Band name: Kharaj
Band members and their positions: Usman Ahmad Khan [Vocalist/ Guitarist / Song writer] Saqib Nasir [Drummer / Percussionist ] Qaisar Shakeel [Bassist]
One quote that inspires you all? People haven't always been there for us but music always has.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
We are one of the pioneer progressive rock bands from Islamabad with a profile of playing hundreds of live concerts locally as well as internationally. It was the year 2007 when we formally started recording our debut album, which we plan on releasing worldwide this fall. Till date we have released three music videos and five original singles from the album.
Inspirations?
Led Zeppelin, Nickleback, Dream Theater, Guns & Roses, Pantera and the list goes on etc.
What are your hopes for the near future?
We hope to release the album which is called ‘AAG’. We also hope to play lot more shows.
How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
It’s been 10 years since we know each other. We were all class mates back then.
If you guys were to describe yourself in simple word choice. What would you say?
Heavy yet melodic. Honestly we follow no genre as musicians. We play and listen to what sounds good to our ears.
Do you guys have any other hobbies besides, obviously, making music?
We are born musicians. Music is not a hobby! Usman Ahmad Khan (vocalist) is a graphic designer, director and a photographer. He is a permanent band member of another Islamabad based band SATURN aswell and play guitars in it. Kaisar Shakeel (bassist) is a photographer aswell. Both of them do it professionally. Lastly, Saqib Nasir (Drummer), is an iphone guru and sleeps all day long. Both Kaisar and Saqib are members of a Gospel band called Hosanna aswell.
Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
We admire everybody who is doing music or any kind of art. They are all contributing in their own special ways.
Your song Main kaun ho, one of the best song of yours. While you were in studio working on that track what was on everyone’s mind?