Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Ainun Nasihah
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT
Music, to me, is a form of creative expression — a way of translating feelings, reflections, and moments into sound. Sometimes the emotions are mine, sometimes they belong to others whose experiences I’ve absorbed. Writing songs allows me to release what I carry inside, and I always feel lighter and more grounded after shaping those emotions into music.
Every song I create is meaningful to me — each one represents a different phase of my life. Outside of music, I work as a doctor in anaesthesiology, so music is also a space where I reconnect with myself, my vulnerability, and the human side of my journey.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
When I was around five, I remember listening to a radio playing loudly from my neighbour’s house. The song was about a man who had broken up with a girl. I asked my father, “Wouldn’t the girl feel shy if someone wrote a song about her?” He smiled and said he didn’t know.
Years later, I found myself writing songs — sometimes about people who passed through my life — and I often wondered how they would feel if they knew. Looking back, that childhood curiosity was my first connection to songwriting… the very thing I’m doing now.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My passion began when I was 17. I used to hum melodies quietly in my head even earlier when I was a kid, but I never took it seriously. I wrote my first partial song at 17, then again at 21 — but life and studies kept pulling me away.
I restarted my songwriting journey at 27, but once more, life events put things on hold.
This time, in January 2024, I made a promise to myself —
to stop ignoring the part of me that loves music.
Now, I’m fully committed. No more doubts, no more turning back. This journey is me reclaiming a part of my life that I’ve always carried inside.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My latest release, “Crush,” captures the feeling of euphoria when you’re drawn to someone — when even just looking at them feels surreal. I wanted the song to feel like floating among the clouds at night — dreamy, weightless, almost otherworldly — but expressed through sound instead of visuals.
As for the personal story behind it… that one is something I’m keeping close to my heart for now.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My sound is soft and dreamy — but if you listen closely, it carries depth and emotional layers. I aim to create music that feels comforting, honest, and reflective, where the lyrics and melody work together to express emotion rather than just sound.
It’s not just music — it’s an art form of emotional storytelling.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Previously, I wrote songs mainly on piano or keyboard — but exploring digital audio workstations completely changed everything.
Using DAWs opened up endless creative possibilities. I’m constantly learning, experimenting, and improving — and it has transformed how I shape and express my sound.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I usually start by mapping chords and melody on the piano. Once the musical structure feels right, I transfer it into a digital audio workstation to build the arrangement.
Right now, I work primarily in GarageBand, and I’m also exploring BandLab as part of my creative growth.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’ve been listening to Anson Seabra a lot. His music inspires me deeply — especially during moments when self-doubt creeps in. His songs remind me to keep going and to create honestly.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Absolutely — my songs are deeply personal.
Tracks like “Dying Inside” reflect moments where I was juggling life while still needing to appear strong on the outside. “Lost” was written during a vulnerable period, before I fell into depression.
My music draws from my life, the people I meet, and the emotions I experience. I don’t feel the need to chase trends — my focus is authenticity, sincerity, and emotional presence in every song.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope they feel what I felt when I wrote them — whether it’s happiness, sadness, longing, confusion, frustration, or strength.
My songs are raw, vulnerable reflections of different emotional states — and I hope listeners connect to them in their own way.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me that it connects hearts — regardless of background or experience. When we truly feel the emotion behind a song — in the melody, rhythm, and words — it can influence, comfort, and inspire people.
That’s a powerful responsibility — and a gift.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Right now, even a small intimate stage would be a dream come true — anywhere I can share my songs with people who truly listen.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Anson Seabra or NIKI. Both of them played a huge role in helping me overcome doubt and embrace my creative journey. Their storytelling and emotional honesty resonate deeply with me.
📲 Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
You can find and support my music here:
Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ec2248aBvSBVPpPuG4xOb?si=-CFkiONCS_Sf2sIjuPZZTw
YouTube — http://www.youtube.com/@AinunNasihah
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/ainunnasihah/
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
The next chapter will be an even more raw and honest version of myself. I want to continue exploring different genres and emotions without limiting my creativity.
I don’t mind revealing my vulnerabilities — or the messy parts of the process. This journey is about giving my all and allowing every part of me to exist through music.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope listeners discover that you can always reinvent yourself — that it’s never too late to reroute your life, start again, or chase a dream you once set aside.
Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t give up on what calls to you.
And along the way — I hope they see that beneath my philosophy and introspection… I’m also someone who loves to have fun with my art.
Representative YouTube Video
