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Farhad Humayun is perhaps, one of the most prominent musicians of our generation whose versatility has not only added to the reverence and gratitude of his peer in the music industry but, also has amassed him quite a ginormous fan base. The multi-faceted singer/songwriter is responsible for bringing back the echoes of the dhol to popular culture, and on his way he has managed to fuse it with the beats his drum sticks tore out, carving himself a genre that he has proudly taken across the globe to much applause and ovation.

So, we’re not surprised that he has finally taken the much-needed step and announced his first solo album that will be coming out later this year titled Mera Naam with its first single ‘Mur Ke Dekho’ debuting in the coming week.

The album will feature 10 brand new singles that he and his team of collaborators have been working on for almost a year. However, for him, a solo album has been coming for a few years, which the singer is calling his most definitive work to date, and making it something we all definitely need to look out for. Something Haute spoke to the musician about it, who revealed,

“I say it’s my most definitive work because it’s a very personal project on which I have cut no corners. I’m writing, singing, playing guitars drums bass and some keyboards myself. I feel at this point my musical proficiency is on the same level as the intensity of my emotions. This album showcases all the different lights darkness and colours within me and is brutally honest.”

The first song from his album will be available in the next few days

And, as exciting as his new venture sounds, we had to speak to him about producing original music and its importance in the music industry right now, where artists are revamping old classics over and over again.  Speaking about its important, Humayun said, “it is absolutely essential. A technically proficient singer who covers other artists can never qualify as an all-rounder artist. If I paint beautifully but, make replicas of Rembrandt and Van Gogh you can appreciate my skill but you can’t like me as an artist. The reason why Pakistan isn’t able to showcase its modern/progressive/contemporary identity is because people are taking shortcuts to fame by redoing old songs because it’s safe to do so. People need to write their own lyrics and music and make melodies themselves rather than covering content that neither they nor the public can relate to.”

Agreeing with the singer, as riveting as it is to listen to the old classics of yesteryear, music has become one big remixed CD of the same songs done three different ways. Like many, we’re looking forward to Farhad Humayun’s Mera Naam that will, if nothing else, surely stir things up.

Haider Maqsood

The author is our Haute Lahore Correspondent, who's a part time writer with a full time passion to stay candid and loud!