JAMO magazine January 2015/ 13th issue | Page 111

As I looked at your facebook page's 'about' section, it was really amazing to see that you guys want to spread love & peace around the world and you guys sing in different languages too such as your original song 'Life is Fine' based on a poem by Langston Hughes. The poetry has really strong words and describes life well ... what did you guys like about the poem so much that you made it a wonderful song?

The poem was about anti slavery back in 1950s-60s in US. When I read the poem, I tried to put myself in the shoes of African Americans slaves at that time. I felt how hard life must have been for them. But at the same time, Langston Hughes had the courage to find a ray of hope in those tough days and say that Life is Fine. It really touched my heart. I felt it for all Pakistan that regardless of what chaos and turmoil is happening, if we keep searching for hope Life will be fine.

The music of your songs is amazingly awesome - who composes it? Is it team work or one person who does it?

I compose all the music. That's the natural talent God has blessed me with. The key for me to be able to compose are lyrics and message in the poetry. Once I finish composing, I let my vocal coach Munir and Hassan hear it and we work on all the technical elements together. So it is an iterative process ensuring that the composition sounds good.

There must be a time when you guys start arguing and don't agree on one thing, so how do you sort out such issues?

We avoid confrontations and arguments by having clarity in the definition of the roles. My role is to compose and sing. Hassan's role is to produce. I involve him once I am fully satisfied with my composition for his inputs and he involves me when he is fully satisfied once the song is produced. While we do go back and forth during all the steps, it's more about listening to each others inputs and keeping an open mind.

Style is something very important for musicians. Do you guys have a stylist or do each of you just come up with your own styling?

While we are open to working with stylists, we have so far styled our own selves. At the end of the day, we want to be comfortable in our skin and carry ourselves naturally. I sit down with Rehan (Video director) when we talk about the video concept, the music feel and from that Rehan decides on what kind of styling would work with the storyline of the video.

What are those few important tips that you would like to share with newcomers who admire The Spellz and want to be like you guys?

Do not try to be like The Spellz. Never try to copy anyone. While you can be influenced and have your favorites, try to find your own originality. It's easier said than done and it takes some time and a few songs to find your natural elements and talents. But one should never be afraid of trying something new and unique even if it fails. I have made tons of mistakes on this journey and every single mistake is making me wiser.

What are those most important points that you guys keep in your mind while creating a master piece song?

Firstly, it has to reflect our originality as artists. Even when we do a cover song, we try to bring our own originality in it. Secondly, the poetry has to be very solid and meaningful. Thirdly, we are not afraid to experiment and bring uniqueness in sounds. Lastly and most importantly, we try to make sure that we make music that we can listen to 40 years from now and be proud of it even if it takes more time to build it.

What are upcoming projects of The Spellz ... sneak peak?

Tons of very solid songs that are different from what you have heard from us. 2014 was just a warm up ;) 2 new songs are currently in production and there is almost 10 ideas in the bucket. We are trying to create a whole new genre of music with our next two songs and it's sounding great already. So, keep listening cause we are just opening up the gates.

What is your message for our JAMO readers?

Spread the message of peace and love. Do the right things and inspire others to do the right things as well. We should all be collectively and individually doing things that our next generations can remember us for proudly. We need to learn to love humanity regardless of race, religion, cultures and all separations. Earth is our one big home and we need to love to share it.

I named us The Spellz because when I am making music I go into a very spiritual zone.

"