Art and Things

We’ve known that we were going to do something on Aisha for a while. When we first met her she’d just come off stage at the Good Ship in Kilburn. After we’d told her how good we thought her set was she gave us a big hug. We like Aisha.

She’s been carting her guitar around London and Oxford playing her lo-fi, soulful and lyrically impeccable songs on the streets and in bars for around a year now, and has deservedly been steadily winning hearts. With a classically trained violinist in the shape of her friend Eva Lily Tausig now on board, the pair have the makings of something really rather special indeed. We had a chat in the pub and then walked the long way back to Sonny’s place.

Art and Things: So how did this partnership come about?

Aisha: We were neighbours up at Uni, Eva started playing in my room in halls, we were meeting up, playing songs. Actually we’re moving in together soon. We’ve done two gigs, we just really click together!

You’re at Uni in Oxford together? Played any good gigs up there?

Erm, we did one in a graveyard, we slept there and everything.

What!? Like a flashmob or something?

Oh no! No, we had backing from the Mayor. It was an event for Still Human Still Here , they do workprotecting asylum seekers.

Eva: We did that one on the street in Oxford and a truck came and parked in front of us.

Nice.

Yeah..

Aisha, you’re a Scientist aren’t you?

Erm, yeah..? I study Human Science.

Right here’s one for you – Two electrons in a bar - ARGH I’ve f*cked it up already!

Aw! No, no go on!

Okay, two atoms walk into in a bar, one says ‘Shit! I’ve lost an electron!’ the other says ‘Oh no, are you sure?’ and he says ‘Yes, I’m sure! I’m positive!’

Aahhh…. Oh dear.

I’m sorry, I don’t know what I’m doing. Let’s get back on topic…What are your immediate plans?

We’re doing some recordings at the moment, improving some stuff and adding some new stuff. We’re just really enjoying music at the moment we’re kinda going with it.

Okay, what’s been your best gig  so far?

Oh that DIY WOMP one we did at The Foundry!

One of our events? Really?

Yeah, yeah! It was just really good because it had been a year of playing, we had some mates there who had supported us, but loads of new people getting really into it and it felt like things were coming together for us. The crowd were so good.

Hahaha, I’m not sure we can print that…

www.myspace.com/aishaplaysmusic

http://www.stillhuman.org.uk/

Peter Bloxham interviewed Aisha and Eva and Sonny Malhotra took pictures of them around Camden