There is bound to be someone who disagrees with this famous phrase by John Paul Friedrich Richter. “Music is without a doubt, mankind’s universal language”. Change is an inevitable part of life. With the passage of time, the globe has become more receptive to a wide range of musical styles, with Rap and EDM genres certainly reaching their zenith. You may recognize the performer of your favorite song, but have you ever considered who, the true godfather behind the music and its production is?
Here, the team Fashion Collection gives you the chance to learn about the objectives and vision of “Emerging Music Producers,” whose songs are always on your playlist and are creating wonders on various social music platforms.
DJ Abdur
How Did You Get Into Music & For How Long Have You Been Producing?
I have always been a fan of listening to music and as a kid, I was into playing video games, the back background music always inspired me, specifically of Need For Speed. At the moment I had a goal, to make music. Besides that, when I started listening to hip hop, it inspired me more and I had an urge to be a famous music producer and I would own the cars I see in the video games. I started my musical journey in 2009 and sold my first music in 2012, since then I have been working on music production and now exploring new genres like EDM, Synthwave, and Retrowave.
Who and What inspired you to make music?
I have availed my inspiration from the music produced by international artists, if I specify so it is Dj Khaled, Flosstradamus, Tm88, Nick Mira, Ash Koosha, Fernando Garibay, Dr.Luke, Max Martin, Paul Epworth WondaGurl and Avicii. The music they produce is appealing and it hypes me to work better on my music.
If given chance what are those Three main tweaks that you would want to make in the Pakistani Music Industry?
If I get a chance to make Three main tweaks in PMI, so firstly I would improvise the behavior of an artist, if asked why so everyone here wants to be a high noted artist and after achieving their fame they get egoist which is not suitable for an artist. In Pakistan music industry. So, I want to knock down the ego gap between artists. Secondly, I want prominent celebrities to work with an underground artists so they can promote their music in an easy way. Lastly, I want influencers to reach out to artists and promote their work in their way.
What is your creative process like?
I must say, the creative process for any artist is heartbreak. Well jokes apart, the creative process happens when I am consciously unconscious. I pass by days only dreaming and on other days I gather inspiration and culminate. So, it is an instant thought process in which I produce what I visualize.
What’s your favorite Music Genre and why?
My favorite music genre is Synthwave, Vaporwave, and Retrowave, they function in 80’s music and nowadays they are commercialized. An album dropped by Weekend recently contains the Synthwave and retro style. While producing the genre you live the bygone era, thou’ the music states to be old but the imagination to it is advanced.
A word that describes your Music.
I would describe my music as experimental, putting more words into it so it’s mostly HipHop and EDM.
Do you have advice for young people who want to become music producers?
Firstly, keep your egoist behavior aside, it will not take you anywhere further, Secondly, explore the genres, don’t put yourself focused on a single line. A good person, with good taste and a good personality, is all that is needed.
How do you take criticism?
Everyone has their own perspective, the listener wouldn’t know the ground of music production, but I know, so I respect their argument, but I do not think much about it, it is none of my concern.
How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements with artists?
We choose a vocalist randomly and discuss the track, after 50% of the dummy music is produced, we then discuss what more should be added to the track, then we ask the vocalist to fit in the changes. I prefer to be cooperative and work according to the mutual understanding of the vocalist. But in the end, I want 100% contribution from the artist.
Jokhay
How Did You Get Into Music & For How Long Have You Been Producing?
My brothers were very much into music and listened to a lot of good stuff, I used to enjoy the sound and melodies too. When I was 13, they brought home a guitar which really fascinated me and I thought why don’t I try playing it, and that’s when I started learning music. When it comes to production, i started it in 2010 which makes it over 11 years
Who and What inspired you to make music?
I grew up listening to heavy metal and my inspiration comes mostly from bands such as Megadeth, Pantera, Nirvana, etc. Other than that, exploring and creating new sounds and experimenting with different stuff always fascinated me. I explored HipHop in this process and was very much amused by the sounds and effects used in it.
If given chance what are those Three main tweaks that you would want to make in the Pakistani Music Industry?
1) Availability of platforms that are easily accessible for struggling artists.
2) Proper education of music. Music schools are easily accessible for those who want to pursue a career in this field.
3) Mainstreaming different music genres that aren’t always liked or appreciated by the mass as people aren’t made aware of them. It is important to let go of conventional music.
What is your creative process like?
There’s not a pattern that I always have to follow in order to create something. In fact, it’s mostly different in each of my compositions. Sometimes, I’ll get a melody in my head that I’d compose on my guitar and translate it digitally on different instruments and build the song around it, or it can be the other way around that I am presented an idea by an artist and i compose a song around it.
What’s your favorite Music Genre and why?
Heavy Metal, Grunge, Hip Hop, and R&B
A word that describes your Music?
Experimental
Do you have advice for young people who want to become music producers?
Work hard, practice, and stay dedicated. Keep on improving your sound and be unique in your own way.
How do you take criticism?
I always take it as constructive and try to improve, because nobody’s perfect.
How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements with artists?
Changes and rearrangements are not always part of the process. A producer and artists always need to be on the same page while working together. But if need be, ideas are pitched in from both parties and are implemented, and then we go with what works best.
Farasat Anees
How Did You Get Into Music & For How Long Have You Been Producing?
I got introduced to the musical world while looking up at my own question that how do they make it. while I was exploring different genres, my passion to do it by myself kept on growing every single day. It’s my 11th year in this musical journey.
Who and What inspired you to make music?
I believe in motivating someone to do some extraordinary work, so I motivate myself on the regular to make things happen physically. Talking about my inspiration, it’s not just one person it’s me as well. I ‘believe in me’ is what motivates me every single second.
If given chance what are those Three main tweaks that you would want to make in the Pakistani Music Industry?
Originality, which most of our artists lacks
Teach young musicians how to put our quality tunes
Make everyone believe in working together
What is your creative process like?
Depending on what mindsets you’re entering in the studio and then writing/pasting it into the DAW.
What’s your favorite Music Genre and why?
EDM/Pakistani Trap, why? Because that’s how I feel proud to introduce my own genre in the scene.
A word that describes your Music?
My Emotions/feel/journey
Do you have advice for young people who want to become music producers?
Be original, no rules in making music.
How do you take criticism?
I take constructive criticism as a/my grooming opportunity. Rest is just crap.
How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements with artists?
With a logical explanation, reasons, suggestions, and through our mutual consent, I make it work every time.
Ghauri
How Did You Get Into Music & For How Long Have You Been Producing?
Got into music out of curiosity when my friend showed me fl studio DAW. I have been producing music for more than a decade. started as a hobby that made me fell in love with the whole process of producing songs.
Who and What inspired you to make music?
I used to write lyrics and perform my tracks (Still do) So the motivation and inspiration were mostly to be self-sufficient. I had to learn to make beats, mix & master so I don’t have to rely on anyone for making my songs. To present my art better I had to learn a lot of other skills along to way whether it be designing artwork for my music or making animations or visuals for my music. When you have control over all tiny details of the process of making music you know whatever you putting out really represents your ideas. it’s really amazing to be able to transform your ideas into visual/sonic form
A word that describes your Music?
Emotion
What is your creative process like?
My creative process is making whatever sounds right to my ears.
If given chance what are those Three main tweaks that you would want to make in the Pakistani Music Industry?
Creativity, Fusion, and out-of-the-box ideas.
I believe the Pakistani music industry is on the right way but there are a lot of contemporary ideas that can be implemented to push it further.
What’s your favorite Music Genre and why?
I can’t actually pick one favorite musical genre it’s a tough decision. I grew up hearing a lot of Qawwali, local folk, Pakistani indie, and pop artists. I would be biased if I say rap genre because I’m a more lyrics-oriented person. I listen to the message and I love how much freedom the rap genre gives but at the same time I love how some soulful music touches you emotionally with singing and articulated instrumentations.
How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements with artists?
Most of the artists I’m working with are based in another country or another city. also Covid time makes it easier for all of us to have a jam session online interact and take ideas/suggestions. I guess it’s not very difficult to share ideas or make suggestions. I always like to lend 2nd or 3rd ear for my music to get me some suggestions on it.
How do you take criticism?
As all, creators & musicians, we are very sensitive about our work. we take it as our child and we want to nourish our art with constructive criticism from the right people. nobody likes online bashing and hate coated as criticism.
Do you have advice for young people who want to become music producers?
Just keep doing you, and find your sound. nobody wants to hear another Timbaland, Scott Storch, or Dr.Dre, they want to hear your sound. they want to hear you!!
Toshi
How Did You Get Into Music & For How Long Have You Been Producing?
Music was always there for me, just needed a push. Performed as a DJ at a friend’s place after that it’s just history. Things started in 2016 & just don’t wanna stop hustling till I die.
Who and What inspired you to make music?
Always wanted to do something big in life. Back in 2012, I used to listen to a lot of Music so ended up on stage pursuing my dream.
If given chance what are those Three main tweaks that you would want to make in the Pakistani Music Industry?
Honestly would have normalized producers getting equal credits in the song, the electronic music scene is on the rise in Pakistan but we don’t have such labels/organizations where producers & artists get royalties. Lastly would work on the regular good big venue with top-quality lighting productions where we can give audiences a proper vibe to the MUSICAL CONCERTS.
What is your creative process like?
I just vibe with the music, I don’t care what language the vocals are in. I feel the composition from the core of my heart. I sketch the melody, arrange the song roughly after that take a week’s time out to give it a proper mix master & complete the song.
What’s your favorite Music Genre and why?
I just make what I feel, I like making commercial music more now, whatever the genre is. I don’t rely on genre now they don’t feed you (harsh reality) but if you’re talking specific genre it would be Dance Music, Moombahton, R&B/Soul.
A word that describes your music?
“Hit-Maker”
Do you have advice for young people who want to become music producers?
Hustle Struggle & Remember you’re doing great.
How do you take criticism?
Taking Criticism Not Too Seriously.
How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements with artists?
Honestly, I stay transparent throughout the process. I ask & discuss each & everything before making something but if something comes up & I have to change it to make the song better. I’m always up for suggestions.
The Hashtags
How Did You Get Into Music & For How Long Have You Been Producing?
Our story is pretty incredible… some things are just meant to be. So I moved to Karachi with my Macbook and DJ controller to another area I met (Alfaid/Zaphixx) there and how we met each other is an amazing story actually what happened that I went to play cricket and our my friend circle was calling him DJ and I was wondering why they are calling him a DJ so are so I went to him and I asked him that why these guys are calling you a DJ? so he introduced himself to me that he is very passionate about music and do you know the music he was talking about was basically EDM and so was I fond of producing EDM and then I took him to my home and we came to know that we both liked the same music and we both like producing the same thing same kind of music which I am very passionate and we both started dealing with each other’s music style. Eventually, I and Alfaid ended up in forming a Duo called “The Hashtags”. The vibe was so good I bought a piano and he and I started playing together again, just for fun at that time, as we wanted. We planned to produce tracks together which has never been done before something like a fusion of Folk and EDM or Desi fusion with EDM. Well, we both were thrilled to go and pick out our brand new instruments, and a PA system and so far we have been producing for last 4 years commercially.
Who and What inspired you to make music?
For a while, I thought I’d just list what music I grew up listening to, as that must have made an impact on our lives and we grew up listening to these EDM producers: Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, Tiesto
Armin Van Buuren, Skrillex, Deadmau5 And It has always been a question mark in our mind that how to make or design sounds that we listen to from other music producers that we like and how to create our own sounds, this leads us to create the music we do today.
If given chance what are those Three main tweaks that you would want to make in the Pakistani Music Industry?
1) To make people accept new music I mean the acceptance of new music is really Very important.
2) It should be easier for upcoming to collaborate with experienced artists and it shouldn’t be based on numbers or views.
3) That nobody should perform or play for free because an artist also has to pay for everything like a normal person pays bills for everything.
What is your creative process like?
Hmmm, tricky to explain, We usually start with a few chord progressions and end up choosing the most catchy progression we like, Make a suitable structure according to the genre we think would fit, and after that, we plan on what kind of vocalist do we need for the collaboration on this instrumental and we choose vocalist according to their vocal tonality and we have to make sure that the vocalist is according to the track we have produced And a ride after the track is completed we moved towards the planning for the music video of that song.
What’s your favorite Music Genre and Why?
Progressive House tops the priority of our go-to music. The energy we feel in this genre is phenomenal, We also somehow created our own subgenre of EDM, it says Folk EDM/Folk indie Dance so basically it’s a fusing of Desi fusion with EDM and Pretty much shows our own sounds and style of our music which comes from house music.
A word that describes your music?
Fusion
Do you have advice for young people who want to become music producers?
DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED BY LACK OF “SUCCESS” We’ve seen so many posts along the lines of, “I’ve been making music for two years and still haven’t got signed to any label or we haven’t got any fame. Should I quit?” and it’s not even funny. It takes serious time to build your craft, but those taking it seriously are willing to put that time into it. Failing to understand that is a quick recipe for failing and feeling miserable. Many of you have probably been playing video games a lot. Remember how much time it took you to finish a game? A lot. And hey, you were enjoying it without thinking of “making it”. Put the same passion into music. You’ll make it. You also need to familiarize yourself with the DAW you’re using, find a genre or genres of music you feel like you can write in and feel comfortable in, and by the time you’ll be pro in it
How do you take criticism?
Criticism is a good way to understand your Musical points, either it is negative or positive, it gives us the motivation and courage to do more, Sometimes the criticism we get from the people lacks the point we thought they would raise, sometimes they raise the point we never thought of and get us into the thought process of new sounds and experiment.
How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements with artists?
In collaboration, we usually try to figure out what works best for both of us, Sometimes we go with the basic idea of a song and compose good Top-lines and rework the whole idea to achieve something unique and fresh sounding, We do it and call the artist again in the studio to discuss things live and then further go-to mixing and mastering purposes. Apart from this we usually work on harmonies too even tho the song is finished but what could be something more ear-catching to beautify a song.
