#POPULARPLAY: WAFIA

The new EP Good Things from Wafia not only serves as a new project, but her debut with Atlantic as well. The six-track project that opens with the previously released single ‘Hurricane’ which denotes the heartache of a long distance relationship. “When you go through a tough break-up, there are a lot of secondary losses that can come with it,” she took to her Instagram.

Even though this is the artist’s grand scale debut as far as projects go, the artist’s official breakout came through on the 2018 hit ‘Better Not’ on Louis The Child’s Kids At Play – EP which has garnered over 163MM streams on Spotify since its release.

The album explores post-breakup complications and fallout and is juxtaposed by the delicate melodies and airy sense of self while tackling the hardships of growing apart. The EP is met with accompanying visuals for the ‘Good Things’ official music video.

“This song to me is a celebration of all the good that comes your way when you make the space for it,” Wafia says about “Good Things.” “I think everyone at one point has had someone tell them they can’t do something and that makes for great fuel, it always feels good to prove someone wrong.

The EP has already amassed praise as the lead single “Pick Me” was featured on Elton John’s radio show ‘Rocket Hour’ earlier in the month as well as grabbing the attention of VOGUE and Billboard.

Wafia opened up to Popular TV in anticipation of the project on her intentions for the project and her turn to music.

1. Describe your new EP Good Things in three words. Additionally, what were your intentions for this project?
Playful, honest, fun. My intentions going in were turning a bad or hard thing into an opportunity for something better. I came out of a rough relationship and I didn’t want it to define me or my music so it’s been about balancing the two, acknowledging the bad but growing from it.

 2. You’re of both Arabic and Muslim heritage. How do your culture and upbringing influence your artistry?
I think it definitely influences the way I carry myself as an artist and the melodies that I’m drawn towards.

3. Do you recall a specific pivotal moment in your life that made you realize music was your true calling?
I think my father realised it before I did. When I was at university we had this tradition where he would drive me into school for major exams and right before my very last test he turned to me and told me that he thought it would be a big mistake if I didn’t at least explore giving music a real chance. I never ever thought he would have said that. I went to my exam and I don’t think I finished it. I didn’t care any more, it was pretty clear to me what I needed to do.

My father and I talked about this moment again recently. I told him I was shocked and his response was “when have I not supported whatever made you happy” and that just made me so thankful for the parents I have.

4. Before music, you were studying pre-med in college. What challenges have you had to overcome since traveling down the music path? Did it affect you and your writing in any way?
It was tough at first. I saw my friends graduate and go on to get real jobs and I had to remind myself that I didn’t want that. I got really depressed for a year and a half, I can’t really remember much of that time to be honest. I wanted to get into music but I had no idea how, there was no one I had access to that could even remotely point me in the right direction. Sooo, I found tumblr. It started as a place where I would journal and mood board, then slowly I started posting covers on there and that’s when my blog started taking off. From there I followed my instincts but it was really dark time for me.

5. Of all the songs you’ve released, if you had to pick one that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
That’s tough! If I had to pick it’d have to be Flowers & Superpowers. I’m so proud of the creativity in it and the production choices. It’s whimsical and cheeky, that’s become the feeling I try and chase every time I write a song now.

6. Do you have any hobbies outside of music that provokes your creativity?
I love to journal and read. I read a great book recently called How Should A Person Be by Shiela Heti and it’s really one of those books where I feel different for having read it. It’s made quite a lasting impression on me. Otherwise I loooove baking right now. I love following a recipe and trusting that the person that wrote it is somehow in control haha.

7. Lastly, tell us something your fans would be fascinated to know about you.

You know how some people have a green thumb? I have whatever the direct opposite of that is. Can’t grow a seedling to save my life.

Stream the EP here on Spotify  and be sure to follow Wafia on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.