Shaheryar Shahzad: Carving His Own Path in Music

From idolizing Pakistan’s legendary bands to crafting his own sound, Shaheryar Shahzad has journeyed through band life, musical reinvention, and an evolving solo career. In this conversation, he opens up about his inspirations, the challenges of going solo, and what’s next in his musical journey.

 1.⁠ ⁠How did your journey with music begin, and what inspired you to pick up the guitar?

I grew up in the golden era of Pakistani bands—Jal, EP, Call, Roxen, Atif Aslam, and many others—all of whom left a mark on me. As a kid, I would fill notebooks with lyrics and compositions, dreaming of being in a band. After my matriculation, I worked a summer job, saved up, and bought a guitar. That was the moment I decided to turn my inner calling into actual music.

 2.⁠ ⁠Can you tell us about your time with the two bands you were part of? What were those experiences like?

Synergy The Band was my first real step into music, a vision of combining creative forces for a greater impact. I was the constant member, while others came and went. We produced six original songs, but finding a dedicated vocalist was a struggle. Later, I joined forces with an old friend, and we created something incredible—six originals, four music videos, and 12 covers. It was an amazing journey, but again, commitment issues arose, and I realized a band needs equal passion and energy from everyone.

 3.⁠ ⁠What made you decide to transition from being part of a band to pursuing a solo career?

It was a tough realization, but I knew that if I wanted to fully bring my vision to life, I had to take control. I always saw myself as a guitarist, not a vocalist, but people encouraged me to step up. So, I decided to give it my all and take the leap into a solo career.

 4.⁠ ⁠How has your musical style evolved now that you’re on your own?

Now, I see music from a whole new perspective. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of arrangements, vocals, and production. Before, I had to adjust to others’ styles, but now, I can explore freely—mixing pop with different subgenres while keeping my signature sound.

 5.⁠ ⁠Your first solo track dropped in November—what inspired that song, and how did it feel to release music independently for the first time?

“Baatein Adhuri” was always meant to be my debut. Most people hear it as a heartbreak song, but it’s actually written from my mother’s perspective—her emotions when I was away from her. It was deeply personal. Releasing it independently felt like finally telling my story the way I wanted.

 6.⁠ ⁠You recently released a Hamd during Ramadan. Was creating something spiritual a long-time goal for you?

Absolutely! For 12–14 years, I’ve wanted to create something that truly reflects gratitude toward Allah. I’ve always admired Sami Yusuf and how his music inspires. The overwhelming response to my Hamd showed me that spiritual music can touch hearts in ways I never imagined.

 7.⁠ ⁠Your next track is lined up for Eid—can you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect?

This one’s completely different! It’s an EDM dance track—fun, upbeat, and romantic. A fresh vibe from my previous releases. I even directed the music video myself, so this is me going all-in on creativity!

 8.⁠ ⁠How do you approach songwriting and composition now compared to when you were in a band?

Before, I had to compromise—adjust to different vocalists and band dynamics. Now, I create exactly what I envision. If I feel something fits today’s sound, I refine it. If it doesn’t, I scrap it. Evolution is key.

 9.⁠ ⁠What’s been the biggest challenge in transitioning to a solo career?

Music is hard work! People see the final product, but behind the scenes, it’s composition, lyrics, studio sessions, sequencing, vocal recording, artwork, release strategies—it’s endless. Being a solo artist means handling it all, but the reward is seeing my vision come to life exactly as I imagined.

10.⁠ ⁠What are your long-term goals as a musician? Are there any genres or styles you’re excited to explore?

My Justuju album has eight tracks—two released, one on the way, and more in progress. I aim to release all by next year’s first quarter. While pop is my foundation, I want to experiment—hip-hop, R&B, EDM fusions—giving my listeners variety while keeping my essence alive. I’m evolving every day, and that’s the beauty of music!