An Interview With The Norwegian Musician PASHA!

Photo Credit- Christian Zervos

Pasha‘s  latest record “PARK.” has helped him amass almost 6M streams and 51,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Featuring productions from Grammy-nominee Coucheron [Kehlani], Pasha continues to grind, blending his attitude and 90’s flow with upbeat electronic funk. PARK. includes features from up and comers such as RebMoe, Soul Gem, and Jimi Somewhere, as well as Mad Decent’s Henrik the Artist who is featured in the newest single “Blaze.” 

Pasha said: “Blaze was the grand finale during the summer tour where I played 40 shows across Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, and more. The crowds engaged with the song instantly and it became the ‘mosh pit track’ since the very first time I performed it. When working the track in the studio, I recall having a chat with Henrik about it – he said it was ‘too edgy’ and that this would never make the album. Luckily I do whatever I want. The song is about going all in.”

Pasha landed in Norway when his mother decided to leave Iran and move into the refugee camps at only 9 months old. He knew he wanted to become a rapper when he was in the second grade and saw “Lose Yourself” by Eminem on MTV. His taste has since evolved tremendously, blending nostalgic 90’s vibes with quirky, playful and funky hip-hop. Additionally, he’s been championed by Clash, Highsnobiety, Hillydilly, and NME, and has performed alongside 6ix9ine, Ty Dolla $ign, Khalid, Marshmello, Anderson .Paak, GoldLink, Rich Brian, G-Eazy, Martin Garrix, French Montana, Macklemore, and more.

Connect With PASHA Here:

https://www.facebook.com/PashaCute

https://twitter.com/pashathegud

Learn more about PASHA in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you now?

Hey! Thanks for interviewing me. I just came to LA first time in the states, we just came back from sxsw too!

Now that 2019 has started, what musical goals do you have yourself this new year? Did you make any new years resolutions?

I’m trying to get more stuff popping in the states. I’m also trying to meet a lot of people and just keep making dope music.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make? Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else?

I grew up on MTV. My grandma didn’t know any Norwegian so the only channel that was on was MTV. The first time I heard “Lose Yourself” by Eminem is when I knew I wanted to be a rapper. I think I was around 8 years old. Since then I never looked back or wanted to do anything else. There was one time when I was 19 – all of my friends had moved out of the mothers’ houses and studied somewhere or worked and I was still at home trying to figure it out. I had a brief moment where I thought about quitting this but I just kept on grinding.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

It’s more than just making a song and putting it out. When you’re indie, the process is very isolated and doing things by yourself but the payoff is better. The fact that I get recognition in the states is crazy to me. That’s like my dream so when Ebro recently showed me some love on Beat, it meant so much.

How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today?

Yeah most definitely. The fact that I grew up in a nice suburban hood in Norway really does a lot. The energy, the beats… the people in Norway really like a good time and have fun.

Let’s talk about your new singles, “Right This Time” and “Blaze”? What was the inspiration for these tracks? How do you think they show how you have grown as an artist over the years?

The funny thing about those two songs is that they were my first session with the producers. I just followed their vibe and went with it and it turned out great! I became better in sessions with new producers due to those songs.

What was it like making your latest album, “Park”? Did anything surprise you about the overall process? How will you celebrate the release? What was it like getting to work with the Grammy-nominated producer Coucheron on it?

Coucheron is my guy! I love his work and I’m his #1 fan I think so working with him is always amazing. He was the one who put me on in Norway so I’m always grateful. I haven’t really had any ideas of celebrating, just keep on working.

I would to know more about what it has been like being involved in the DIY rap scene in Norway?

It’s growing bigger and bigger, I love it. More sub-genres in hip-hop and there’s more of a scene for young artists.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

Photo Credit- Christian Zervos

It’s cool. I don’t overthink it. If I have good wifi I’m good with posting a lot of shit. It’s funny to see how many people from all around the world show love on Instagram. Getting fan art from Paris and so on is dope.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Oh my god, so many! But first is Kendrick Lamar for sure. I’d also say Chance the Rapper, Simno, Timbaland, Kanye West, Dr Dre., Goldlink, boi1da…

If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you and why? 

I would love to learn how to play guitar… and you wouldn’t need electricity for it haha.

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

Hmm good one. I would say It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia  I loved that show for 10 years. And for movie, I’d pick Batman Returns.

Do you have any tour dates you would like to tell our readers about?

None at the moment but I always love getting back on tour and seeing the energy from fans.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? I’d like to know more about how you want your music to be timeless?

It’s about being happy without being corny. I want people to get past being in a sad place.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I have more tunes coming soon. I’m always recording and writing.