with one another. If something doesnt work, we are honest about it and move on to the next idea.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?
World domination! Haha. Our next single Hot Blooded Woman is out on February 26th! And a music video for that is on its way. It’s going to be kick ass! We are so excited to share!