Best known for her music internationally, crossover recording artist and pop star Amitis Moghadam has already worked exclusively with high-profile artists such as Snoop Dogg and Enrique Inglesias, among other top acts in the industry, as she continues her pursuit of also conquering the States.
When did you first become interested in music?
I have been interested in music for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my parents encouraged me to sing and play instruments. I can’t pinpoint an exact moment when I became interested in music because it has always been a part of me.
Now where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who did you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I am from Iran; (born Oct. 1 in the city of Mashad, then later moved to Tehran to attend college. Since ’05, Atlanta, Georgia, has been home). I loved putting out my Iranian music and having many people from my country support me and my sound. I’ve always been a fan of R&B and hip-hop, so I considered artists like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and TLC, my strongest musical influences.
At what point in time, specifically, did you even opt to pursue music on a professional level?
When I was in my 20s, I decided it was a good time for me to start getting serious about my passion of music and pursue it on a professional level.
That being said, how do you classify your overall sound or style?
I would classify my sound as pop and hip-hop with a bit of an Iranian-flair!
Making your transition over here to the States, how has that entire process been for you? Have you found it difficult to gain acceptance in the U.S.?
I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to make a name for myself in Iran, and I feel even more fortunate to now be considered a crossover artist and living in the states full time. I think it’s been a bit challenging for me to go from the music I was doing back in Iran, to now becoming a crossover artist…however, it’s been a natural progression and I’m very happy with how my music has done here so far. I look forward to continuing to grow and work with even more talented international recording artists, like Snoop, in the future.
Let’s hop into this single and video, “KING” How did it come to fruition?
“King” was a project that had come to my mind while figuring out what I wanted to do with my crossover album. It was the first song that I had a vision about and I’m extremely proud of it.
On it, of course, you teamed up with veteran rapper, Snoop Dogg. What particular string of events led to this union?
I knew I wanted to have a rapper on the song with me, and my dream was always to get Snoop to be the one to take this song and make it extraordinary. I had my team reach out to his team, and we went from there. I had such a fantastic time collaborating on this song and video with him. He is such a humble person and a genius at what he does.
What do you feel you bring to the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?
My experience in the Persian music industry made me incredibly tough and gave me thick skin. To have been successful in that genre has only made me more eager and willing to push myself to new heights. I am extremely dedicated and know that nothing gets handed to artists for free. You have to work hard and put in the effort. I think just knowing that makes me different from other artists.
Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?
Of course! There are always people who think you’re not good enough, not talented enough, etcetera. However, that’s only made me want to prove myself more.
What do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to be able to laugh to my music, cry to my music, and dance to my music. I want to be able to have my fans go through my emotions with me.
When can we, the masses, expect some more music from you? Like maybe perhaps your “official” debut solo album?
I don’t want to give too much away, but new music should be coming soon. I am constantly in the recording studio working on new projects…so stay tuned!
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Michael Jackson. He was so incredibly talented and the King of Pop. Who wouldn’t want to collaborate with Michael?
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
My dream was always to play venues in America. Now that I’m living here full time and working extremely hard on my music, hopefully that will become a reality!
One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
All of my tracks so far define me. I could never pick one specific one because all of my songs are based off of personal experience and feelings.
In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?
I think that being a crossover artist has a lot of advantages. To have a fan-base back in my country, as well as in America, has made me see that my music and my style translates to people from all different cultures and backgrounds.
Do you have any other outside or additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
While I love playing music and singing, I have other hobbies as well. I love to paint and draw; I find them to be incredibly therapeutic. I also love being a mother to my child and a wife to my husband. My family is so supportive, and I hope to continue to do the best job I can for them.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?
Definitely being able to work with Snoop Dogg and creating “King” with him. I am so proud of the record, and am so happy to have made a friend in Snoop.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even 10 years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself continuing to pursue music and working just as hard as I am now.
As for the immediate, what’s next for you?
Continuing to pursue my career as a crossover artist and bringing more talented artists into the studio with me to collaborate on different projects.
Any closing thoughts for our readers?
Thank you very much for the interview! I hope you all have been given a bit more of an insight on me and my music career. Stay tuned for new exciting projects coming from me soon!
