Uzair Jaswal is a seasoned veteran when it comes to the world of entertainment, with his career on stage, screen and streaming services recently ticking into its 14th year. Which is all the more incredible when you remember the man is only 29-years-old. In this time, he has evolved from a young-driven kid to a star who is now ruling millions of hearts. We spoke to the musician about his latest album ‘Love Struck’, success, acting plans and more. Read on...
Hi Uzair! Pleasure to have you back. I suppose it’s only right to start off by congratulating you on the launch of your new album ‘Love Struck’ which is doing really well. Tell us what was the inspiration behind and are all the songs in the album come from a place of personal experience?
Thank you, Yes! It feels kind of surreal as a musician to create an entire album. Trying to finish it and put it out into the world is like a task and a half. But when it’s done, there’s this huge relief, incredible satisfaction, and a feeling of accomplishment that comes with it. I’m also really happy with how people are responding to the album, resonating and relating to the music. Of course, when you start writing you pick up certain things from your experiences and your life. So, all the songs, here and there, somewhere down the line might have been something that I had picked up from my own experiences but not entirely. I’m glad that everyone who is listening to the album feels the same and they’re treating it as their own.
RAPID FIRE
How would you describe your personal style?
Basic and casual.
What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?
Nothing weird. They only do the sweetest things.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Currently, I love Billie Eilish, I listen to her all the time.
What is your biggest fear?
Imagining life without my parents.
What’s your one biggest pet peeve?
People with big egos.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
At this moment, currently, my album that just came out feels like the biggest accomplishment for me.
What is your favourite movie quote?
‘The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.’ - Rafiki, The Lion King
Your favourite social media app?
If you could trade lives with anyone for a day who would it be and why?
I wouldn’t do that; I would rather make the best out of the one I have.
Three things that impress you in a woman?
Good conversation, good conversation, and good conversation
The last two years have been very strange and people have been coping in any manner of ways. What has 2020/2021 taught you about yourself? Are you good in times of a crisis?
The last two years have been crazy for me as well! Although, with time I got better at managing it. But I feel, in terms of creativity, this last year, especially in 2021, really helped me with writing and getting back into music. I believe that if you have a passion for something and something that your heart is into… even in the worst of times, if you redirect yourself towards that you could easily distract yourself and manage that time better. So even though it was a really tough time for everyone, some people coped with it better than others. 2020 was particularly difficult but it got much better for me in 2021 especially when I shifted all my energies towards my music.
‘I believe that if you have a passion for something and something that your heart is into… even in the worst of times, if you redirect yourself towards that you could easily distract yourself and manage that time better’
If you had complete creative and financial freedom to start on a project right now, what would it be? Would you make an album, a film, or something else?
If I had the option right now, I would love to do a musical play where I could sing, dance, and act at the same time. I would love to do that because I’ve loved doing theatre all my life and I haven’t done it in a while. I’ve just completed my album though, so, if there ever was something new that I could try out at this point, it would be a theater play and I would take that play to different cities in Pakistan.
People change throughout their lives depending on their circumstances and experiences, do you feel you are fundamentally the same person as you were when you started working as an artist, or have you evolved?
I might have changed and evolved creatively but at heart I’m still a kid who’s trying to follow his dreams and trying to make something big out of his life.
‘The DREAM is to sell out stadiums across the world and to be able to go on stage to perform every day for the rest of my life’
Who are your greatest influences? Who are your current favourite singers, local and international?
My greatest influences have been my parents, who have taught me basic life skills and helped me cultivate professional skills as well. They have supported my dreams and they’re my number 1’s, my number one fans. They taught me how to be dedicated, devoted, and motivated. My teachers have been a great influence as well because they supported and taught me so much when I was younger. My friends, family members, and especially my elder brothers who are also musicians, Yasir bhai and Umair bhai. Internationally, I love John Mayer’s writing, Damien Rice, Post Malone and Khalid these days. Locally, my favourite musicians would be Young Stunners and Natasha Noorani.
What is your creative process like? How do you start writing a music piece?
The creative process is never the same. Especially for me, it just varies. Sometimes the melody will come first and lyrics will follow and sometimes the lyrics will come first and the melody will follow. Sometimes I will just write a line or maybe five words and then just keep it there and come back to it, two or three months later, and then just start writing again. So it’s never the same. It happens naturally and I let it flow. For me, the creative process is something organic and something I don’t mess with. So whatever happens, whatever way it happens, I let it be.
Do you have any favourite instruments or gears you’re using right now? Something you cannot live without?
I’ve had quite a few favourite ones. There are instruments that keep me in key, instruments that help me work out a melody, instruments that help me warm up but these days I’ve been going on stage a lot so my favourite right now is my in-ear monitor because it helps me with my live performances and I carry it everywhere with me.
We have enjoyed watching you act so when are we again seeing you on TV in a drama or perhaps a movie? How has the experience of acting been like for you?
I’ve always loved acting as well. Growing up I did a lot of theatre. I later ventured into acting in 2017 where I did two plays and then I didn’t do much acting after that. 2022 is the year I’m hoping to do a lot more TV and a lot more acting. I took a long break but I’ll be back on the TV screens very soon hopefully.
What’s has been your biggest takeaway from last year (2021)? What else is in store for you?
The biggest takeaway was, as I mentioned before, to live every moment, make the best out of every day and follow your heart. Follow your dreams and don’t let anything come in the way. In terms of what else is in store for me, my album launches in different cities so I’m going to be touring a lot. That’s the dream for me as well, to just be travelling, touring, being on stage and performing and I’m just excited about that. I’m also very excited about all the music videos that are going to be released.
And finally, what is THE DREAM, Uzair?
The DREAM is to sell out stadiums across the world and to be able to go on stage to perform every day for the rest of my life. The dream for me is being able to get the world to listen to my work and the music that I have worked so hard on, love so much and have written with all my heart.
INTERVIEW: SUNDUS UNSAR RAJA
PHOTOS: HASAN HABIB HASHMIE (3H)
COORDINATION: PH SOLUTIONS