A RISING STAR IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY HAIDER MUSTEHSAN
W e exclusively caught up with singer Haider Mustehsan in his hometown Islamabad on a choatic evening, in the midst of protests and poltical unrest due to the no-confidence motion taking place that same night. He posed for our camera at the famous Haunted Hill. The upcoming talent has already been loved by many and is sure to make his mark in the months to come. Find out all about this young star in this interview. Read on...
‘For the past 10 years or so I was living in New York City and exposed heavily to Afro- Latino music. I guess my music is a culmination of that’
Hi Haider! Happy to have you here. Singing surely runs in the family. Being the younger brother of well-known singer Momina Mustehsan, has she inspired you in any way? Was she the reason why you decided to take on singing as well?
Momina has always inspired me since we were little kids and continues to do so everyday. We both picked up music around the same time when I bought my first guitar. We both learnt to play the guitar from YouTube and taught each other. You could say we inspire one another.
What gravitated you towards becoming a singer? Was this always the dream?
I don’t think anything particularly made me gravitate towards it. Playing the guitar and singing at the top of my voice somehow always brought me a peace and calmness that few others did. Over time it became sort of a daily hobby and then ultimately a prime way to transmit my emotions. That’s how the singer was born.
‘She (Aima Baig) is an extremely talented and super fun lady. We had a blast working on 'Sohna Tu' together!’
What elements define your choice of genre? Where do you find inspiration?
I had a unique chance of being brought up in three different cultures, in three different countries. I was exposed to the sounds in various languages and various instruments. For the past 10 years or so I was living in New York City and exposed heavily to Afro-Latino music. I guess my music is a culmination of that.
From Haider to HYDR. Tell us a bit about this name change.
It’s not really a name change; it’s a spelling change. It’s pronounced that same. My aim is to be a universal artist and I figured HYDR would be a more suitable name since it’s easily pronounced by people in both east and west.
You have a song with Aima Baig ‘Sohna Tu’. What was the experience like working with her?
She is an extremely talented and super fun lady. We had a blast working on ‘Sohna Tu’ together!
How do you feel Covid-19 has impacted the music business or in particular yourself as a singer?
I think the biggest impact it has had is the inability of an artist to perform live in front of crowds. Majority of the revenue that is made from doing music is through live shows, so in that way it is a real pressure on the arts community in general.
If you could change anything about Pakistan’s music industry, what would it be?
I think an effort towards sincere and genuine collaboration is much needed in the industry; genuine friendships to start with.
What would you consider your big break in the industry?
I’m not sure (laughs). We’ll have to wait and see.
Are they any artist you would love to collaborate with internationally and locally?
The Weeknd or Bruno Mars for sure.
‘I think an effort towards sincere and genuine collaboration is much needed in the industry; genuine friendships to start with’
According to you, what sets you apart from the rest?
My story. My sound. In times where everything seems uncertain you see everyone having alternate career options.
Do you have any such plans? Perhaps acting, direction or filmmaking?
I have a dual Bachelors Degree in Political Economy and Sociology, and I’m currently a Masters student in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies. This is a path I’m pursuing in conjunction with my music. But sure, I wouldn’t mind acting if given the right script. Any exciting collaborations or projects we need to look out for in the future?
Yes, this summer is going be super crazy. Just wait on it.
‘I just usually hope whoever is writing a mean or hurtful comment is doing okay in their life, and wish them much healing. It must take a lot of hate to comment on someone they don’t even know ’
There is so much unnecessary negativity and hate around us, mostly on social media. How do you handle criticism and opinionated people? Does it affect you?
Of course, it affects everyone. We are all but humans at the end of the day. But I just usually hope whoever is writing a mean or hurtful comment is doing okay in their life, and wish them much healing. It must take a lot of hate to comment on someone they don’t even know.
Your work is revolved around the public eye. What do you do to keep yourself centered, grounded and always positive?
My family and my friends.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thank you so much. Because of each and every one of you and all your comments and messages I have renewed purpose to keep sharing my music. When we make it to the big stage, I will never forget you guys, and I hope you’ll be there with me.
One pro and con of being in the entertainment field?
Pro: it’s an exciting life; Con: it’s a consuming life.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
With a Grammy in my house’s mantle and working on my PHD.
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
PHOTOGRAPHY: BASIT ALI
COORDINATION: PH SOLUTIONS