MusicsWeek: Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and composing music? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help inspire you?
ECHASL: Most of the time, I kick things off at the piano. If a melody pops into my head, I'll hum it out and mess around with chords until something clicks. If inspiration's playing hard to get, I’ll think about the specific theme I want to explore, visualize it, and improvise on the piano, experimenting with chords to set the “color”. Once I've nailed the chord progression, I layer the melody on top. An interesting quirk: instead of singing "Oohs" or "Aahs"when I don't have lyrics yet, I use random words with specific vowels to shape the song's tone. I can also adapt this technique to mimic different language systems, to make it sound like it's in English, Chinese, or even other languages I'm familiar with (even if I don't actually speak them).
MusicsWeek: Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound and style?
ECHASL: I draw inspiration from artists like Caroline Polachek, AURORA, and Eivør. Their unique vocal styles make their music feel so genuine and personal.I'm also a bbig fan of blending traditional cultural elements with modern Western sounds. It's my way of sharing my heritage with the world. When I listen to their music, it feels like we're all connected, like one big musical family.
MusicsWeek: How has your music evolved over the years? Are there particular experiences or changes in your life that have significantly impacted your artistry?
ECHASL: There was actually a huge shift between the music I write before and after 2022. I was all about ballads and pop, sticking to what’s familiar. Randomly, I discovered Nine Inch Nails. Their music hit me like a comet crashing into my world. Their innovative sound and unique approach to songwriting opened my eyes to a whole new universe. This realization pushed me to evolve, leading me to explore a wide range of genres and study their intricacies. It felt like shattering every bone and then piecing them back together.Through this journey, I found a sound that truly represents who I am as an artist.
MusicsWeek: What inspires the stories and messages behind your lyrics? Are there specific events or experiences that influence the themes you choose to explore in your music?
ECHASL: As an international student and a woman who's spent 8 years studying abroad, I've faced numerous challenges and witnessed even more, teenage drama, school bullying, sexual harassment, and racism. Injustice seems omnipresent, especially for outsiders like us, young women without substantial support systems. These experiences, these shadows, compelled me to channel them into my music. I chose to confront them, not as a victim, but a survivor. While I may not change the world single-handedly,the messages from female listeners who resonate with my journey and find comfort in my music keeps me motivated, and I will not stop.
MusicsWeek: Can you describe a collaboration that has been particularly meaningful to you? What did you learn from working with another artist?
ECHASL: I haven't had the chance to collaborate with others yet. I'm not accustomed to co-writing, but I am eager to experiment and see where it leads.
MusicsWeek: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a music artist today, and how do you navigate them?
ECHASL: For me, balancing artistic vision with commercial appeal is crucial. I ensure my work remains authentic while also resonating with listeners. Open communication with my producer definitely helps. We're always discussinghow to stay true to my own style without distancingthe audience.
MusicsWeek: How important is fan engagement to you, and in what ways do you try to connect with your audience both online and offline?
ECHASL: It is absolutely one of the most important thing. My music truly comes alive on stage, thanks to the dramatic production and my dynamic performance style. However, connecting with my audience online presents more of a challenge, and I'm still seeking better ways to bridge that gap.
MusicsWeek: What can you tell us about your upcoming projects? Are there any new directions or experiments you’re excited about?
ECHASL: After releasing my debut album Little Black Sheep, which explores the theme of “female survivors” across 11 distinct tracks, I'm now focusing on creating music in my native language this year. Simultaneously, I'm outlining my next album. Ever since I wrote I Know U Know, I've become more confident in my signature sound. All I can say for now is that this evolution will be reflected in my upcoming work.
MusicsWeek: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting out in the industry?
ECHASL: I've always believed that fully dedicating yourself to one passion leads to success, though not always in the ways society measures. This success might not mean endless wealth or fame, but it brings personal fulfillment unique to each journey. So I’d say: DON’T PANIC. BE PATIENT. If the rewards don't come, it’s either you haven’t given your all, or you quit too soon.
MusicsWeek: How do you hope to be remembered in the music industry? What legacy do you wish to leave behind through your art?
ECHASL: I hope that one day, when people mention "ECHASL", it will be recognized as a symbol of alternative pop music infused with Eastern elements. I aim to transform what is currently niche into something mainstream. I hope each of my works provokes deep thoughts and inspires changes, even just a little. And these creations will serve as the beautiful testament to my existence in this world.
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