Sethi’s Pasoori has so far received more than half a billion views, and counting. Pasoori was one of the most-streamed tracks on Spotify’s global charts and the No. 2 most-searched song on Google last year. Sethi has been in the headlines since he released his chart-buster.
Coachella is an annual music festival that takes place over two weekends in April in Indio, California, attracting hundreds of thousands of music fans from around the globe. The festival is known for featuring a diverse range of musical genres, from rock and pop to electronic and hip hop, and showcasing some of the most talented and innovative musicians from around the world.
In addition to the music, Coachella also features a wide range of art installations, interactive experiences, and food vendors, making it a multi-faceted event that appeals to a broad range of interests. The festival’s location in the California desert also adds to its unique atmosphere, with stunning scenery and warm weather contributing to a truly unforgettable experience.
Sethi appeared at the festival in 2019 as well. But 2023 was different. Thanks to Pasoori which has changed his international profile altogether. He sat with The Washington Post to share his fascinating insight into his life and career. In the interview, Sethi, one of Pakistan’s most talented and versatile musicians, talks about his upbringing, his love for classical music, and his unique style of fusing traditional Pakistani music with contemporary Western genres.
The interview begins with Sethi discussing his family background and upbringing in Lahore, Pakistan. He explains that his mother was a social activist who instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others. He also talks about how his father, a prominent journalist, introduced him to the world of literature and classical music from a young age.
Sethi, who is the son of senior journalist Najam Sethi and Jugnu Mohsin, goes on to discuss his musical journey, from studying classical music in college to launching his career as a professional musician. He explains that he was initially drawn to the classical tradition of ghazal singing, but later became interested in exploring other genres and styles. He describes his unique approach to music-making as “syncretic,” blending traditional Pakistani music with elements of jazz, blues, and folk.
Throughout the interview, Sethi speaks candidly about the challenges he has faced as a musician in Pakistan, including censorship and the pressure to conform to certain cultural norms. He also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry, as well as his own personal experiences of loss and grief during this difficult time.
Overall, Ali Sethi’s interview with The Washington Post is a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of his life and illustrious career as a musician. It offers unique insights into the complexities of contemporary Pakistani society, as well as the role that music can play in bringing people together and bridging cultural divides.
Courtesy Coachella Youtube channel