The stairway to musical heaven

THE JOURNEY THAT LED TO AMIR KHAN FORMING ROCK ACT BLACK SIXTEEN

by ASJAD NAZIR

THERE aren’t too many British Asians who have decided to pursue a career in heavy rock. Singer, songwriter and musician Amir Khan has done exactly that and has gone a step further by starting the band Black Sixteen. The rock act has delivered a number of interesting songs, received praise on the live circuit and recently released their latest offering Freak.

With interesting plans, including releasing Hindi/Urdu versions, Black Sixteen will be a band to look out for. Eastern Eye caught up with Amir to find out more about the band, his rock influences, inspirations, future plans and more.

What were your big musical influences growing up?

The earliest bands I remember loving were Duran Duran and The Police on Top of the Pops. While growing up I listened to everything from Michael Jackson and Madonna, to Guns N Roses and Nirvana to Bollywood hits and Pakistani bands such as Junoon. If I were to narrow it down to life changing bands though, it would be Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana and The Afghan Whigs, who made me think about music in a deeper way.

What led you to form a rock band?

I always wanted to be a performer and nothing else has really appealed to me. I was a geek in school who was scared of talking to girls and rock music spoke to me at a time when I was lonely. I wanted to do the same for other people and do something worthwhile with my life besides getting an office job and spending my life making money for someone else.

How would you describe Black Sixteen?

Heavy modern rock from the heart.

Which of your songs is closest to your heart?

It might be our next single called True Blue, which is about two people holding on to each other when there’s nothing left to hold on to. It’s a song about not losing hope and finding the strength in each other to keep going.

What are the plans for the band in 2018?

We will be releasing a couple more singles followed by an album. We will tour to support the album and will appear at some festivals. An Urdu/Hindi version of this album has been written, but whether that will be released under a different banner remains to be decided.

What is the greatest rock album of all time in your opinion?

It would probably be Appetite For Destruction by Guns N’ Roses.

What is your favourite song?

It’s almost impossible to narrow it all down to one song. I go through phases where I listen to one song on repeat a lot though and today it’s Alsatian Cousin by Morrissey.

Many who make rock music are rebellious. Is that the case for you?

I like to think for myself and I suppose that in itself bears the heart of rebellion.

Which artists dominate your own personal play lists?

I listen to everything, but some favourites include Kanye West, The Afghan Whigs, Morrissey, Silversun Pickups and Arijit Singh.

Where do you draw your inspiration for songs?

I’m a brooder. I think about the world and about people a lot. I’m also a very emotional person, but I keep it to myself and channel it through the music.

Who would you love to sing a duet with?

I’d like to work with a pop princess. I think the contrast of their sweet voice with our heavy sound could create some magic. Someone like Britney Spears or Katy Perry for example.

What does performing live mean to you?

Performing live is fun and cathartic. It can be a great release. What I really love though is the creative process leading up to it. Writing the song, making the video, making art. That’s when I feel the most fulfilled.

Why should people find out more about your band?

In a plastic corporate world where we are brainwashed with soulless chart music, we are making something genuine, honest, passionate and real.

Why do you love music?

Music has been the only friend and lover that is always there for me, and the only one that understands.