INTERVIEW: DJ, Producer & Musician AFSHEEN Closes Out 2021 By “SHOO SHOO”-ing Self Doubt. Talks New Single, Having A Song Placed In Apple Commercial & MORE.

After having a magical music moment in high school, DJ, producer and musician, AFSHEEN discovered his passion for performing and connecting with people through music. His senior year is when he learned production and began honing his craft within the electronic music space. Throughout the coming years, he’s collaborated and released music with a variety of artists such as Cher Lloyd, Mat Kearney and Laura Marano. In addition to his own music, he’s written and produced for some of pop’s biggest artists including Janet Jackson, Selena Gomez, Madonna and Chris Brown (to name just a few!). 2020 saw the anticipated release of his debut album Happy Tunes and now, nearly a year later he returns with the latest single, “SHOO SHOO” featuring New York based singer/songwriter Julietta. Following a “similar sonic landscape” as the debut album, the new single looks to offer an escape to self-doubt. All Access was lucky enough to get to catch-up with AFSHEEN to discuss the latest release, how he got his start in music, what he’d love to SHOO SHOO from his life and so much more. Full interview below:

ALL ACCESS [Austin]: Looking at the beginning – when did your relationship with music begin? What is it about music that made you decide to pursue a career in it?

AFSHEEN: I started playing Tombak (A persian percussion instrument) at the age of two and when I was around 10 I started playing the keyboard. In high school I was introduced to music production and fell in love with making my own music. I remember the first day of my freshman year in high school choir, I sat behind an old grand piano, started improvising and zoned out. When I stopped playing the whole class started cheering. Even though I had just moved to the states a couple months prior and didn’t know the language, I was able to connect with my classmates through music.  I really enjoyed that feeling. 

AA: Congrats on the latest release “SHOO SHOO” featuring Julietta. This song marks your first official release since your debut album Happy Tunes came out a year ago. How has the way you approach/create/think of music changed since releasing an album?

A: Thank you! I feel like “SHOO SHOO” wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t made Happy Tunes. They both live in a similar sonic landscape. I feel like working on Happy Tunes allowed me to rid myself of any inhibitions or judgment and capture what came to me naturally. I try to create from this place as much as possible now. 

AA: You described “SHOO SHOO” as the soundtrack you need when self-doubt tries to seep in. What other practices, outlets, songs, etc do you rely on when that voice of self-doubt starts to creep in? 

A: I like going on walks and practicing conscious breathing. Sometimes It’s hard having perspective when you’re so close to something. Being able to zoom out and having a bird eye view of yourself and everything around you helps put things in perspective. 

AA: As of today, what are the Top 5 things you’d love to “SHOO SHOO” (ex. Get rid of/remove) out of our life?

A: I’d love to SHOO SHOO any negative thoughts, old patterns/habits, mosquitoes in my backyard and pretty much anything that doesn’t serve my higher self. 

AA: As a producer who works with a variety of vocalists for projects – are there certain qualities you look for in collaborators? Who are some artist(s) you’d love to work with on a song in the future?

A: I love vocalists who know exactly what they sound like when they get on the mic and have a specific tone that nobody else has. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some amazing vocalists/Artists in my career so far. I’d love to make a record with Shawn Mendes, BENEE and Aminé. That’d be awesome! 

AA: You recently had a song appear in an Apple commercial. Describe how that opportunity came about and happened. Where were you when you first found out? Have you been able to witness it organically playing on TV, etc?

A: It’s always been a dream of mine to have an Apple commercial so this felt amazing. I wrote and produced this song called “BO$$DAY” with some friends and BIA ended up doing the vocals. Shout out to Jeff Antebi for pushing this record. I was in my studio when I got the email from Apple. I don’t watch that much TV but I have seen the commercial online. 

AA: I saw on Twitter you asked your followers what would be the one food they’d eat for the rest of their lives so wanted to ask you the same question + why?

A: Haha I think it’s pizza for me. It’s simple and I can have a variety of toppings to keep it interesting. 

AA: What’s been the biggest “pinch me” moment of your career so far? Is there an accomplishment, etc in your mind where if you attain it, that you’ll feel like “you’ve made it?”

A: Honestly I have the “pinch me” moment everyday knowing I get to do what I truly love and continue to grow and connect with more and more people through my music. From coming to this country as a refugee, not knowing the language to playing at the Hollywood Bowl to a sold out crowd with Kygo and being part of this industry as a creator I feel truly grateful and blessed. As long as I’m happy and stay inspired I know that “I’ve made it.”

AA: If you could only listen to (5) artists for the rest of your life, who would they be?

A: Tough one!!! But Drake, Tame Impala, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra & The Beatles 

AA: Finally, what can fans expect from you for the rest of 2021 and into 2022? 

A: I’ll be playing Kygo’s Palm Tree Festival in Cabo San Lucas in December to finish out the year and I have tons of new music lined up for 2022.

A massive shout-out to AFSHEEN for hanging and sharing the new single, “SHOO SHOO” with All Access. To keep updated on his journey and all that new music coming in 2022 be sure to connect directly by checking out his socials and music below:

Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify | Twitter | YouTube

BONUS: Check out the other interview Austin did with AFSHEEN and Laura Marano on Too Good Music.