Bakhti

Who is BAKHTI? Where are you from, how long have you been playing music etc

I’m a singer/songwriter from Kazakhstan. I started taking vocal lessons when I was 16, and around this time, I also began writing my own stuff. After graduating from high school, I got accepted into one of London’s music universities where I studied music performance.

Who came up with your stage name and does it have a story or any meaning behind it?

My full name is Bakhtiyar, which is a pretty long name, so my friends came up with a shortened version, Bakhti. When I needed to come up with my stage name, I thought it would be cute to use something that my family and friends use so that every time I hear someone calling out my name, it would feel like home.

If you had to describe your sound using just five words, what would they be?

I would say 2000s, R&B, catchy, poppy, and fun. My music is definitely influenced by Sabrina Claudio’s intimate sound, Billie Eilish’s straightforward and personal songwriting, and FLO’s approach to mixing R&B and pop.

What’s your songwriting process?

It all starts with a word that randomly pops up in my head. After that, I start improvising melodies and putting some lines together. In a few moments, I can have a full chorus. But usually, it takes me forever to finish a song. I love rewriting it over and over again until I feel like it sounds authentic and real to me.

When you were younger, what was the first album that blew you away and you remember putting on repeat non-stop?

I think it was Rihanna’s “Good Girl Gone Bad.” I think I was around 7 or 8, and I remember my dad taking me to the record store after school so I could buy this album on CD. This album was the only thing playing in our house for four months straight. “Umbrella”? “Shut Up and Drive”? “Please Don’t Stop the Music”? “Hate That I Love You”? Are you kidding me!!! Period. What an album.

As a performer, what’s your biggest claim to fame so far?

I think it was when I performed in one of the most famous music cafes in my city, and the place was packed. People were singing my original songs along; it was just amazing.

If you could go on tour with any current band or artist, who would it be and why?

Definitely Billie Eilish or Tate McRae because I can see my music resonating with Billie’s audience. In terms of stage presence, choreography, and art direction, I can fit Tate’s energy.

If you could put your dream team band together consisting of any musicians from the past or present who would the band members be?

I love this question!! Hmmm let’s see. I feel like I always wanted to create an R&B girl group-inspired project, but it would consist of both girls and boys. Troye Sivan, Tate McRae, Chloe, and me. I know it sounds like a weird mix, but it makes sense in my head ahah.

How would you describe your live show to someone who has never seen you perform before?

Warm, personal, a lot of talking, and always a great time.

Do any of you have any pre-gig or post gig rituals? If so, what and why?

Definitely will always try to get a good sleep so I can look nice and fresh. Vocal warm-ups (so I can prevent any possibility of damaging my vocal cords) are always on my pre-gig routine as well as posting the last few stories on IG to make sure that everyone is aware of my show. For the post-gig rituals, for some reason, me and my friends always go and get chicken nuggets and fries from McDonald’s; it’s some kind of tradition for me ahah.

What would your ultimate rider be if you could have anything without being accused of being a diva?

Ahah this question is so funny. IDK I think I’m always shy no matter what but if “no budget” was a case, I would ask them to bring all my family and friends to my show.

If we were to browse your music library what is the most embarrassing song we might find? Or who is your guilty pleasure artist?

I will say “Dance Monkey”  but I kinda bopped to this song when it came out, and it also reminds me of good times because it was playing everywhere when I just moved to London and started my music studies.

Tell us one thing your fans would be really shocked or surprised to hear or learn about you

It’s a bit silly, but I think I’m a good cook. I always make food for my family and friends, and I had a period in my life when I even considered switching to culinary school.

If people want to check you out online where is the best place to go?

Tinder! Ahaha, I’m just playing. If you want to see the real me and at the same time listen to my music and watch my visuals, Instagram is the way to go!

Finally, What does the future hold for you as an artist?

I mean you never know! Right now, I’m just working hard and constantly writing and creating music, and I guess in a few years, you can see me on a big stage with my dance group putting on a great show 🙂