Natasha Noorani () is a Pakistani musician, singer, songwriter, playback singer, voice-over artist, and ethnomusicologist. She is the co-founder and festival director of Lahore Music Meet (LMM). She is known for her "Lolly-Pop" style, which is a combination of retro subcontinental and electronic pop music. Natasha has also performed at Boiler Room's first-ever Pakistan edition.
Early life and education Noorani has been passionate about music from a young age, coming from a musically inclined family. She has a BSc in Political Science from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and an MMus degree in Ethnomusicology from SOAS University of London. Natasha was the only Pakistani to be awarded the Goethe Talents Scholarship in 2019.
Career Natasha began formally began her music career in 2014 as a part of the duo indie band, Biryani Brothers. Her debut EP Munaasib, was noted by the indie music scene prior to her receiving the Goethe Talents Scholarship. She was launched into mainstream music in 2019 with her first Velo Sound Station single "Baby Baby", made in collaboration with Bilal Maqsood. Noorani's first song from her debut album RONAQ called "Choro" was one of the most played songs on CityFM89 in 2021. She has been an ambassador for Spotify's EQUAL Pakistan campaign.
Noorani has experimented with various genres including R&B, progressive rock, neo-soul and Lollywood pop. She has been trained in khyal gayaki by the Pakistani qawwal and Sufi singer, Akbar Ali. Her collaborations are with versatile artists such as Hasan Raheem, Abdullah Siddiqui, Takatak, Talal Qureshi, Sikandar Ka Mandar, Shorbanoor, and Strings.
Additionally, she has experience as both a playback singer and voice-over artist. Noorani has also recorded soundtracks for local films such as Baaji (2019) and Chalay Thay Saath (2017).
She has received UNESCO recognition as a Creative Entrepreneur and actively serves as a consultant for diverse cultural projects, including the British Council Pakistan and Music Connect Asia. Noorani has also been a promoter of local talent via curating music for various entities such as NTS. She has also curated the 2020 and 2021 Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthems and Coke Studio Season 14. In Coke Studio Season 10, she held the position of General Manager. This led to her managing Strings, overseeing the release of their album 30. In addition to her various endeavors, she has worked as a Marketing Executive at CityFM89 radio station.
Peshkash, the brainchild of Noorani, is a notable undertaking that seeks to archive and promote 20th century Pakistani music. Insights derived from her archival work have found publication in Dawn and Herald.
Her social work also includes creating a song "Pyaar Banto" for Down Syndrome awareness in collaboration with Ali Hamza, Nafisa Khalid, Bilal Ali, and Haroon Shahid.
Discography
Singles and collaborations YearTrack NameArtist(s)2017MaladaptiveGentle Robot, Natasha NooraniPrognosisAli Suhail, Natasha Noorani2018Ikisvi SadiNatasha Noorani, Zahra Paracha2019Sab Theek Ho Jaye GaNatasha Noorani, Zahra Paracha2020Constant SummerNatasha Noorani, Talal QureshiBaby BabyNatasha NooraniHum DonoNatasha Noorani, StringsFrontlineAbdullah Siddiqui, Natasha NooraniTraceNatasha Noorani, Shorbanoor2021SaazishenKiliHippie, Natasha NooraniChoroNatasha Noorani, Abdullah Siddiqui2022Flash Your BonesTakatak, Natasha Noorani, Talal QureshiFaltu PyaarHasan Raheem, Natasha NooraniBojhNadir Shahzad, Natasha NooraniPyaar BantoNatasha Noorani, Ali Hamza, Nafisa Khalid, Bilal Ali, Haroon Shahid2023ChamkeelaNatasha NooraniPhoolon Ki RaniTalal Qureshi, Natasha Noorani, Maanu Jaan MeriTalal Qureshi, Natasha Noorani
Lollywood YearFilmTrack NameArtist(s)2017Chalay Thay SaathBoloSikandar Ka Mandar, Natasha Noorani2019BaajiYe Aaj Mujh Ko Kya HuaJamal Rahman, Natasha Noorani, Aima Baig
EPs YearEPTrack nameArtist(s)2018MunaasibTo Get HerNatasha NooraniFever DreamNatasha NooraniApocalypse How?Natasha NooraniWorkNatasha NooraniOccupyNatasha Noorani
Studio album YearAlbumTrack nameArtist(s)2023RONAQHaan, I knowNatasha Noorani, Talal QureshiChoroNatasha Noorani, Abdullah SiddiquiThandiNatasha Noorani, Talal QureshiRaaziNatasha Noorani, Talal QureshiCall MeNatasha Noorani, Talal Qureshi, Annural KhalidMatlabiNatasha Noorani, Talal QureshiBaazNatasha Noorani, Abdullah SiddiquiLaiyanNatasha Noorani, Talal QureshiFrendzNatasha Noorani, Talal Qureshi
References