Throughout life, one of the main things we all truly want is a sense of connection: someone to take our hand and tell us it’s going to be okay, then to stick by us in the times when it feels like it never will be. That feeling might come from a significant other, but it can also come from the power of music, and A-Zal is well on his way to bringing that level of comfort to a global audience. His latest single, “Autopilot,” tells a classic story of wanting support and encouragement on the path to your dreams, calling to mind the likes of Ed Sheeran and Niall Horan as he beautifully describes a sense of longing and gratitude.
“All my songs are an extension of me, but this one means a bit more than that,” A-Zal tells TREMG. “I usually write my songs and they all have something to do with my life and journey. ‘Autopilot’ is quite complex and covers various parts of my life. In spite of the complex and profound meaning of the song, I’ve penned the lyrics in the simplest way possible. It feels good to share the songs with the world and tell my story. It feels even better when it receives love from the listeners.”
There’s an immersive, cinematic quality to everything A-Zal has released since his debut with “Movie Script,” which makes sense given that he’s worked on film soundtracks for Marvel, Netflix, and more. The emotion and genuine voice in his lyrics draw you right into a specific situation, and his music videos always enrich that experience. His “Lonely Town” music video even received a nomination for Best Music Video at this year’s Montreal Independent Film Festival, showing A-Zal wandering through New York with no companion other than his guitar, reflecting how our passions and dreams can be such a powerful motivation to get through difficult times.
“There is a log of thinking that goes behind conceptualizing every music video,” A-Zal explains. “That’s the reason why every music video is very unique and based on a strong concept. The idea is to give my audience an experience. I want them to forget the world they are in, and step into my world for the 3 to 4 minutes that they are listening to my song.”
He continues, “For ‘Autopilot,’ I’m wrapped in a golden cloth and wearing eyeglasses which totally cover my eyes. I won’t reveal much here, but it’s for the audience to interpret what they make out of it. I also like to keep some aspects of my music videos open-ended, which could be interpreted differently by the viewers. It allows the viewers to relate that particular song to their life and it’s amazing to know how radically different viewer interpretations could be.”
You can find “Autopilot” on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know A-Zal on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and his website! Keep reading for more from our Q&A with this awe-inspiring singer-songwriter.
Hi A-Zal, congrats on your new single, “Autopilot!” What does the song mean to you, and how does it feel to share it with the world?
All my songs are an extension of me, but this one means a bit more than that. I usually write my songs and they all have something to do with my life and journey. “Autopilot” is quite complex and covers various parts of my life. In spite of the complex and profound meaning of the song, I’ve penned the lyrics in the simplest way possible. It feels good to share the songs with the world and tell my story. It feels even better when it receives love from the listeners.
“Autopilot” has so many stunning lyrics, with one of our favorites being “I’m looking for a hand to hold that will not allow me to fall.” Is there a certain lyric on the song that you’re particularly proud of?
Without a second thought, my favorite line is “I wanna say I love you, and nothing else today.” To express true love, you really don’t ever need to say too much. I still remember the moment when I came up with this line. I had goosebumps, which doesn’t happen everyday. I think it is one of the simplest, yet deepest lines I’ve ever written.
You recently said on Instagram that your last single, “Lonely Town,” can be described with the equation “The Bird + The Listeners + The Passer-Byers = The Dream.” What would you say is the equation for “Autopilot?”
The vulnerable + The strong = Autopilot. “Autopilot” captures that portion of life where you have seen life’s glory and highs. However, there is always a vulnerable side behind that strong person.
You always have such impressive visuals, and “Lonely Town” was even nominated for the Montreal Independent Film Festival for Best Music Video – congratulations! What’s your process like when you’re planning a new music video?
There is a log of thinking that goes behind conceptualizing every music video. That’s the reason why every music video is very unique and based on a strong concept. The idea is to give my audience an experience. I want them to forget the world they are in, and step into my world for the 3 to 4 minutes that they are listening to my song. For “Autopilot,” I’m wrapped in a golden cloth and wearing eyeglasses which totally cover my eyes. I won’t reveal much here, but it’s for the audience to interpret what they make out of it. I also like to keep some aspects of my music videos open-ended, which could be interpreted differently by the viewers. It allows the viewers to relate that particular song to their life and it’s amazing to know how radically different viewer interpretations could be.
In addition to your music, you’ve also worked with Netflix, Marvel Studios, and CBS on projects like Ms. Marvel and The Twilight Zone! Do you approach making music for film and TV differently than you approach making your own music?
Yes, when I write for the movies, the approach factors in the brief of the directors and also is written to specific characters. To add to that, every project has a soundscape which drives the production style. We also keep the audience and geographies in mind while writing film soundtracks. For example, Resort to Love was specifically written for Mauritius. However, when it comes to my own songs, there are no boundaries. It is an exact translation of what my heart is feeling. That’s what creates the magic.
If you could put one boring or overwhelming aspect of being an artist on “Autopilot” so you could focus on the things you prefer doing, which would you choose and why?
The most boring part about being an artist is that we need to sleep at night. I wish I never required sleep and I could do music 24/7. In other words, nothing about an artist’s life could ever be boring.
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since debuting with “Movie Script” this summer?
As an artist, I’m the same. But, with every release, my community and listeners have grown in a way I never expected. It’s something I call A-Zal fam!
What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2023?
There will be one surprise release before the year end for my listeners, and I’d like to hold on to that surprise for now. If I have to give out a hint, it will be dedicated to my favorite artist, Ed Sheeran. I got into creating my album because of him and I want to take an opportunity to pay a tribute to the singer with the voice of an angel.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?
Next year will be filled with back-to-back releases for me and I hope to get the same love I have got for my songs so far.
By Madison Murray
Featured Image Source: Courtesy of Present PR
