Montreal Independent Film Festival nominates A-Zal’s “Lonely Town” under the 2023 Best Music Video Category
Fresh from the remarkable success of his debut hit, "Movie Script," which achieved the impressive #51 spot on iHeartMedia's Mediabase Activator Chart, New York-based pop artist A-Zal returns with the evocative single "Lonely Town," which was released on October 6, 2023.
Notably, the music video for this track, self-directed by A-Zal, earned a nomination at the 2023 Montreal Independent Film Festival in the Best Music Video category. Following his successful self-direction of the music video for his debut single, which garnered over 140k views on YouTube in just a month, A-Zal once again showcases his talent for crafting narrative-style videos. The Montreal Independent Film Festival (MIFF) is steadily gaining recognition as a prominent international platform for independent filmmaking.
This single is a heartfelt tribute to New York City and serves as an intimate reflection of A-Zal's journey as a burgeoning artist. From his days of busking for tips in New York subway stations to his remarkable collaborations with Marvel Studios and chart-topping success on US radio, A-Zal has come a long way. "Lonely Town" transcends being just a song; it's a deeply personal homage to both A-Zal's life voyage and the city that profoundly inspired him. A-Zal poignantly encapsulates the essence of New York with the words, "Anything is possible in New York. This city possesses the power to turn dreams into reality and transform lives. It changed my life and allowed me to live the American Dream."
In 2018, A-Zal made a pivotal decision to relocate to the USA, leaving behind the familiar in pursuit of his American music dream, taking residence in the vibrant heart of New York City. Amidst the city's glittering facade, he discovered a sense of solitude that became a wellspring of inspiration for "Lonely Town."
The lyrics of the song poetically liken the city to a companion, walking by A-Zal's side throughout the ups and downs of his artistic journey. "Lonely Town" captures the emotional rollercoaster of his pursuit, from moments of homelessness to the discovery of solace within the bustling streets of New York.
A-Zal shared his personal connection to the track, saying, "'Lonely Town' is a song that I penned during my early days in New York, relying on tips from subway performances for survival. In 2018, I ventured to the USA to chase my musical dreams, and the streets and subways of New York became my new home. Despite the glamour, I felt a deep sense of loneliness as I traversed the bustling streets with little to my name. Ultimately, New York City became my anchor, my muse, and my true home. This song is my heartfelt tribute to the city that provided me with everything."
More about A-Zal:
A-Zal, also known as Atif Afzal, is a pop artist based in New York, making history as the first Indian-origin pop singer to break into the American music scene. His journey began with the release of his debut single, "Movie Script," on August 11, 2023, a track that quickly skyrocketed on US radio, securing a spot on the prestigious Mediabase TOP 40 Activator Charts within just two weeks of its release.
"Movie Script" marked the introduction to his forthcoming album, 17 & 11 Nights, garnering an overwhelmingly positive response from audiences, media, and radio. The song made a remarkable chart entry, initially at #114, swiftly climbing to break into the top 100 in its second week, claiming the #93 spot. In its third week, it ascended another 31 places, ultimately landing at #62. By the fourth week, it reached an impressive #51 on the charts. Notably, A-Zal emerged as one of just three independent artists in the top 51, competing alongside major label acts.
Born in India, A-Zal's family later relocated to the UK, where his early years were immersed in British pop culture while residing in Hounslow, London. This fusion of influences has lent a fresh and distinctive quality to his music. Returning to India as a teenager, he pursued studies and went on to compose soundtracks for both international and Bollywood productions, contributing to films like Gift, Prague, and That Sunday. Notably, his score for Monsoon Shootout received critical acclaim at the 2013 Festival de Cannes during the Midnight Screenings section.
In 2018, A-Zal made a significant move to the USA after being granted the Extra-Ordinary Ability visa. Shortly after his arrival, he collaborated with major film studios, including Marvel Studios, CBS Network, and Netflix. His compositions found their way into various television series and movies, such as Ms. Marvel, Loki, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Twilight Zone, and Resort to Love. Noteworthy achievements include two soundtracks for episodes of Ms. Marvel (season 1), one for Loki (season 1), one for NCIS: Los Angeles (season 11), and two for The Twilight Zone (season 2). He also contributed a soundtrack to the Netflix film Resort to Love.
A-Zal has earned the endearing nickname "The American Ed Sheeran" from his dedicated fans, thanks to his soulful voice and his talent for crafting heartfelt and resonant melodies. His Instagram videos have amassed over 1 million views, and his debut single has made a significant impact on the American pop music scene.