Half Hour With Ammar Farooki

Making music is a privilege. 

 When did your journey with music begin; was there a definitive moment?

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember; all through school and college I’d sing till my friends couldn’t take it anymore. The musical journey actually began when I started playing the guitar! Also when I heard Bruce Springsteen for the first time when I was maybe five and I didn’t know what hit me.

Who were your early passions and influences?

Growing up, I woke up most Sundays to my dad’s music playing in the house which was Elvis, The Beatles, Cliff Richards, Nat King Cole; and in my early teenage years, I listened to a lot of local and international pop. That all changed when I came across grunge.

What are you currently working on?

I have almost two albums written and composed. I am currently recording my first EP, and shooting a couple of music videos. I am really excited to be able to work with music producers Sarmad Ghafoor, Haniya Aslam, Farhad Humayun; and musicians Sameer Ahmed, Ibrahim Akram and Farhad Humayun.

You’re a singer, songwriter and a musician; what do you enjoy doing the most?

It’s difficult to pick one. I love the entire process; the agitation that stirs a song from the unknown, wrestling it out and then taming it, and eventually giving it a voice through melody.

What genre of music do you consider your work to be?

I let the songs I write pick their own genres. The words form the mood and the soundscape and that dictates the direction.

What’s your ultimate direction as a musician? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

I only write, produce and perform music as a form of self-expression. I can sit for hours and play the guitar. The fact that other people can connect with and appreciate my music is a privilege. My goal is to share all the music that I create.

A hobby that you turn to in order to rejuvenate your creativity

I love to read, and for me that replenishes the well.

Which Pakistani musicians inspire you? And why?

There are many and I really appreciate those who approach it as an art and privilege. They are honest, really skilled and play music for music’s sake, not to portray to chase celebrity status.

If you were not a singer, you would be?

I would still be a writer in some shape or form, maybe a poet or novelist.

Your all-time favourite movie?

I am a huge cinephile and so it’s difficult to pick just one, but I love Wes Anderson movies.

Three most appealing qualities in a woman?

Wit, intelligence and grit.

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat?

I’m leaning more towards Instagram presently.

Your motto in life?

To be fearless and live life on my own terms. To create.