Interview: Indie Uyghur-American R&B Artist Sebi Ali Gets Candid About His Life, Career, and New Music
Music is a very popular medium for artists to give themselves a creative outlet. Not only do they share their experiences, but they also provide a safe space for their listeners.
Let’s meet the Uyghur-American artist Sebi Ali. He recently released a new song “5%TINT” and alternate versions of his previously released track “No More.” Through his songs, he has spoken about love, heartbreak, and life in general. In this interview, we peek into his artistry, his life outside of music, and what his next plans are!
Photo Courtesy of Sebi Ali
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Sebi Ali. I'm an artist from Urumqi, a town in Northwest China. I moved to LA in 2016 to pursue my career as an artist and graduated with a Recording Arts degree from LA Recording School. Besides being a musician, I enjoy acting and modeling.
How are you feeling right now with the release of your new song “5%TINT”?
I feel as if I'm saying goodbye to a chapter, to a chapter of my life where I’ve learned to overcome experiences that made me who I am today. “5%TINT” is the song I’m ending this chapter with, and it holds a special meaning to me as a tribute to someone that brought inspiration to make this track come to life. Shoutout to Miles AKA Havoc.
Usually, your songs have had the themes of heartbreak, sadness, or a lost love. But with “5%TINT,” there seems to be a change in that tonality. There is sadness of course, but there is also hope. How did this change come about?
The mood conveyed by these lyrics would be lust, passion, and intimacy. The raw emotions and desires expressed in the song create an atmosphere of longing. As for the beat, sitting in the studio with my friend, he mentioned adding some hip-hop elements, and that’s how it came to be.
What is that 5%TINT in your life? From where did you find inspiration for this track?
Honestly, there isn’t much thought put into 5%TINT in itself; I guess we can say the 5%TINT I was feeling was giving the song an edgier tone to it, adding trap beat influences to mimic the state of someone going through a love redemption. As for the inspiration for this track, it’s my own life experiences.
You have sped up, slowed, stripped and instrumental versions of “No More.” What was your idea behind creating these alternate versions?
Dynmk released a slowed-down version of “No More” and at first I didn’t put much thought into it, but then I saw a lot of people seemed to like the alternative version. That’s why I just chose to do a couple of other versions as a thank you to my fans.
Photo Cr: Natasha Agharabi
Which artists do you look up to? Which artists have had a deep influence on your music? What does your dream music collaboration look like?
The artist I look up to is Michael Jackson. Artists that have a deep influence on my music are Michael Jackson, Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Craig David. My dream music collaboration looks like this, “Sebi Ali ft. Usher and Justin Timberlake.” lol
When not making music, what do you usually do? Walk us through a day in Sebi Ali’s life.
I wake up, meditate or work out, look through my lists of things I need to do for the day, and go on with it. I go to my friend’s house, make some beats, play basketball, and work out together. Most importantly, I like hanging out with my wifey and watching sunsets together — it’s where I get most of my music inspiration from.
Apart from R&B, jazz, and the likes, do you find yourself turning to a different genre in the future?
I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer, so definitely more pop music, but R&B would still be my main genre.
What will come next? “No More” and “5%TINT” are out in the world. Do you have anything in the works?
FASHOOOOO, hint hint ;)
Lastly, what message do you have for your fans?
To all my fans that listen to my music and support me, I always want to remind the following: Love is the answer, stay true to yourself, follow your dreams, and know your worth. (:
Photo Cr: Natasha Agharabi
What do you like about Sebi Ali’s new track? Tell us what you think of the song by commenting down below or reaching out to us on Instagram and Twitter.
TO STAY UPDATED ON SEBI ALI:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | SOUNDCLOUD | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY
Artist Facts
Stage Name: Sebi Ali
Birthday: February 4th, 1999
Nationality: Uyghur-American
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
MBTI: INFP-T
Favorite Foods: Uyghur food, Chinese food, sushi, and Italian
Favorite Drinks: Honey lemon tea, Hong Niu (Red Bull), Caramel Ribbon Crunch from Starbucks, and Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter smoothie from Boba Time
Favorite Movies: Notebook, Titanic, and Harry Potter
Day or Night?: Both, depends on my mood
Song he’s most proud of: “No More” and “A Letter to Me”
Edited by Alliya Garcia
