Interview: SmYer
In this interview with SmYer, we uncover the essence of an artist whose music is shaped by displacement, resilience, and an unyielding quest for freedom. SmYer, a storyteller who channels raw emotion into underground rap and poetic narratives, takes us on a journey through moments that defined her artistry—from navigating the complexities of asylum to crafting tracks that speak to identity and liberation.
With inspiration drawn from East African roots, a love for nature, and the power of words, SmYer’s music is an unfiltered reflection of life’s highs and lows. Whether experimenting with genre boundaries or weaving intimate truths into lyrics, this interview captures the voice of an artist determined to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.
Read SmYer’s exclusive interview below
Q: Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from, where you are now, your age, and how your background has shaped who you are today?
A: I’m SmYer. I’m 31, originally from East Africa, and currently based in Sweden. Growing up, I always felt displaced, both mentally and physically. That sense of searching for “home” is what fuels my music—it’s a way to make sense of my emotions and find freedom in chaos.
Q: What are some non-musical things that inspire you or make you feel alive?
A: Nature always inspires me—it reminds me of how vast the world is and how small I am in comparison. Art in any form, especially poetry, also resonates deeply with me. I love attending festivals and concerts because the raw energy of a crowd gives me a sense of connection and belonging.
Q: When you’re not creating music, how do you spend your time?
A: I’m often writing poetry, binging, or engaging with my social media community. I’m also passionate about experimenting with visual storytelling, whether it’s through editing videos or conceptualizing new ideas.
Q: Is there a mantra or motto you live by that keeps you grounded or motivated?
A: “Living for yourself is the greatest form of freedom.” This reminds me to create without fear of judgment and to embrace happiness on my own terms.
Q: What’s a memory or moment in your life that really shaped your perspective as an artist?
A: The moment my asylum application was rejected was pivotal. It left me feeling like I didn’t belong anywhere, but it also strengthened my resolve to tell my story. I wrote my song “Free” to reclaim my voice and express my anger, hope, and determination to be seen for who I am, not just my circumstances.
Q: Do you speak any other languages in addition to English, and if yes, do you incorporate them into your music?
A: I speak [Swedish, Swahili and a few dialects from East Africa]. While I primarily write in English, I occasionally incorporate words or phrases from my native language to give my music more depth and authenticity. It’s a way to honour my roots and show the complexities of my identity.
Q: I saw your status about seeking asylum in Sweden. Is this something you’re okay sharing with us? What struggles has this brought about, and how has it affected your music?
A: It’s something I’m open to sharing because it’s a huge part of my story. The asylum process is emotionally draining and makes you question your worth daily. It’s hard to focus on art when your future is uncertain, but it’s also given me an outlet to channel that pain and frustration. My music is my survival—it’s where I speak truths that often feel too heavy for words alone.
Q: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?
A: My sound is raw, unapologetic, and emotional—a mix of underground rap and poetic storytelling. It’s a fusion of vulnerability and rebellion, with lyrics that confront mental struggles, identity, and freedom. Think of it as an intimate conversation with a heavy beat behind it.
Q: Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your true calling?
A: Yes, as a refugee, I struggle with a sense of belonging, when I discovered music making 4years ago, that changed my life—it made me realize music has the power to articulate pain and inspire change. From then on, I knew I wanted to create something that could impact others the way it impacts me.
Q: Who are some of the artists or albums that have influenced your style the most?
A: Kendrick Lamars’s Damn, Jay Z, Kanye West’s raw, unexpected sounds. These artists taught me to embrace individuality and not fear breaking the mold.
Q: What’s the story behind your artist name, SmYer? Does it hold any special significance?
A: SmYer is a creative way of writing my birth name Sumayyah. It blurs the lines between perfection and imperfection, chaos and control, to create something that feels human.
Q: How do you approach your creative process? Is it structured, spontaneous, or somewhere in between?
A: It’s somewhere in between. I usually start with a concept or emotion I want to explore, but the actual creation is spontaneous. Some days I write endlessly, and other days I just let ideas simmer until they feel right. It’s about balancing discipline with the freedom to let inspiration flow naturally.
Q: What was the first song or project you ever released, and what does it mean to you now?
A: The first song I ever released was [Can I be that]. At the time, it felt like I was finally breaking free and hesitatingly stepping into my identity as an artist. Looking back, it reminds me of how far I’ve come and how raw that moment of vulnerability was. It’s a snapshot of who I was then, and I’m proud of it, flaws and all.
Q: Can you share a breakthrough moment in your career where you felt you had levelled up as an artist?
A: My breakthrough moment was when I wrote Free (Extended). It wasn’t just another song—it felt like an anthem for everything I’d been through. Hearing people resonate with the raw emotion of it made me realize the power of my voice and my story.
Q: Have there been any challenges or setbacks that shaped your growth along the way?
A: Absolutely. Being rejected for asylum in Sweden was one of the biggest setbacks. It has left me feeling lost and uncertain, but it has also forced me to dig deep and use music as a way to process the pain. This experience has taught me resilience and given my art more depth and honesty.
Q: What’s been the most surreal or rewarding moment of your musical journey so far?
A: The most surreal moment was seeing strangers connect with my music and share how it spoke to them. Knowing my words could comfort or inspire someone else is the most rewarding feeling—it’s the reason I keep going.
Q: How do you balance staying true to yourself with exploring new sounds or trends in music?
A: I always stay rooted in my core—authenticity
Q: What would you consider to be the main music genres your music fits into?
A: My music primarily falls into underground rap and alternative hip-hop, but it also pulls from punk and experimental sounds. It’s not bound by traditional genre rules, which gives me the freedom to explore and innovate.
Q: Your lyrics are deeply emotional. Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
A: I draw inspiration from my life experiences—my struggles with mental health, addiction, displacement, and identity. I also tap into observations of the world around me and the emotions that often go unspoken. Writing is my way of making sense of chaos.
Q: How do you approach collaborations? Is there a dream artist or producer you’d love to work with?
A: Collaboration is all about chemistry and shared vision for me. I prefer working with people who challenge my perspective and bring something unique to the table. My dream collaboration would be with Billie Eilish or a producer like Rick Rubin—I admire their raw, boundary-pushing creativity.
Q: What’s your studio vibe like? Do you have any rituals or must-haves when recording?
A: My studio vibe is minimal and intimate—I want the focus to be entirely on the emotion I’m channelling. I usually listen to some music by artists that inspire me and do some deep breathing to create a calm, focused atmosphere.
Q: Can you break down a favourite track of yours—what inspired it, and how did it come to life?
A: One of my favourite’s is Free (Extended). It was inspired by my asylum rejection and the sense of being trapped by systems beyond my control. The song started with a chant-like melody I couldn’t get out of my head, and the lyrics came pouring out as I reflected on my longing for freedom and self-expression.
Q: Do you perform live? If yes, how do you feel when performing live? What’s your connection with your audience like in those moments?
A: I have not gotten a chance to perform in front of a live audience, except on TikTok live. I don’t know if it counts but there’s something powerful about sharing raw energy with an audience—it’s like a mutual exchange of vulnerability and strength. Those moments remind me why I make music.
Q: If you could create a soundtrack for any movie, past or present, which one would it be?
A: I’d love to create a soundtrack for Requiem for a Dream. The intensity and raw emotion of that movie align with the themes in my music. I’d bring in haunting melodies and heavy beats to amplify the chaos and heartbreak of the story.
Q: What’s the weirdest or funniest thing that’s happened to you while making music?
A: Once during a recording session, I accidentally hit the record button while venting about a random thought. When I played it back, it actually sounded like a spoken-word intro, and I ended up using it in the track! Sometimes accidents lead to magic.
Q: Do you have a dream venue or festival you’d love to play at someday?
A: I’d love to perform at Glastonbury—it’s iconic and represents everything I love about music culture. The energy and diversity of the audience there would be incredible.
Q: If you weren’t making music, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
A: I’d probably be a very sad poet or anything in story telling. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling in all its forms, and I think I’d still find a way to express myself creatively.
Q: Tell us one thing that nobody knows about you?
A: I have a secret notebook filled with random lyrics and poems I’ve never shared with anyone. It’s like my private diary, and one day, I hope to turn it into a project.
Q: How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?
A: I see my music becoming even more experimental and pushing genre boundaries. I want to incorporate more live instrumentation and explore themes of liberation, resilience, and self-identity on a deeper level. My goal is to keep growing artistically while staying true to my voice.
Q: What’s one thing you hope people take away when they listen to your music?
A: I hope people feel seen and understood. Whether it’s finding comfort in their struggles or feeling empowered to embrace their truth, I want my music to connect with them on a human level.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects or releases we should keep an ear out for?
A: I’m currently working on a new album that reflects my journey of freedom and self-discovery. It’s raw, honest, and deeply personal. I’m also planning to release a minimalist video for Free (Extended), which I’m really excited about.
Q: What’s your biggest dream or goal as an artist?
A: My biggest goal is to become one of the greatest songwriters of all time. I want my work to leave a lasting impact, inspire people worldwide, and create a legacy that outlives me.
Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring artists trying to find their way?
A: Be unapologetically yourself. Don’t let fear or doubt stop you from creating. Your voice and story matter, even if it feels like no one’s listening at first. Stay consistent, keep growing, and trust that your art will find the people it’s meant to reach.
Q: Is there anything you want to share with us that has not already been covered above?
A: Just that I’m deeply grateful for everyone who supports my journey. Whether you’ve been with me from the start or just discovered my music, your support means everything. And if you’re going through tough times, know that you’re not alone—I see you, and I hope my music helps you feel that. And I would also like to thank you guys at ButtonAddict.com for sharing my story and giving independent artists a platform.
