2 Minutes With … Indie Pop Singer A-Zal

On exploring far and near

A-Zal, also known as Atif Afzal, is an American pop singer of Indian origins. He released his debut album 17 & 11 Nights in 2023, featuring tracks such as “Movie Script” and “Lonely Town.”

In India, he composed film scores for films including Gift, Prague and That Sunday. Soon after arriving in the U.S., A-Zal collaborated with Marvel Studios, CBS and Netflix. His soundtracks have been featured in many television series and movies including Ms. Marvel, Loki, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Twilight Zone and Resort to Love.

We spent two minutes with A-Zal to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.

A-Zal, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I was born in Mumbai and spent my childhood in London. I grew up in a town called Hounslow, and that’s where I experienced my first musical influences. I currently live in New York.

Your earliest musical memory.

When I bought some pre-owned instruments and a radio from the weekend flea market with my saved pocket money. That’s where it all started. I could hear songs on the radio and play around with the instruments for fun.

Your favorite bands/musicians today.

Ed Sheeran. I love the purity of the words he uses, and his voice is that of an angel.

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on.

I composed soundtracks for the Marvel Studios series Loki and Ms. Marvel. This was one of the biggest opportunities that I’ve gotten.

A recent project you’re proud of.

My latest project is my current album 17 and 11 Nights. I have already dropped a few singles from it: “Movie Script,” “Autopilot” and “Lonely Town.” My next song takes its name from the album title. This album is the most accurate extension of me as a person and I have tried to do my best work on this record.

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One thing about how the music world is evolving that you’re excited about.

I’m most excited about the evolution of social media and how artists can develop a community with their fans. Social media has transformed the way an artist can find and grow their fanbase. With time, the world will see an emergence of independent artists like never before.

Someone else’s work, in music or beyond, that you admired lately.

I loved “Drunk Text” by Henry Moodie. It is such a relatable song and the songwriting is so good. Very few songs touch my heart this way. 

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A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

I am a huge fan of Steve Harvey. His talks never fail to put a ton of inspiration in my life. Every artist—for that matter, every human—goes through tough phases where they need inspiration. I started following Steve’s podcast when I saw tough days as a subway musician in New York. 

An artist you admire outside the world of music.

I’m fond of both traditional and modern abstract art. The painting that I always wanted to see was the Mona Lisa. I was finally able to see it when I visited Paris!

Your favorite fictional character.

The Hulk. I love the power he brings and his green color is so cool.

How musicians should approach working with brands.

As a musician, you should only endorse those brands that you can relate to. Eventually, your fans love you for who you are, and not what you pretend to be. So, I feel a brand partnership is an extension of the artist’s personality—and musicians shouldn’t just say yes to any opportunity that comes their way.

How brands should approach working with musicians.

It is important for the brand to understand the identity of an artist and what kind of fans they have. Someone like Adele has a totally different identity than Dua Lipa.

A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.

I have had so many mentors who helped me in music education. When it comes to navigating the industry, I’ve really never had a mentor as such. I figured out most of the things on my own. On that note, I hope I do find a mentor who could help me navigate the way ahead. As an independent musician, it can be challenging and taxing to figure it out by yourself. 

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the music business.

I would have been an influencer in the travel space. I’ve always been an explorer, even as a kid. There are infinite things to explore if you travel.