interview
After the massive success of Jal Pari, Doorie, and Meri Kahani, Atif Aslam has established himself as one of the best known pop singers of our times. JAM catches up with the singer for a quick chat.
How have you and your music evolved since you first appeared on the music scene?
I think I have learned a lot in terms of technicalities, what people like and how to improve my stamina while singing live. Overall, the growth translates into more maturity from when I first began.
After the success of your first album, did you feel a lot of pressure when you were working on the next albums? Did you face any difficulties when coming up with the follow-ups?
Yeah, I felt the pressure. When you pursue perfection there comes a point where you actually start spoiling your good work. So, there must be a comma at least if you can't put a full stop on your creativity. While making the second album, I felt I should leave it up to the fans to rate my creativity, as I was happy with how it is sounding.
While working on albums, do you also have the Indian and international audience in mind?
An artist has no boundaries, and music has a generic appeal to every person on Earth. I try to create music for all audiences. However, the flavour varies from place to place and I try to take care of it.
What do you think is the key to longevity in the music industry?
Hard work and openness to experimentation helps an artist stay relevant in the long run.
Do you feel any added pressure when performing outside Pakistan?
No. In fact, it gives me a chance to learn more. It also gives me great pleasure to see the international fans.
What inspires you to make music? And how do you come up with new songs?
Anything happening around me can be an inspiration. Sometimes I compose a tune and ask my elder brother Shahzad to write lyrics for it; sometimes he writes something and I compose it; sometimes. Even jamming with my friends creates good melodies.
Of the videos you’ve made so far, which one defines you the best as a person and as an artist?
I like the video of Meri Kahani, as it elaborates on my childhood, my feelings towards my profession and my creative aspect. Tere Bin on the other hand shows me as an artist, it shows my normal daily-life along with my artistic side in the video.
Do you have any hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?
I used to make sketches of cartoons, and my other favourite pastime is cricket.
Do you plan to pursue acting in the future?
Sure, why not? I would consider it if there were a proper team to work with.
What can we expect from you in the coming months?
New film songs and new albums. No idea about when they are scheduled for released though.
Any message for JAM readers?
Keep following your passions and work really hard if you want to fulfil your wishes; otherwise stop wishing.
- By Sameen Amer
JAM Magazine
After the massive success of Jal Pari, Doorie, and Meri Kahani, Atif Aslam has established himself as one of the best known pop singers of our times. JAM catches up with the singer for a quick chat.
How have you and your music evolved since you first appeared on the music scene?
I think I have learned a lot in terms of technicalities, what people like and how to improve my stamina while singing live. Overall, the growth translates into more maturity from when I first began.
After the success of your first album, did you feel a lot of pressure when you were working on the next albums? Did you face any difficulties when coming up with the follow-ups?
Yeah, I felt the pressure. When you pursue perfection there comes a point where you actually start spoiling your good work. So, there must be a comma at least if you can't put a full stop on your creativity. While making the second album, I felt I should leave it up to the fans to rate my creativity, as I was happy with how it is sounding.
While working on albums, do you also have the Indian and international audience in mind?
An artist has no boundaries, and music has a generic appeal to every person on Earth. I try to create music for all audiences. However, the flavour varies from place to place and I try to take care of it.
What do you think is the key to longevity in the music industry?
Hard work and openness to experimentation helps an artist stay relevant in the long run.
Do you feel any added pressure when performing outside Pakistan?
No. In fact, it gives me a chance to learn more. It also gives me great pleasure to see the international fans.
What inspires you to make music? And how do you come up with new songs?
Anything happening around me can be an inspiration. Sometimes I compose a tune and ask my elder brother Shahzad to write lyrics for it; sometimes he writes something and I compose it; sometimes. Even jamming with my friends creates good melodies.
Of the videos you’ve made so far, which one defines you the best as a person and as an artist?
I like the video of Meri Kahani, as it elaborates on my childhood, my feelings towards my profession and my creative aspect. Tere Bin on the other hand shows me as an artist, it shows my normal daily-life along with my artistic side in the video.
Do you have any hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?
I used to make sketches of cartoons, and my other favourite pastime is cricket.
Do you plan to pursue acting in the future?
Sure, why not? I would consider it if there were a proper team to work with.
What can we expect from you in the coming months?
New film songs and new albums. No idea about when they are scheduled for released though.
Any message for JAM readers?
Keep following your passions and work really hard if you want to fulfil your wishes; otherwise stop wishing.
- By Sameen Amer
JAM Magazine
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