We Interview Singer Songwriter Aiya Kareem

Aiya Kareem is a singer-songwriter from Haarlem who loves music deeply. Algerian roots and a fondness for Michael Jackson and Bob Marley draw her to music. 

In addition to writing a lockdown inspired song called "City On Lockdown," she is working on new music and releasing her EP. We discuss her upcoming music plans and what helps her get inspired when creating music.

Hello Aiya, let’s start by asking you how your day is going?

Hi, Fizzy! My day is going amazing. I’ve been writing new songs all day. 

Describe to us what first piqued your interest in music?

Music has always been a part of my life ever since I was a little girl. I was singing and dancing around the house. 
At the age of 4, I started taking ballet and music lessons and music became my life.

Which artists have influenced you the most and why?

Michael Jackson and Bob Marley. 

Michael is a superstar! He did it all and it doesn’t matter when or what mood I’m in, his music is always great! It makes me happy. 

I was raised on Bob Marley's music. He’s a big hero to my dad, uncle, sister, and me. Whenever I hear Bob Marley, I feel home and safe. 

Bob is a prophet and his message through music is still so very powerful. 

You grew up near Amsterdam. Can you tell us a little about how it was growing up in the city?

Yes, I  grew up in Haarlem right next to Amsterdam. It’s very similar to Amsterdam but it’s smaller and has more of a village vibe. I grew up in the city center so our house was always full of friends and family and lots of food.

My dad would always cook for everyone making sure we weren't starving (hahaha). 

Can you describe how you get into the creative zone? What inspires you to create?

Writing is therapy for me. I have to write whenever I feel something. 

I can feel happy, sad, anxious, or turned on and it doesn’t matter how I feel I just have to write. It's how I express myself. 

I don’t specifically have a creative process. I will just be in the studio, home, or on a flight and I start creating. 
I have a muse that inspires me a lot and whenever we are fighting there’s a toxic song coming in the next few days. (Hahaha). But for the most part, I like it when it’s a little dark in the spaces I’m creating. 

You have Algerian roots. Has this had any impact on your music?

My Algerian roots have definitely had an impact on my music. It’s where I got my rhythm from and when I was a teenager I used to play Algerian percussion and ever since I’ve been obsessed with rhythms, beats, and cadences. You can’t hear it in my music but it definitely played a huge part. 

Can you tell us who you consider the five best musicians of all time?

This is really hard. I can’t choose. Okay, Let me think.

1. Michael Jackson
2. Bob Marley
3. Prince
4. Whitney Houston
5. The Beatles 

This is only because I have to there are many more!

When it comes to making music, what are your favorite and least favorite aspects?

My favorite aspect of music is the creating process and performing, meaning creating the music itself and everything around it. Such as music videos, artwork, and rehearsals for the shows. The shows and the connection I make with people sharing my music with the world. 

My least favorite part is the business side but I have to do it. And it’s all worth it.

What inspired you to write your song ‘City On Lockdown’?

I created “City On Lockdown” in New York right after the President had called a “state of emergency” at the very beginning of the pandemic. I was in Brooklyn for two days and had to fly back home. No one really knew what was going on and how serious it was.

New York was empty and I’d never seen anything like it. I couldn’t see my muse, my great love, and I got super anxious because I knew I was leaving to go back to Amsterdam. No one knew how long this was going to be so during my anxiousness and panic my producer and I decided to go to the studio and let it all out. The first words I wrote down were “Whole City On Lockdown”. 

In the future, what can we expect from you musically?

In the future, I expect to be on tour with an amazing band and have a lot of singles and creative videos out. And I will be releasing my EP. 

I’m also a songwriter so I’m also working towards getting my songs placed with amazing artists.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Is there anything you would like to share with our readers?

Thank you! Yes they can find me on Instagram @iamaiya.k

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