Sophie Johnson
Prepare for take-off with New York singer A-Zal’s new track, Autopilot. This song builds upon the emotional tapestry he began to create with his release of Movie Script and Lonely Town earlier this year.
WHO IS A-ZAL?
Atif Azal, known musically as A-Zal, was born in Mumbai and raised in London. He takes inspiration from his Indian roots, exposure to British pop music, and his later move to the US. As a result, his music resonates with people around the world.
Before the release of his singles, A-Zal gained prominence through working with major Hollywood film studios, including Marvel, Netflix, and CBS. He became well-known for creating soundtracks for Marvel’s Loki and Resort to Love. Now, his new music signals a change in direction from soundtracks to expressing his story through narrative lyricism.
“Critics praise his soulful voice and ability to blend different genres”
In 2018, A-Zal was offered the opportunity of a lifetime – to pursue his musical dreams in the States. However, his music remains true to British pop influences. Critics praise his soulful voice and ability to blend different genres to create music that transcends boundaries through his distinctive style.
AN ANTICIPATED ALBUM
A-Zal’s first single, Movie Script, took the American pop scene by storm. The track dominated US radio in August 2023. It peaked at number 51 on the Mediabase TOP 40 Activator Charts, establishing A-Zal as a talented emerging artist. Lonely Town, released in October 2023, proved equally successful. Its music video earned A-Zal a nomination for the Montreal Independent Film Festival. This recognition proves that A-Zal offers a fresh and unique approach to musical and visual direction, securing his place as a rising star in the pop world.
Lonely Town is nominated at the MIFF – Montreal Independent Film Festival 2023 under the Best Music Video category! pic.twitter.com/OlugWvbdMA
— A-Zal (@A_Zal_music) October 24, 2023
A-Zal is set to release the eagerly awaited album 17 & 11 Nights in early 2024. We can expect to see an array of compelling tracks, rich with emotional depth and powerful lyricism. Although the album will include fan favourite Movie Script, it will also offer an exciting array of new songs.
LOVE FOR ‘AUTOPILOT’
Autopilot serves as a heart-wrenching precursor to his upcoming album, 17 & 11 Nights, focusing on the nostalgia of first love. Speaking about the track, A-Zal describes the song as “dedicated to the first love of your life”. This emotive composition offers an insight into A-Zal’s inner world, with themes of apology, forgiveness, and the passage of time. It encapsulates a phase of life when you feel like everything is passing you by, like a plane in autopilot mode.
“The bridge reminds us of the impact our first love has on us”
The verses of this track express a longing for comfort, and for vulnerability to be embraced unconditionally. The listener witnesses a poignant apology, as well as a yearning for connection which is then followed by a declaration of love. Later in the song, the bridge reminds us of the impact our first love has on us.
“Despite this charming exterior, his heart yearns for a deeper connection”
This track boasts a powerful self-directed music video, filled with stunning visuals and symbolism. However, the ending is left open-ended for the viewer. It features A-Zal adorned with a golden cloth and black glasses. Despite this charming exterior, his heart yearns for a deeper connection, for which he would have to allow himself to be vulnerable to achieve.
You can listen to Autopilot here.
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Featured image courtesy of A-Zal PR team. No changes were made to this image.
Soph Johnson
Soph is a 20-year-old student at Sheffield Hallam University, a self-proclaimed musicophile, and a sort-of polyglot. She is also an avid lover of film photography, movies, and books.