Q+A: ASI KEMERA
Asi Kemera is a 20-year-old R&B singer-songwriter and producer from Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up, she learned to play various instruments like bass, piano, and guitar, naturally establishing her love for music at a young age. Kemera draws inspiration from the 70s as well as from a combination of different genres of rock, R&B, Bollywood, and Ethiopian music. With these genres she has found a sound that fits her style and personality; "pretty and feminine with a touch of sensual and softness" that is existent in her music. Her most recent EP Daydream dropped last year, presenting Asi Kemera as the relatable and well-connected artist that she is.
We had the opportunity to chat with her and talk more about Daydream, her favorite artists, and her inspirations for producing and writing.
Can we get an introduction of who you are?
I’m Asi Kerma, I started creating music at a young age and I’ve been doing it ever since. I’m just a creative chasing my dreams. I’m here to unapologetically embrace who I am and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
Growing up in ATL with so many historical artists coming out of there, who or what helped inspire your sound or love for music?
I learned to sing while listening to Stevie Wonder as a kid and a lot of other 70s/80s/90s artists. I was always drawn to luscious chord progressions and wanted to make music that made me feel like I was floating.
Photo Credit: Emily Molander
Can you tell me what the process was like to make your EP Daydream?
At first, I was working on an entirely different EP of songs that I’d had for like months, but then I got bored with them and started over. I made the Daydream EP in a few weeks- just dancing around my room and having a good time. I’m a Taurus so being at home didn’t bother me too much (at first), and it lowkey inspired me.
What’s one song off your EP that you enjoyed making the most?
“Take my Number” was so fun to make. It’s one of my most nostalgic and gentle feeling productions.
Photo Credit: Salim Garcia
If anyone were to ask you what you would call your sound what would you describe your sound to be as?
I don’t really know if I could put my music into a category; it just makes me feel at peace. Maybe if being floating were a genre. That should really be a thing though. I would describe my sound to be gentle and colorful.
Do you remember the first song you learned how to play on that instrument?
Yesss. “Lithium” by Nirvana. Still one of my favorite songs.
Do you plan on releasing any new music soon?
Absolutely. I don’t have any specific dates, but it’s coming soon.
Can you tell me if you have any specific artists you play when you wake up in the morning to get you motivated?
This is gonna sound so corny, but Sensual Seduction by Snoop Dogg gets me hyped. That’s so specific, but that song slaps.