Anushka Jag has already performed at several iconic venues around the world, including those in Los Angeles, London, Singapore and India, and has worked with some of the industry’s finest and most talented song-writers and producers. While the last year or so has badly affected performance plans and the like, she’s determined not to let this pandemic stop her from sharing her talents with the world and PopWrapped are delighted to premiere her latest single “Hurricane.”
The track is a fiery pop banger; a sassy comeback to a guy who is coming on too strong and, blending sounds of old-world India and modern electronic soundscapes, she provides a catchy and accessible anthem sure to be enjoyed by her growing and supportive following, and new fans alike. PopWrapped caught up with Anushka to find out more about her musical background, the creative process behind “Hurricane” and what’s still to come from her this year.
At what moment or age in your life did you first realise that wanted to pursue music and make it a career?
At age 12, when I realised I could sing. Later on, I would love to make up tunes in my head and put lyrics to them. As a young journalist in print and TV later on, I would do gigs on the side as well. My coworkers always encouraged me a lot. I even performed at our annual company parties. That’s when the idea got reinforced in me. I wanted to be behind a mic, not always holding a mic for someone else.
You’ve just unveiled your new single, “Hurricane.” In terms of its creative process, how did you begin to develop this song’s tone? Did you start with the lyrics and build off that or begin with a specific beat?
We began with a specific beat and theme. We wanted it to be sassy and empowering and humorous. Inspired a bit by Elle King’s “Exes and Ohs” from a few years ago. We started writing it at a studio in Soho, New York. There were four of us in the writing room. Kyle Kelso, who also co-wrote Kygo’s hit song, “Stole The Show”, Toni C, formerly signed to Lava records), Jennifer O Neill, my former manager and A&R consultant who used to work with Lady Gaga, and myself. Later on, we got it re produced by Los Angeles-based producer Duddy Brown. He added some subtle Indian elements in the track.
You’ve had the pleasure of working all over the world as a musician, but is there a favorite place you like to perform?
I love the Mint and Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. I love the Troubadour in London which is a very venerated and legendary old venue on Old Brompton Road. Every big artist back in the day performed there including Dylan, The Rolling Stones, etc.
When things are back to “normal”, where’s the first place you’d most like to put on a show?
Somewhere in my hometown Bombay hopefully.
What else do you have coming up in 2021?
I have a lovely, catchy tune called “Khushi Khushi” – happy happy in Hindi. It’s an English song with an Indian title. Another pop song called “All You Babe”, another empowering song called “Don’t want your Crumbs,” a soulful 50s style ballad called “Love You Like You Never Left,” and a few more.
Give “Hurricane” a listen below and for more information on and to keep up to date with Anushka Jag, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
