GET TO KNOW
With her chart-topping hits like “Mektoub” and “By Myself,” Adassiya has become a household name in the realm of summer anthems, enchanting listeners with her signature blend of infectious rhythms and heart- felt lyrics. As the sun-kissed season approaches once again, We sat down with the enigmatic artist to delve into the depths of her creative process, the magic behind her music, and the dreams that drive her forward.
Adassiya’s journey from the mesmerizing beaches of Mykonos to the pulsating stages of London has been nothing short of extraordinary. With each track, she unveils a new layer of her musical enigma, drawing inspiration from her French Algerian heritage, personal experiences, and the vibrant mix of cultures that sha- pe her sound.
At the core of Adassiya’s music lies a symphony of emotions, a testament to her ability to translate per- sonal struggles and triumphs into soul-stirring me- lodies. From the depths of heartbreak to the heights of euphoria, each track carries a piece of her story, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of self-disco- very and transformation.
In this exclusive interview, Adassiya opens up about the creative process behind her summer hits, the cha- llenges she’s faced as a female producer in a male-do- minated industry, and the dreams that continue to fuel her artistic fire.
Adassiya, your track ‘Mektoub’ was a massive hit last summer, and now ‘By Myself’ seems to be gaining similar traction this year. What elements do you belie- ve contribute to the success of your summer anthems? How do you ensure that each track stands out while still capturing the essence of the season?
“I’m often the first one surprised, you know?”, She laughs.
“When I’m creating music, I don’t consciously consider specific elements to ensure the track will be successful. I don’t believe I possess all the answers just yet. I simply tell my story, one way or another, and let the creative process flow naturally”.
‘By Myself’ carries a distinct vibe, both melodically and lyrically. Could you walk us through the creative process behind this track? How do you approach crafting the melody, and what inspired the lyrics? Additionally, how do you navigate the balance between creating something fresh and staying true to your signature style?
“This song has a magical story behind it. I was having my residency at Scorpios, Mykonos with Chris IDH, and after an amazing day at the beach to unwind, we were in his car when he mentioned he had a cool instrumen- tal track he wanted me to hear. As I listened, the topline started to flow through me, almost as if by magic I just started singing. We were both amazed.
“Then, I began to fine-tune the lyrics with one of my closest friends, Pierre Darmon. Surprisingly, the process was incredibly smooth. During this time, I was dealing with a broken heart, having recently ended a relations- hip. I felt the need to express my emotions and turn my pain into something meaningful. It was a form of therapy for me, a way to transform sadness into something golden”.
As a multifaceted artist, your approach to music creation is undoubtedly diverse. How do you mana- ge the different aspects of your role in the studio?
“Having different strings to your bow is a real asset. I believe that approaching production as a singer adds a unique touch. I often hear melodies first. It’s said that ancient instrument construction aimed to mimic the voice. So, sometimes when I create, I’ll sing the bass line or envision it before playing. This was precisely the case with “Mektoub.” I woke up one day with a melody looping in my head. As I began producing around this idea in the studio, I realized that the sound I heard belonged to a trumpet player”.
“Lorenz came in to record my ideas, and from there, the piece took on a more Flamenco flair. Subsequently, I asked P. Rivas to record a topline that I had sent to him via the voice recorder on my phone, and thus, “Mek- toub” was born”.
In an industry where gender disparities persist, being a female producer and DJ undoubtedly comes with its challenges. What hurdles have you encountered along your journey, and how have these experiences shaped your perspective on gender representation in music? Furthermore, what steps do you believe are essential to fostering greater inclusivity and equality within the industry?
“You might find this strange, but for me, being a woman in this industry has never felt like a barrier. In the early stages of my career, I believe many people booked me simply because I was a woman, and that’s perfectly fine with me. The real challenge then becomes proving that while I may have initially been noticed for my gender, I deserve to be rebooked because I am genuinely talen- ted and deserving of my place as a DJ and Producer”.
And how do you feel about the way the industry is moving forward?
“It’s encouraging to see more and more women entering the industry, and I take great pride in witnessing my female colleagues excel. As for changing mentalities, I don’t possess a definitive recipe. I’m not particularly fond of positive discrimination or the idea of women being booked solely for the sake of “gender parity.” The only control I have is over myself, and I strive to be as demanding as possible to truly earn every opportunity that comes my way”.
Could you highlight a few of your favorite locations to perform, and what sets them apart from the rest? How does the energy of the crowd or the atmosphere of the venue influence your performance?
“I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportu- nity to perform in incredible venues, and I’m incredi- bly grateful for it. What’s interesting is that the most memorable moments from my tours don’t always oc- cur in the biggest, most renowned venues. Some of my fondest memories can stem from intimate gatherings, like an after-party on a beach at sunset with just 30 people, or a sold-out show at a venue like KOKO in London where the audience is there to discover and appreciate new sounds”.
“To me, it’s all about the energy and the sense of sharing. Sometimes, inexplicably, the stars align, and magic happens. And in those moments, no one has control over the sheer beauty of it all”.
Your French Algerian heritage is a significant part of your identity, reflected even in your Berber tattoo. How do your cultural roots influence your music, both soni- cally and thematically? Are there specific elements of French Algerian culture that you intentionally incorpo- rate into your work, and if so, how do you ensure that they resonate with a global audience?
Photo: Josette Crispin -
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