‘I want to represent my roots’

BRITISH SINGER HANI KING ON HIS MUSICAL JOURNEY AND SPECIAL UPCOMING GIG

by ASJAD NAZIR

British singer, songwriter and producer Hani King will show off his live performance skills alongside a strong line-up at this year’s Waltham Forest Mela next Sunday (4).

He will perform alongside a top line-up of artists, including Apache Indian, Najma Akhtar, Roach Killa, Navin Kundra and Shama Rahman, but this chapter will be particularly special for the London-based artist, because he lives locally.

He is influenced by diverse musical genres and has more interesting projects on the way.

Eastern Eye caught up with Hani King to talk about his special upcoming performance, music and forthcoming projects.

What first connected you to music?

My dad played instruments for relaxation, which inspired me to do music. Every mainstream instrument was available at home, except for the guitar. Being a spoiled kid, I asked my dad for one. I started playing at the age of 12 and by 14, I was composing melodies and writing songs. This resulted in me performing at various events, doing acoustic covers and it all grew from there. Also, my dad used to organise events in the Middle East where mainstream Pakistani artists performed, so I grew up around them, their rehearsals and concerts.

Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

I grew up listening to the sounds of Pink Floyd, Junoon, Eminem, Michael Jackson, Backstreet Boys (yes, you heard that right), Tamer Hosny, AR Rahman, Nancy Ajram, Elisa, Linkin Park, Enrique Iglesias, Justin Timberlake and the list goes on. And how can we forget the great (late) Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who is an inspiration to millions and universally-recognised as one of the greatest voices in history. His legacy continues with the legend Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. I also paid a tribute to Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan with my last release, Nazron Sey.

Tell us, how did you feel when your first song was released? 

For songs I had written and composed in my bedroom to end up being recorded and released to the world was a surreal feeling. I also felt nervous, as I couldn’t predict how people would respond to my music. It’s natural to like whatever you create, but you can’t expect listeners to love it as much. I still remember, in 2012, when I first uploaded my music video on YouTube and the great response I got from media, including TV channels, who playlisted my track and did interviews with me. That initial response gave me the confidence to believe I can do this and people like my stuff. To be honest, with every release, I relive the same experience.

What do you mean?

It never changes. There is more pressure with every release because now there is more expectation. With my next release, I’m going all in, so it will be more of a nail-biting experience. This time, it will be a one-man show as I’ve produced, written, composed and sung the song. So, I can’t wait for the feedback as I can say this is solely, my sound.

How much does live performing mean to you?

As an artist who started with writing and composing music in his bedroom, it was natural for me to pick up the guitar and sing live with it. Performing live with a band is better than just being up on your own and you get to improvise. It’s a shame there aren’t many shows today that have live bands performing. I have a circle of friends, who are musicians, and am looking forward to jamming with them, and coming up with a new live set and hoping to be performing live, near you.

How much are you looking forward to performing at the Waltham Forest Mela?

I’m very excited and massively looking forward to being at the mela as I’ll be performing my unreleased track Habibi alongside other songs such as Nazron Sey and Saat Samandar. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!

What does it mean to you, as a local artist, to perform there?

It means a lot as I believe you should never forget your roots and be proud of where you come from. I live in Waltham Forest and this is home to me and it’s great to perform in front of the local crowd. Plus, I love the attention!

What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?

It’s a very exciting and hectic year in the studio as I’ve been mastering the craft of music production. With my upcoming tracks, you’ll be introduced to my music with me taking the full plunge as a producer. I’ve produced, written and composed my forthcoming songs, which will be a taste of the sound that is true to me. I’ve worked on new tracks where I’ve managed to explore different genres. I want to represent my roots. My upcoming track Habibi is a fusion of Arab and Asian melodies with a western music production.

Who would you love to collaborate with? 

I have an upcoming track that, I feel, can do with a good rap and if I was to have a quick think, someone like Tyga, Dappy, Bohemia or Tory lanez would fit right in. I’d also love to work with AR Rahman or DJ Khaled. It can happen, right?

What music dominates your playlist?  

I grew up listening to Pakistani sufi-rock, Punjabi, Arabic and western pop, rock and rap music. I’m all down for melodies and music that is well produced. I could list songs I love, but when it comes to my current hotlist, it’s random genres of music. But one song I can’t get out of my mind is Fashion Week by Steel Banglez.

What inspires you? 

Anything can inspire me; deep conversations with people, good music, nature and experiences such as travelling. I love to explore different cultures and see how diverse yet beautiful this world is. And, I almost forgot, great food!

Why do you love music?

Music is so inspiring. It helps me to reflect on what matters to me, who I am and what I’m working towards. Music motivates me to inspire others. It’s the best way to express my feelings and a great form of escapism. A song is abstract just like a painting. You compose, write and record a song, yet it is experienced differently by all. No two people will feel the same despite the chords, melody and lyrics being the same.

Why should we come to Waltham Forest Mela?

The team behind it have worked hard to put on a great event and a strong line-up of artists. I performed at the Waltham Forest Mela in 2017 and the crowd turnout was great, but this year it seems to be on a bigger scale. Waltham Forest is the London Mayor’s first London Borough of Culture. So, make sure you all come to the event, which is free of charge. See you all there and feel free to pop over for a chat.

wfculture19.co.uk/Mela