After years of crafting soundscapes under the moniker ‘Osiris’, SUHAIB (Suhaib Qasim) stepped into his new era with his debut single, All It Was, a resonantly raw indie pop ballad that proves his place among the genre’s most evocative storytellers.
Out on Valentine’s Day 2025, the track arrives with a lyrical tenderness reminiscent of Elliott Smith, complemented by acoustic guitars that shimmer with diaphanous warmth. It’s the kind of sound that reaches into the depths of the listener’s soul, tugging at threads that often go untouched by today’s fleeting pop trends.
Through orchestral crescendos and delay-soaked arrangements, SUHAIB transcends indie conventions, offering a poignant meditation on how the smallest moments and exchanges can leave the most profound impacts, especially when they touch people as they come of age in a world full of potential, determined to hold what’s close to them in spite of the possibilities. The weight of the single feels all the more impactful in an era where such subtleties are often overlooked. SUHAIB has called All It Was one of his most personal creations to date—and it shows.
As an Indian-American, second-generation Southerner with roots in jazz and a pandemic-forged production ethos, SUHAIB brings a singular perspective to his music. His path from poetry-filled quarantine nights to mastering multi-instrumental arrangements speaks to his dedication to the craft. Following his early successes with the EP Half Life and singles like Euphoria, SUHAIB’s reintroduction under his birth name reflects an artist who has grown into himself, bringing both emotional depth and technical sophistication to his work.
Stream All It Was on all major platforms, including SoundCloud, from February 14th.
Review by Amelia Vandergast