Ahsan Ali: When Music Is You And You Are Music

Pakistan’ music industry has been rising to its former glory and we are seeing many new talented musicians and singers ‘Pop’ping out and amazing us with their music, voices and remarkable talents.
Ahsan Ali is one of these rising stars who has music running in his veins. He was born in Kasur, also known as the land of ‘Saints and Sufies.’ He had singing skills since childhood. He began his journey for music at an early age and finally achieved it despite several hardships and rejections he had to face.
He has worked with some of the iconic stars in Pakistan’s music industry. Team Orange Ink decided to ask some questions to this new sensation in Pakistan. Ahsan Ali turned out to be a significantly good person and answered our questions in a very friendly way.

Since how long have you been singing? Was this passion from your childhood?

Well, I’ve been doing music since 2005. Yeah, you can say that it’s from my childhood. But, I think music is a by default element of me, and nature blessed me this art. I really do think you’re either born an artist or you’re not. The only real choices are how hard you are going to work and how much rejection you’re willing to suffer before you quit.

What was the moment when you vowed to be a singer?

I can’t say that there was a specific moment when I decided to be a singer, but I think when I came to my senses, I knew it always hits me deeply and that curiosity makes leads. Practically, I started learning music in 2005 from different institutions like Alhamra Art Council etc.

As a singer, who or what has been your biggest inspiration?

Well, the biggest inspiration for me is nature. It’ll give you the leads. The only thing you have to be is an observer. Moments, flowing water, the sound of air when you are sitting alone in a bunch of trees, the sun rises, sunsets, love, flying birds, smiling people, there are lots of things that nature offers you. You just need to have the ability to pick it up.

Talking about personalities, there are a lot of maestros I listen to, and their uniqueness always inspired me a lot like Muhammad Rafi, Madam Noor Jahan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Kishor Kumar, Lata Jee, Sonu Nigam, Bon Jovi, Sade, Billy Ocean, and Bryan Adam.

How did you learn about music and singing?

With the passage of time, curiosity grew day by day. I started learning vocal techniques and for that, I joined the Alhamra Art Council and often visited different studios. I saw how they work, listened to their discussions about music and how they apply their knowledge during recordings. At the initial stage, it is very hard to grasp those things especially when you don’t have a musical background. But I tried my level best to understand music theory. So that is how I do my things and I am still learning. Research is my tool.

Do you remember the time you sang before a crowd for the first time? How did you feel?

Hahaha, yeah I remember. Such a difficult time it was, haha. I know I was super nervous before going on the stage. I couldn’t sleep a previous night just cause of nervousness and that pressure was super awesome… I was there 2 hours before my performance and was trying hard to control the mixture of excitement, nervousness, and stage fright… Well, that was a great experience I never forget. In the end, the performance turned out to be great because after a few minutes, the crowd was singing with me and that’s how my confidence was restored.

You have worked with some of the most iconic musicians of Pakistan, how has your experience been?

In this case, I feel so blessed. Because at an early stage, I got chances to work with the top lot of the music industry. I worked with Shafqat Amanat Ali, Ali Azmat, and Ali Zafar, and learned a lot of things from these Maestros by listening to them and watching them how they work, which type of techniques they used while recording and which type of musical approach they have. I feel blessed in this case.

What do you love more, music composing or singing?

Well, it’s a bit difficult to differentiate my love for singing and composing. Actually, I compose my own melodies, sing them, and produce my own songs as well. So, being a singer, songwriter, and music producer, every bit of the process is important. Singing is as important as composing and composing is as important as singing. In the end, it is a matter of connectivity.

Any interesting memory related to your music gig that you loved?

Yeah. Lots. But this one, which I’m telling you, is about giving confidence to someone. Once, I was performing and a bunch of boys from the first row were hooting at me and tried to puzzle and nervous me. But two boys standing beside them showing me thumbs up and continuously supporting me. Just because of them I managed that situation. So giving confidence matters.

Born in the ‘Land of Sufies and Saints,’ what does music mean to you?

When you belong to a land which is known for music and Sufies, I think it has a deep impact on your soul. Somewhere, you are connected with your cultural heritage and customs. The essence of the land always exist in one’s art, so it does matter.

What is your favorite song that you would like to sing or perform again and again?

“Chodhvien ka Chand” is one of my favorite songs. I would like to sing it again and again.

Source All Images: www.facebook.com/OfficialAhsanAli/