Mumbai born Pune based Aarifah Rebello is a well-known name in the indie music circuit. Rebello recently performed at the Sulafest in Nashik and the year ahead looks promising with work on No Stopping Me a single, an EP called Memoria and much more.
Excerpts from the interview:
Do you have any memories of visiting Nashik during your childhood? Have you been to Sulafest before?
I haven’t visited Nashik much during my childhood, but my past visits to go wine tasting at the winery at Sula has always been a great time, so I’m excited as this is my first Sula Fest and I can’t wait to experience it all.
Tell us your musical journey and how you got into music?
My journey into music was gradual. I started with learning the drums, inspired by a live performance by Gino Banks in school, to performing as a singer songwriter on getting out of college, but it became clearer as I delved deeper into songwriting, performing, and exploring instruments. Over time, it’s become my most authentic way of telling stories, making art and connecting with people while reconnecting with myself.
How did you learn to play the guitar and drums? Is anyone in your family into music?
While no one in my family is into music professionally, they are incredibly musical and creative so it’s in my genes, but it began when my cousin used to perform as a singer with Joe Alvares and occasionally Louis Banks, which is where I caught the drum-bug. I formally studied drums under the guidance of Benjamin Sequeira, by giving 5 grade exams through Rockschool. However the guitar was the first instrument I tried learning with the help of friends and Marty Schwartz.
What kind of music did you listen to while growing up?
A lot of country and pop is what immediately comes to mind, but while growing up, the listening was subconscious. It’s a mix of a bunch of things like MLTR, Michael Jackson, Abba and Bee Gees but also Norah Jones, Keith Urban, Jason Mraz, Alanis Morisette, Paramore, Alter Bridge, Rihanna, P!nk. I listened to everything.
You worked as a salesperson at Furtados. Did this job give you the impetus to move ahead with music? Do you remember the first gig you played, could you share some memories?
Working at Furtados enabled a lot of learning, being around instruments all the time learning about them and how to maintain them, meeting industry folk. It was the place I discovered what a singer-songwriter was and a constant reminder of the life I wanted to create for myself. The first gig I played was courtesy Howard Pereira at Phoenix Mall in Lower Parel. I was the opening act, for the opening act, for the actual opening act. Pereira discovered me at a church band competition and gave me a bunch of opportunities to perform, this being the first paid one.
What is your songwriting process and what do your lyrics usually center around?
My creative process is to document whatever inspires me, from a reel, to an ingredient, to an experience. That then leads to an emotion or a thought that eddies in my mind, noting down interesting phrases or connections and finally stringing together an arrangement and melody. My lyrics explore themes of self-discovery, relationships, and mental health, deeply personal stories that often resonate universally.
Although you have been in the music industry for quite some time, it was only some time in 2022 that you released your debut solo single, ‘Now She Knows’. What took you so long to bring on this song?
I initially wanted to ensure any release was getting what it deserved, great vocal delivery, arrangements, production etc, but I lacked practice and most importantly intent. Plus I was keeping busy trying to support myself as an independent artist, practicing for gigs, and building my set instead of practicing for recording purposes, or understanding my artistic tendencies. The pandemic was a rare time of pause for me where I got to deep dive into my likes, dislikes and discover myself through my craft. So I tried my hand at producing to just document what I inherently enjoyed, which turned into the final arrangement. Through this process, I realized that excitement and authenticity in expression mattered more than perfection. I wanted my debut single to represent a pivotal moment in my journey. “Now She Knows” encapsulates all the lessons, growth, and imperfections that shaped me as an artist, it feels true to who I was, who I am and who I’m becoming.
You were a Nexa Music 2019 finalist and released your first ever single ‘Hey Good Evening’. Do you think you benefited from this competition?
Yes, being a finalist was a valuable experience. It gave me exposure, confidence, and validation as an artist as I got to realise a fun production for ‘Hey Good Evening’. I also found some good friends amongst the finalists.
Last year you released ‘Past Tense’, a 5 track acoustic EP. Can you tell us something about it?
‘Past Tense’ is a collection of songs that represent my early years as a songwriter. The songs are raw, heartfelt, and filled with innocence and vulnerability from that time. I felt like I needed to acknowledge and appreciate those songs because it is by performing them that got me started on this journey I’m on. Releasing the EP was my way of reconnecting with my younger self and celebrating how far I’ve come.
You are a drummer, singer-songwriter and a guitarist. Which of the three do you think you enjoy the most and why?
I don’t consider myself a guitarist, it is the instrument I picked up to discover and understand music and song writing. But between drumming and being a singer-songwriter, I’d honestly say I enjoy them both immensely but very differently. With drumming it’s a fun, playful excitement, a powerful way to channel energy, stay sharp and fit, but with singing and writing its earnest expression, like therapy, making time for reflection and living/experiencing this life of mine.
You don’t see many women drummers world-wide, do you see it as an opportunity or a challenge?
Every challenge is an opportunity. Limited representation can be tough to navigate, but I’m proud to challenge stereotypes and be part of the change.
What are you presently working on and what is in store for 2025?
I’m presently working on the release of ‘No Stopping Me’ a single, an EP called ‘Memoria’, Long Distances releases, improving my vocal health and technique, featuring on a bunch of collaborations, getting back into drumming, gigs, tours and so much more. I’m hoping 2025 sees a lot more of me than ever before.
What would you say is your approach when performing with a band and putting out music as a solo artist?
For my solo project, I’m at the helm of the creative vision, writing the songs, shaping the sound/narrative, and making decisions about the final output. My live band supports and elevates that vision with their unique skills and input, but it’s still rooted in a personal narrative that I guide. With Long Distances, on the other hand, the creative process is more collaborative and democratic. Each member brings their own ideas, influences, and perspectives to the table, which creates a collective sound that’s bigger than any one person’s vision. While both are about collaboration and serving the song, the distinction is in how the creative roles are structured: one is about building on my individual artistry, and the other is about contributing to a shared identity as part of a team.
The song ‘Now She Knows’ tells the story of your journey into music. Could you elaborate a bit on the song, lyrics and the music video?
Reminiscence and appreciation, of my journey and process, is the essence/theme of this Indie folk/pop track. The lyrics in the verses like ‘She was just a prototype of the unknown, But now she knows.’ speak of my experiences with navigating self-doubt while trying to build a safe space for authentic expression. The chorus reflects being a passive spectator due to fear, which progresses to an inflection in the outro chorus where I discover confidence and ownership of myself. The music video celebrates all the people and experiences that have shaped my journey, paired with artwork, which is conceptualised by me symbolizing how like a flower with the right nourishment I’m finally blooming.
You began performing with various bands like Ladies Compartment, Toycatcher and you now Long Distances. Can you tell us something about the present band and its members?
Each band I’ve been part of has taught me something unique, and Long Distances is no exception. While the band, initially the brainchild of Zubin Pastakia, began as a pandemic project, its growth serves as a testament to the amount of love and energy poured into the music and performances as a unit alongside indie stalwarts Apurv Agarwal, Karun Kanampilly, Adil Kurwa and Gouri Ranjit, as well as the incredible support we’ve received from the community.
As an independent artist, what do you feel about AI taking over music. Would AI replace the way we make music?
I don’t think it will ever completely take over music, or replace the way we make music. While it is a form of evolution representing the times we live in, good music has soul which is deeply tied to emotion, intuition and lived experiences. So it should be viewed as a tool to assist with creativity while not letting it take over or replace the creative process.
