celebrity interview

An ace guitarist, composer and music producer Shallum Xavier has been recording professionally for over two decades, and has played as a session musician and recorded with artists including Ali Haider, Najam Shiraz, Zeb and Haniya, Hadiqa Kiyani, and (former band) Strings. “I started playing guitar at the age of 8, I was inspired by a pastor at one of my Sunday school class at The Baptist Church Karachi. He used to sing some of the most melodious Hymns,” says Shallum. According to him, he was introduced to the music industry by Hussain Ali Shah, Emu and some other friends.

In 2002, Shallum with Emu and Shafqat, formed the band Fuzon. Their first Album ‘Saagar’ was released in the year 2003. Shallum has been awarded ‘Best Guitarist of Pakistan’ as well as an award for ‘Best South Asian Band’ and ‘Best Composer’ for his composition of ‘Khamaj’. He has collaborated independently with Ingrid Kindem, Hildegun and Mocci (Fryd), and has performed with them on a number of occasions in both Pakistan and Norway.

Recently, Shallum has launched ‘The Jam Room’ on RINSTRA.com. He is currently working on his own album which features various artists from across the borders. In an exclusive interview with You! Shallum talks about his passion for music and some of his likes and dislikes…

You! What is your most memorable concert to-date?

My most memorable concert was Fuzon’s first ever International performance at the Royal Albert Hall London England in the year 2005.

You! What is the role of a guitarist in making any song hit?

If the guitarist is also a composer, which is quite common, then he or she plays a pivotal role in creating the right energy, the right chord structure along with developing illustrious riffs and sensational solos that can easily captive audiences and followers from all nooks and corners.

You! Do you make your own compositions?

Yes, I develop melodies as I have been composing songs since I started playing the acoustic guitar. ‘Ankhoon Kay Sagar’; ‘Teray Bina’; ‘Neendh Na Aye’; and ‘Saajana’ are all my compositions that I did for Fuzon albums. I have also composed for other artists and performers along with theme songs for various projects.

You! Is this God-gifted or can anyone become a guitarist?

If anyone could have become a guitarist then everyone would have become a guitar player. It’s God’s gift that you have to work on every day of your life, every day, many hours.

You! Why are there very few guitarists in Pakistan?

Why are there too many actors and actresses in Pakistan? Because that’s where everyone is concentrating, there is maximum support for the television industry since the last 15 years. On the other hand, with zero music channels and limited live music events no one is interested in becoming a guitarist. Do you know, playing guitars requires at least 6 to 8 hours of practice every day for a period of 10 to 12 years. Add another 4 years to the mix to truly become a professional. So, it’s a very difficult instrument that requires utmost patience, dedication, passion and one has to be absolutely mad to become a guitarist in Pakistan and continue the journey as a professional musician.

You! Do we have music schools in Pakistan where one can learn how to play guitar?

None of the schools here are capable of giving the right kind of lessons and instruction to beginners who want to learn how to play the instrument. In my experience, I have yet to see a music school that has the capacity and capability to teach professionally.

You! Have you thought of establishing music academy in Pakistan?

Yes, I have been trying to find the right support and people to start this journey with. I am still looking for the right resources to start this project. The provincial and Federal Government have to assist and give us all the tools as it has to be done on a national level.

You! Can you tell us a bit about your recent project – ‘The Jam Room’?

The Jam Room features both upcoming and established artists performing original compositions with just a few basic instruments. This platform has created and will create opportunities for aspiring singers and musicians to show case their skills and talent in a form of original compositions. We have recorded and released 10 episodes with 20 songs featuring some of the most brilliant artists in the music scene.

You! Do you think guitarists have future in Pakistan?

Guitarists have to diversify. Pakistan has failed to develop a true culture of music where various genres could have been promoted, accepted and appreciated, hence all the serious musicians have to do many other things besides guitar playing to support themselves financially. Mediocrity is quite prevalent in all spheres of society so bubble gum music is popular here. As a society we don’t understand intricate musical structures with finesse and vigour and guitar playing is all about dexterity and sheer determination.

You! Do you miss Fuzon days?

Fuzon is still intact, we just keep changing vocalist after every 4 to 5 years. However, I miss the touring, the massive concerts and back-to-back live performances but that was a different time. This is a different time I am happy doing what I am doing now and was happy doing what I was doing back then.

You! What is the cost of one professional guitar?

Well, it can start from 100,000 rupees and go up till 500,0000 and way beyond.

You! Are you working closely with organisations for the proliferation of music in Pakistan?

I have been professionally working as a music producer and composer at my audio/video production studio by the name of ‘Point one three productions’ for a period of over 15 years. We have a team of experienced and passionate film makers, audio engineers, singers and musicians. Our team has partnered with various established organisations like the USAID, US Consulate Karachi, The British Council, Norwegian Concert Institute, Pakistan Air Force and many other to promote music and talented individuals form underserved communities of Pakistan. Our team has organised memorable cross-cultural events in Pakistan and Norway with the help of our friend form the Norwegian concert institute and other local and international organisations. Our most recent cross-cultural collaboration was a partnership with British Council Pakistan, Birmingham and Bangladesh by the name of ‘Safar Suroon Ka’ a project dedicated towards the singers and musicians from both Bangladesh and Pakistani.

RAPID FIRE

You! Your claim to fame song / tune as a guitarist:

‘Ankhoon Kay Saagar’ is my claim to fame as a guitarist.

You! Your favourite international guitarists:

Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Johnson, Nuno Bettencourt and Paul Gilbert.

You! Your favourite local guitarist:

Russell Dsouza.

You! Your favourite music composer:

Nuno Bettencourt.

You! Who do you enjoy most working with?

I enjoy working with Alycia Dais, she is truly an incredible singer.

You! Who is your icon in music industry?

Steve Vai internationally and Salman Ahmed from the local music industry.

You! Who was your favourite rock/jazz star when you were in your teens?

As a teenager, I used to thoroughly enjoy listening to Yngwie Malmsteen.

You! One thing you like best about yourself?

My wittiness. I guess can be quite spontaneous.

You! Your most irritating habit...

Watching too much TV.

You! You don't like people who are...

Normal.

You! You are afraid of…

God, religious fanatics, politicians, uniforms and crazy stalkers.

You! Your most valuable possession:

My family is my most valuable possession.

You! Your all-time favourite movie:

‘Back to the Future’.

You! What bores you the most?

Watching the local news and politicians.

You! You are crazy about…

Maya and Aaron.

You! How do you like to spend your Sundays?

Nihari and tape ball cricket.

You! What is your favourite tune nowadays?

‘Somebody to love’ by Queen.

You! If you had access to a time machine which era would you revisit?

Most definitely the ’70s, the hippie era. I am one of them, looking for the hippie trail in Pakistan.

You! What’s the last thing you bought?

A portable internet device.

You! What books are on your bedside table?

‘A Beautiful Mind’ and ‘Angela's Ashes’.

You! When I am not working, I am usually…

Watching some music videos.

You! The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far…

Don’t expect anything from any one; just keep giving as we are sent here to give love.

You! You get super uncomfortable when…

When people discuss religion and politics.

You! The biggest misconception about you...

Most people have this hypothesis that me, my parents and my ancestors have migrated from Goa, that’s a big misconception. We were all born and raised in Karachi; however, my great grand Father was from Punjab making me a Punjabi.

You! Your favourite hangout?

These days it’s home and the cricket venue on Sundays.

You! Something very few people know about you as a person...

I can remain quiet for hours.