By Nida Tahseen
The musical tradition of pop-infused variants of fusion were considered tricky in our part of the world, but these were the tales before Mizmaar emerge as a trailblazer in Pakistan’s music industry. The pop-rock band perfectionised this genre with their mesmerizing albums Kash in 2003 and Sitara in 2007. Today, after seven years, Mizmaar has returned with its new electrifying single ‘Jee Loonga’ with an energetic vocalist Mashhad. The band has recently revamped itself and Sunday Plus grabs a quick chat with the guitarist and deviser Kashan Admani to share the incredible journey of Mizmaar.
1) What kind of music did you listen to growing up? Who are your musical influences?
Kashan Admani: As a kid I grew up listening to a lot of music from the70’s & 80’s. From Stevie wonder, Michael Jackson, Toto, Whitesnake, Deep Purple to of course the Bollywood music that would play in the house. My musical influences are very diverse ranging from Ritchie Blackmore, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Whitesnake, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones to Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali, Mehdi Hassan etc.
2) When did you realize you had a passion for music?
I started playing keyboards at the age of 6 and composed my first song in grade 4. I always knew from the beginning that I was destined to be a professional musician.
3) Tell us about Mashhad Shahryar and how he collaborated with Mizmaar?
Mashhad came to our studio to record a song and that’s how we met him. We felt that he was an exceptional talent and that he would be the right voice for Mizmaar. We offered him to join the band and he agreed.
4) What distinguishes Mizmaar from other bands?
Mizmaar is a band with a purpose. Our songs have a strong message and we try to contribute positively to the society. We try to motivate people with our music to make the right choices and do the right things in life.
5) What’s the inspiration behind “Jee Loonga”?
Jee Loonga is inspired by people who are forced not to pursue their dreams and give in to the pressures of the society. With Jee Loonga we wanted to motivate people to do what they think is right in life because we only get live once.
6) What do you consider to be the incisive moments in your artistic career?
The success of Jee Loonga and the positive feedback about the comeback of the band with a new singer can be considered incisive moments in our artistic careers.
7) What has been your most memorable performance?
There have been many performances in the past that are part of our memory but the best performance was the recent comeback performance we did at St. Patrick’s College as it was the first performance by Mizmaar after 7 Years with our new lead singer Mashhad.
8) How have your family and friends reacted to your career?
Family and friends have always been very supportive. Without their support and encouragement we would not have been able to pursue music as a career.
9) Any upcoming tours or shows planned for 2015?
There many tours and gigs being aligned for 2015, the first tour we are doing is for underprivileged kids who cannot afford to go to concerts. We are doing a series of concerts for these kids at their schools.
10) If you could work with 3 musicians, living or dead, who would they be?
We would love to work with Michael Jackson, Van Halen and Ed Sheeran.
11) How has social media impacted your career?
Social Media we would say is the lifeline of Pakistani music currently as none of the local channels are playing Pakistani Music. Social Media gives the artist the opportunity to connect with fans directly, which is great.
12) How do you prepare for an event?
We jam extensively for concert performances.
13) How do you decide what to play at a show? Is there a criteria for selecting what to play at a gig?
We always analyze the type of expected crowd and tailor our set list accordingly.
14) What’s the funniest/craziest thing that has happened or said to you?
The funniest thing said to us was by a friend who saw one of our pictures and said that it looks like Bruno Mars, Joe Satriani and John Lennon have formed Mizmaar.
15) What’s your favorite kind of crowd at show?
We like a crowd which responds to the songs and likes to enjoy the music.
16) Besides music, what are your other passions?
Kashan Admani: I am also actively involved in video production and I love directing and producing videos.
Alfred D’mello: I love working out.
Mashhad Sharyar: I love playing football
17) What are your favorite tracks currently? What are some classic all-time favorites?
Current:
Bruno Mars: Uptown Funk
Walk the Moon: Shut up & Dance
Nate Russ: Nothing without love
Classics:
Van Halen: Right Now
Rainbow: Since you’ve been gone
Michael Jackson: Bille Jean
Rapid Fire
18) Favorite vacation spot
Bali, Indonesia
19) Cologne you wear?
Bleu De Channel
20) What makes you impatient?
Finishing a song then having to wait to release it.
21) Addicted to?
Music
22) If you could change one thing about yourself, it would be?
We love the way we are.
23) Secret talent?
Photoshop
24) I like coffee with?
Prefer Black Coffee
25) Brains or beauty?
Brains
26) Love or money?
Love
27) You hate it when you see people wearing?
Clothes, hehehe!
28) Your closet is a shrine to?
Formal Shirts
29) Oldest item in your closet?
15 year old T-Shirt
30) Necessary extravagance?
None
31) Favorite piece of furniture in your home?
Bed
32) Most typically Pakistani thing about you?
Slang Urdu
33) What make you laugh uncontrollably??
Mimicry of people we know
34) When are you happiest?
When people appreciate our music.