Q & A Session with Faraz Haider

By Hasan Faridi

Faraz HaiderCan you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am very antisocial, but I generally meet the people I consider as my friends. I am moody but not rude or mean but I have my fun moments too. I love my Xbox, my guitar and the machines that surround me in my studio.

What are your musical influences?
I’m a huge fan of David Coverdale, Filter, BT, Michael Jackson, Hybrid, Crystal Method, Black Label Society, James Brown, Joe Satriani, Kane, Vinnie Moore (the list goes on).

You have songs in English and songs in Urdu. Which one of the languages do you mostly prefer when singing?
English songs are easier to write and sing. I love challenges, so I think I’d prefer singing in Urdu.

You’ve been on TV channels like AAG and Dunya TV, have you got any more appearances?
I usually get informed by my manager about these things, so I have no idea but I’m guessing PlayTv and Oxygen are in the pipeline.

Do you ever get nervous when performing?
I love performing in front of friends, family and even strangers. I doubt that I would ever get nervous. Of course if someone puts a gun to my head and asks me to sing something by Nusrat Fateh Ali (Which I Love), I might sweat a little J.

The video of “Andher” was greatly recieved. How was the production for the video of “Andher” like?
It was a combined effort. Bilal Khan, Haider Azim and I were all working together. I must say that Bilal knows his equipment and his directional skills are truly astonishing. Haider Azim made a fantastic story board and helped me with technicalities of special effects. Overall it was a great experience. I’ve learned that videos like this need to be thought out with a very detailed storyboard and everyone should think along the same lines in order to get the picture that one envisions.

You’ve had mixed feedback from your new album Andher, what do you think about that?
Honestly, people will never be happy with anything anyone does. They will always have opinions. People who liked the album clearly appreciate talent and people who don’t, well “a one legged duck will always swim in circles”.

Well you gained an army of fans on your Facebook Page after the album release, how did you feel?
It felt great to see people taking interest in new music, accepting me as I am and not compare me with what they usually like listening to.

It’s been stated that you will be producing Taimur Tajik‘s upcoming debut album, are you looking forward to it? Or has it already started?
It’s already in progress. We are done with a few songs already and we’ll soon be done with the album considering the speed I work in.

What’s your view on music in Pakistan today?
One thing I would gladly say that Pakistanis are developing their taste in music and hopefully more of us will be able to tell the difference between a good artist and a safe artist.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
Keep pirating my music. At least that way more of you can hear it since no one likes to spend money on music anyway. Just remember to keep requesting on Radio and especially TV.

Have you got any upcoming plans we should know about?
If the number of fans keep increasing, a few concerts maybe. Fingers crossed.