Hashim Musa JR (Instagram) is a Palestinian-born artist currently based in Copenhagen. He wears multiple hats, ranging from singing, song writing, music production, to photography and directing. Despite his various creative endeavours, Musa brings a unique perspective to each of his creative pursuits. Through his visual work, he infuses feel-good energy that reflects his unique perspective on life. When it comes to music, Hashim Musa JR creates sounds that combine different tastes of soft rock and R&B/Soul, further enriching his artistic style.
What was your earliest experience in the creative world, and how did you decide this was the field you wanted to work in?
I was working for a music/fashion/lifestyle magazine. From brainstorming ideas to seeing it become reality opened a new world of feelings for me and so I followed that path.
As a multi-talented artist involved in music production, song writing, photography, directing, and occasional DJing, how do you navigate the diverse creative avenues in your career?
I try to give each avenue my full attention when it comes to each path. I would lie if I said it wasn’t difficult to keep up, but luckily they all share common ground in my opinion.
Your roots lie in Palestine, yet you’re based in Copenhagen. How does your cultural background influence your artistic expression, particularly in your music and visual work?
It’s difficult to specify what it is. My cultural background appreciates having fun, being confident and very honest and I want my work to represent that.
Your photography captures a wide range of subjects. Could you share how your photography intersects with your music and directing projects, if at all?
Some projects may differ, but I’d say capturing innocent, true moments. That’s where I feel honesty and vulnerability comes in.
In what ways do you use your platform as an artist to address social or political issues, particularly given your Palestinian heritage?
I raise awareness by sharing content from reliable sources. I share thoughts and stories to create more sympathy and perspective for the people observing.
How do you stay inspired and motivated in your creative pursuits, especially when facing challenges or creative blocks?
I keep moving, with my eyes, ears and heart wide open. I take in as much information as I can, whether it’s through traveling, books, music, movies, real life experiences. I embrace the challenges as a way of learning.
You travel extensively, as evidenced by your active presence on social media. What inspires you the most when you visit a new city, especially in terms of how it influences your artistic expression?
Experiencing different cultures, the expansion of my visual expression via exterior/interior, environment, and social interactions. Everything expands my creativity and perspectives on life.
If you could photograph any person, alive or deceased, who would it be and why?
Tupac Shakur is definitely on the list. Even though I’m born after his time, he still remains a timeless inspiration for me and I truly believe we could have created something special.
With your recent EP release, could you share how your diverse range of musical influences has shaped the sound and themes explored in these new songs?
I wanted to create sounds that combined different tastes of soft rock and R&B/Soul. During the process, the producer, Christian Sigvardt and I agreed that it would suit the project if we played around with effects on my vocals and so that approach added the indie genre as well.
How does Hashim Musa JR define “power”?
Power for me is believing in something so much that no one can change that belief. That can be the cause of very great, or very bad things. Free Palestine.
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