16-year-old singer-songwriter Sahiba Kaur, better known as Sahyba has the distinct honour of being Knockout Entertainment’s FIRST pop artist, and for good reason. This girl has a voice that you would not believe! When we got her submission, we were completely blown away by her voice. And her voice, combined with catchy lyrics and dance-inducing beats, is going to make her a pop sensation. She happens to sing in a few other languages as well, including Spanish, which we think is awesome because we um… Speak Spanish here. In any case, we’re expecting great things from Sahyba, and will be keeping track of her career.
We got a chance to speak with this young up-and-comer, to find out about her background, and where she’s headed.
So Sahyba, the first thing that we want to know is, what’s your nationality? We couldn’t figure it out.
I’m Punjabi. Born and raised in Los Angeles.
You’re only 16 years old, right? Where in the WORLD did you get a voice like that?
Why thank you! At a very young age, I started taking Indian classical training and American classical training. So I’m skilled and trained in both. From doing vocal exercises every day, I guess my voice developed more and I still to this day do the same vocal exercises.
Well, your training certainly shows! What is your music background?
My whole entire family is musical. My grandfather was a famous worship singer in India and he used to release his tapes and cassettes. Many of my uncles are worship singers here in LA. My father is trained to play many Indian instruments including the Tabla, the Dhol, and the Harmonium.
How were you discovered?
To be really exact about how I was discovered, I was discovered in my home. Ray J and George Lemore came to my house to make music with my brother Prince Saheb, and I came downstairs because I thought it would be a good idea if I could sing to Ray J. I sang Christina Aguilera’s song “Hurt”. Then Prince showed Ray J some of my songs and he really enjoyed them, and a couple of months later he signed me to Knockout Entertainment.
Well, that was a really good decision on Ray J’s part. Now, we love both “Marco Polo” and “Panic Mix 101”. Do you write your own songs?
Yes, I wrote Marco Polo and Panic. I love writing songs, it’s become a hobby of mine. For me, writing songs is such a fun process because I can write about anything I want and no one can tell me what to write about. I usually try to write one song a week because each song I write has to be perfect!
What are your songs usually about?
My songs are about anything and everything. I try not to focus on just one main topic, I try to be as unique and different with my songwriting as possible. Some of my songs are about finding your love while another can be about being crazy in love.
You sing in other languages too, right? What are they?
Yes, I can sing in four different languages which are Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish and of course English. I picked up Punjabi and Hindi while watching Bollywood movies and since I’m learning how to speak in Spanish, I thought why not sing in it too right?
How did you end up learning so many languages?
I picked up Hindi and Punjabi from Bollywood movies and in my home the only language we speak is Punjabi. I started learning Spanish a couple of months ago and I thought that why not increase my languages? Spanish is a beautiful language, so I thought why not sing in it too.
Where are you based? Do you feel that you have a lot of competition out there?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Yes, I do feel as if there is a lot of competition, but I try not to be better than anyone else, I try to be better than myself and to challenge myself. But if there isn’t any competition, then there’s no fun.
What makes you stand out from other female artists in your age range?
It’s better if you ask the audience and the other artists. But in my opinion, I got everything that an artist needs, I would call myself a complete package whether it’s acting, singing, dancing, modelling; the list goes on.
Who produced your album? Do you have a lot of input/say-so with your music?
So far, all of my songs have been produced by my brother Prince Saheb. I have a lot of input as far as songwriting and melody.
Who are your musical influences?
My musical influence is none other than Beyonce. She made Sahyba. She taught me everything from dancing in heels to being a complete package artist.
How have things changed in your life since becoming more widely known?
I’ve become a better person, I’ve started dreaming more. And since this dream came true, now I know that dreams come true. This has changed me from my fashion style, to the way I speak, to the way I behave, and the way I understand things. Now I’m clear with what I want to do with my life because dreams keep on adding, which makes me better and better.
How does your family feel about your music career? Do they give you a lot of support?
They’ve started taking me seriously, they’ve supported me since childhood and now they feel that I’m a grown-up and I can take care of myself, my life and achieve my dreams all by myself.
Who are your fans?
I would say everybody, whoever has heard my songs, I believe they are my fans. Getting feedback from my music is different, but people getting to know me on social network sites proves that the fan forms are being filled up.
What live performance experience have you had? Any industry showcases?
Many, the first show where I performed Marco Polo was at the Global Crucible on December 17th 2011. After that, I’ve been showcasing myself by performing at different events.
How do you rate your live performance ability?
If people can get up and dance, how would you write that? 10/10! I nail it! Because I know my job and I give 200% in it.
How do you sell your music?
I sell my music from social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook etc. And now my music is available on iTunes and Amazon. But in my life, mouth publicity has played an important role in my life so Thank you people for doing that!
Have you had any print, broadcast media exposure, or reviews?
I was on the cover of a new magazine called Swigg magazine, Prodigy magazine, and then I will also be in the new June issue of Teen Vogue. And as far as online magazines, I’ve been on Celebrity Pop Culture, Hollywood Hawt, Teenage Celebrity, etc.
With your career taking off the way that it is, how would you define the word “success”?
When people around the world recognize you where you go, follow you, and you are their idol and they want to follow in your footsteps, that’s success to me.
What are your immediate music career goals, in the next 1 to 3 years?
Sometimes, there’s no fun in disclosing your goals and what you will be doing. Just wait and watch, and that will keep you tuned in.
Facebook or Twitter?
You can follow me on Twitter @sahybamusic. You can like my Facebook page www.facebook.com/Sahyba and you can log on to my website www.sahyba.com!
How can potential fans hear more of your music?
They can download my music on Itunes and Amazon and my website at www.sahyba.com. And they can also watch my music video for Marco Polo on YouTube! Or simply Google me!
We decided to save you the trouble of going to YouTube to see Sahyba’s video for her single, Marco Polo. Check it out right here! Enjoy!
