• When and why did you start playing?

Hi, this is Osman Khan: Paki Grunge Rock Artist. I started learning music and then actually playing it since 2006, we use to jam and then formed an Islamabad based rock band in 2006-07.

• Which instruments do you play?

I play guitars (lead and rhythm) and I play keyboards as well (now).

• What was the first tune(s) you learned?

Haha, good question. I am a self-taught musician. The very first tune I remember I played as far as the jam is concerned was Nirvana’s “Come as You Are (Intro)”. I absolutely loved the music from late 80’s and 90’s.

• Is your family musical?

Not at all, I’d say political.

• Describe your family member's musical interests and abilities.

It’s a very unique question haha and answer goes like that. My dad is not a real time listener in fact he has nothing to do with music thing. He likes Qawali’s only and on the other end my mom is more of a pop music lover. Being the only Son and now actually a Rock Musician is something pretty different as far as my family is concerned.

• Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?

I love Nirvana’s music, growing up I have listened to western artists and then came a phase where I heard Paki rock music. It was a surprise, because I never thought that rock music exist in Pakistan, today I feel good being a prominent part of Pakistani Music small scale industry. I like Seether, E.P. Vital Signs, Marilyn Manson, JT and Roxen slash Annie Khalid.

• Which famous musicians have you learned from?

I am a self-taught musician, but I believe that time is the biggest teacher. Growing up in Pakistan I have met a lot of musicians at very early age of my life. Some of them still are doing their own thing but i’d say that time and audience is the biggest teacher.

• Who was your first teacher? Other teachers?

Same.

• Describe your first instrument. Other instruments.

My first instrument was an acoustic guitar bought from a local shop in Islamabad. I remember the day even I was completely locked inside my room for hours and I was just trying to play it like anything haha. I loved it and it is still the only guitar I play every single morning as I wake up.

• What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?

My town is Islamabad, this city is my home where I have grown. I became an artist here and I have a lot of memories from this city. Once I was performing at Bahria University Islamabad and on stage there was some sound issue and the crowd was huge in front of me, twice the mic’s got off and even my guitar too. I kicked the Red bull can which was in front of me and it went off in the crowd, some girl I still apologize to that lady. Later on sound got okay and I played quiet many tracks and response was awesome.

• Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

At older times there was no iPod or gadgets like today, I remember I use to buy an audio CD for about 500 PKR to listen to western music and it was Vital Signs on PTV only. Things shifted up as CD players got in and I still have those CD’s and Cassettes with me old records of Linkin Park, MNM, LimpBizkit and many other artists.

• Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD's?

My favorites are Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson, Ali Azmat, Junoon, Roxen, Annie Khalid, Vital Signs and few singles from very selective artists.

• Have you been in competitions?  Any prizes?

In 2010 I was selected to represent Pakistan in Metal Asia Compilation that was the time in my life when I felt that now I have to continue my music journey as a solo artist. In between this and the previous year my band actually got over because 2 of the members went back to Lahore and I was in Islamabad. After that within 2 years I came up with 3 music videos and finally a complete album in 2013 titled as “Rock A Nation”, my music is featured on Rolling Stones, BC Radio India, City FM89, NME Magazine USA and NME Radio USA and many other international magazines and radio stations. Recently MTV has featured me on their official website and a day back Pakistan Media Leads has featured me. This is mainstream for me now.

• Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV?

Absolutely yes, I have played many many concerts and as far as Radio and TV has concerned my music videos are on National as well as International TV Channels, I have done live shows on all national TV Channels as well. I love performing live and interacting with audience via TV and radio. Every single show is important to me and interviews as well are equally important.

• Do you play for dances? Step-dancers? Describe the differences.

That’s a very interesting question. I have seen people dancing on my Rock Music tunes, I don’t know how and why but somehow they feel that the music I am playing goes more with that or something. In Islamabad with a semi acoustic guitar plugged in the sound during a concert I was just playing random rhythms and more of a medley thing people were dancing and clapping with each strum. It’s amazing, keeping that in mind I recently came up with Osman Khan Mashup and these days in town it’s in every single party’s playlist. So rock is there, alternative music is there and now club track is there too.

• How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Yeah, it’s more of a secret now haha. Mistakes are part of the game. At early days of live performances I was more casual about the live thing. Through the passage of time I actually am getting more serious about the live performances, more focused you can say too. Sometimes some lyrics do shift but as far as rhythm and lead is concerned I practice and jam too much to make this happen in a perfect manner.

• Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?

I believe every musician do get nervous or something at the very beginning, yes it did happen with me. Through time and exposure I did overcome that and now it is perfectly fine. I love every single moment on stage, believe me I love when the crowd is equally involved in whatever I do. I make them shout and scream and I love that even more.

• What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?

Focus and jam every day. It’s the key to overcome that. Play your music live everywhere. Keep your acoustic guitar with you. Just play it.

• Do you attend sessions? What makes a good session?

Yes, a good session is first dependent upon the sound setup and then it’s those musicians who play on that. A good sound is a must. I have played gigs of every kind, small and large scale. Sound is very much important.

• How often and for how long do you practice?

I remember those days when I use to play guitars for like 9-11 hours a day. Through time and my heck schedule I do find myself jamming every day for half an hour or so in the morning and my morning is usually around 10 am.

• How can fans contact you? Any email, Facebook, , etc

I have a website and yeah Twitter, Facebook and Email and all is there too. Emails and Facebook Page inbox is always full of messages.

My website: http://www.osmankhanmusic.com

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/osmankhanmusic

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/osmankhanozzy

• Tell how was the experience when doingOsman Khan Mashup ft. Katy Perry, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Adele - DJ Shark. Official Audio Release. And also tell us about you upcoming projects or audio you are making?

It was an awesome experience, DJ Shark from Karachi connected me through my Facebook Page and we had a little chat regarding a collaboration. I wanted to bring in something different at Eid Ul Fitr 2013. He liked my music and work and I presented the idea of a Mashup song. It clicked and next I was in Karachi for the audio mix and all. It was an awesome experience as my fans responded pretty well when the audio was released.   My upcoming projects include my second album, on twitter I am talking about it a lot and yes it’s in the making these days. It has collaborations more from national and international artists. This time I am coming up with something more Hulkish than ever. Its more about Pakistan, Muslims and rest of the world.

• Tell us about you song which you make on Pakistan conditional which makes you think these kinds of songs must be made?

My first Official Music Video and Audio release was titled as “Mujh Main Hai Aag” video was from X Productions Media and about 4-5 months before the release I started the project. My aim was to highlight the issues that exist in our society and a common man who is suffering from them. It officially launched me as an artist and it’s a great feeling I tell you.  Since my whole album “Rock A Nation” was more or less based on the same and past few years of my life I wanted to continue making such songs in which I can promote youth of the country and raise the voice of a common man.

• Tell us about the Rock A Nation: released April 2013 ? about this Voice Against Drone Attacks?

Rock A Nation is simply not just an album, it’s part of me and it is something that you can call past few years of my life. It took 4-5 years for the making. Those 8 tracks highlight who am I and what I am trying to say to the masses through my music and what I am portraying to rest of the world. Tracks like Aag Reloaded (Voice Against Drone Attacks) is my message to rest of the world that if you can drone us with the help of corrupt leadership and poor political infrastructure of our country then we can hit you back one day pretty soon. There are families who died and suffered from drone strikes and nobody was talking about it at that time. Tracks like “No Gravity” showcases how strong and passionate our Armed Forces are, Pukhtoun Power is a track that exhibits the Pukhtoun nation and an instrumental remake of most popular rock song “Aadat by Jal” is also in the album, summing up I feel that it’s a much needed album to revive rock music in Pakistan.

• Would you like to say word about my (website)? My name is maria and im journalist?

Thankyou so much for having me, Keep up the great work you are doing and all the very best for your future from me and my team’s side. God bless you and God bless Pakistan.  My name is Osman Khan and I am not a Terrorist.