As soulful as can be.. Haider Jafri - INTERVIEW
Tell me more about how did you start out as an artist - how and when did it begin?
I started by just playing the ukulele when I was 15 and moved on to the guitar a little over a year after that. It took one middle school talent show and a solo performance of “A Team by Ed Sheeran” for me to really get into the groove of performing. Haven’t stopped since.
What is the single “Starshine” inspired by? What is the story behind it?
Well, I wrote the song as a Valentine’s day letter...it was the product of real appreciation and adoration and I just wanted to communicate that sentiment in the best way I knew how, through song.
Tell me a little more about the writing process. Is it stream of consciousness type writing or more planned and thought out? Is there an underlining theme in your music?
My writing process fluctuates depending on absolutely nothing. I’ve written a lot of songs, but the ones I’m happiest with are usually on impulse and start off with a single word or phrase when I’m JUST about to fall asleep. I have to rush to my phone and write it down. Those songs are written within a span of 20 minutes, anything that I’ve worked on for longer is pretty much just unfinished. It doesn’t sound conventional but how do you progress by sticking to convention?
Is the same true about space? Where do you write? Does place and time influence you and your writing process?
Honestly, in the comfort of my bathroom hahahah (acoustics are better)
Were you listening or watching anything in particular quite a bit during the recording and writing process?
No, same old same old.
Do you think there is a perfect time and place to listen to the single, does it lend itself to a particular listening experience?
Valentine’s Day? Hahahah
Honestly, with most of my music I’d recommend a rainy day and/or a dimly lit room- with a cuppa hot chocolate in hand.
If you could hope that your music inspires someone to do something, what would that be?
Empathy and expression of emotion- in whatever shape or form it takes. Music is both individual and universal, and something to be lost in and find yourself through. With that being said, my goal is not to be relatable, but an example of letting out what you need to say.
Tell me more about your musical influences? Are you hoping to achieve a certain sound or theme on your new release?
Ooooh. OOOOH.
I am the biggest fan of Hozier, Jeff Buckley, and Patrick Watson. The common ground in all of these is in the lyrics. It’s more to do with a “musical poetry” than just common musicality. Also their voices.....their timbres, intonations and range blow me away no matter the song. I’m also the biggest indie rock and neo-soul fan so there’s that. But all in all, I lean towards a more melancholic and somber kind of music, at least as a solo performer - as soulful as can be.
Tell me more about you and your successes as an artist?
I’m grateful to have had enough support when I was starting out that I never wanted to miss an opportunity. Since then I’ve played at live events in Dubai, as well as on the radio. In Prague I’ve had the pleasure of playing at restaurants, cafes, lounges, cultural venues, and my favourite of them all: weddings. With 5 years in a band setting we’ve played at multiple well known rock venues as well as clubs, corporate events and ...yep you guessed it, more weddings.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of music? Anything else I should know about you?
Fortunately, I’ve been born into a family that is holds a high regard for literature and the arts. I’ve also been a reader, less so now because of the whole medschool thing- however, I’ve maintained a passion for writing (taking after my mother and grandmother)- especially poetry. I’m a sucker for good wordplay. Besides that, I can get lost in cooking. 3 hours minimum or it doesn’t hit that chord in my stomach.
