Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

‘We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever. It is to create something that will.’ True, but not the kind of truth one expects to hear from this very accessible yet extremely private and much loved figure on the Asian music scene.



Atif Aslam is something of an enigma. A very public presence, a showbiz phenomenon perfectly at home in the relentless glitter of Bollywood razzle-dazzle he has a still centre where, if you can get to meet him there, lives a restless and reflective soul.



Talking with him in a meandering conversation rather than interviewing him results in a journey that reveals unexpected glimpses of where Atif’s muse lives in the spaces between the noise and glitter, in moments of reflection and in the silence between his public performances.



It is this still centre that provides the secure emotional and intellectual anchor to enable Atif to stare at mortality and then move to fulfil his goal of creating ‘something that lasts for ever.” In person, this old soul in the face of youth, with nondescript vocal sounds, designed his vocable compass. It also acts as a prayer and an interlude.



Thaumaturgical vocal aesthetics, mysticism and enrapturing chiaroscuro timbre with his voice, replacing every other prototype you may have come across.



But what stirs this global idée fixe? Simple. Atif’s voice delivers a message in a way that is far removed from everyday life. Strongly influenced by Sufi poetry, his lyrics help offer a prayer in between hope and despair, becoming the silence in between the words you thought and never said. The words resonate with every atom in motion.



It is the record you listen to on a magical evening of pure nostalgia.  When you can feel the anxiety in the pit of your stomach and know nothing could fill the void. Except, the sound of his voice.



When Atif performed “Wish you were here” by Pink Floyd live with the American rock band Guns N’ Roses, he made history. Peter Gabriel, another icon, collaborated with Atif for a song he produced (for the movie The Reluctant Fundamentalist). He has also performed with Shaun Lenon, Lanny Cordola, Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke internationally to name a few. Atif made his acting debut in commended filmmaker Shoaib Mansoor’s film Bol.



Stamped with the seal of perseverance, he downplayed his existence at every point during the upcoming interview. During his last performance at World Trade Center in Dubai, Atif chose Saudi Gazette to speak with millions of his fans based around the Middle East. He spoke about new music, the sensibilities of the Asian continent, rendezvous with Slash and Peter Gabriel and then depicts a picture only he could paint.



Over the years, fans complained about Atif’s absence. His last album ‘Meri Kahani’ was released over six years ago in 2008. When asked why, he said: “I’m recording a new album which should be released by the end of this year. I have around 230 songs but I have to short-list them. 10 of them make it to the album.”



Discussing the industry trends towards generating business models out of music, social media and technological tools, he seemed unimpressed. During the interview, Atif’s ‘regular guy’ image was slightly unnerving, considering the young prodigy is a living legend. The kind of heritage your children will boast about, like their elite taste in music. “My parents keep me grounded. I’ve spent a lot of time on my own in my life and I’ve learnt the hard way.



I have realized that there is no point making plans because it’ll never end; you’re never going to win the world. I thought at one point in time I am going to do that, but you cannot. So I am just enjoying myself.”



Talking about resonating with legends, he speaks like them too. “If you look at the legends lets say for example Yanni or Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Michael Jackson, I don’t think they would do it. Or lets say, for example, Peter Gabriel. There is nothing to show off. They’re focusing on their creativity, a different kind of album and what they want to do as opposed to what the market wants them to do.”



The transition of the music industry has compromised on the story-telling concept of albums. He agrees. “Most of the songs I’ve written have painted a picture on how I have evolved, what I see in people, what inspires me. I think it has matured from then to now. People are definitely going to see it but it depends on whether they have time for it. For instance if you look for that element, you will get it right away. Today what we see is something else, whatever is being projected and being fed to us. We’re so used to it that we don’t want to respond to anything but that. We’ll be putting out the singles because the business model has changed and a lot of people are expecting the album kind of record — the old sound of Atif.”



He probably did not realize, but the comparisons he drew spoke beyond the mindset and style of capitalism shaping up the current music industry.



“It’s very sad you cannot make a career out of music as a solo artist any more. Back in the old days, seven years ago everybody was producing music. Lahore was famous for it but that isn’t the case now.



I’m blessed to say all this happened to me but I’m still here. I tried helping a lot of people for example this band ‘Qayaas’ and I recorded this song ‘Charkha Nolakha’ and Rohail (producer of Coke Studio) asked me if I was sure I wanted to collaborate with them and I said I knew what I was doing, and I supported them.



The problem is that you cannot compare US with India or Pakistan because we don’t have the infrastructure. And music is a separate dimension. I remember when we started we were asked to pay certain amounts for airtime, and now the roles have been reversed. Now the same people want to pay me to come on air and I don’t have time. I love when we travel together as a band, we create something together and that’s best part about touring.”



Currently focused on releasing singles, acoustic projects and even hits from blockbuster commercial Bollywood movies, Atif disclosed how Bollywood’s guarantee didn’t last as long as he hoped. He said it’s important to acknowledge many people like the commercial sound heard at cinemas. “And so I believe that there is nothing that is pure and organic which is left in the industry at the moment.”



Rumors said Atif felt cheated when the Bollywood songs were toyed with and altered the authenticity of his music. “I thought I didn’t have that kind of exposure at the time and decided to give it a go. I followed through and by the grace of God that too gave hits. I’m blessed. That’s how it started and I thought that if you have the talent, India has the media to project it.”



Atif’s experience with the Bollywood market revealed the different dynamics of both nations. He discovered that mainstream gets India’s pulse racing. “I think the Indian market is very different from the Pakistani market; they (Indian market) are look for the entertainment value. I’m not saying no to the offers, I’m looking for a good song. At this point in time I am focusing on my family and my album as opposed to making it big — I made it big. It’s the time to push my own limits, go somewhere else in terms of the creativity.”



When asked to describe his audience, he described them with childlike enthusiasm, recalling unforgettable moments.  



“I’m just expressing myself. But I’ve seen two-year-old kids smiling and a 70-year-old woman crying when listening to my songs. So I can’t really say who my audience is.”



Talking about inspiration, he recalls performing ‘Lambi Judai.’ “I remember performing with Reshma ji, the legend. She said ‘you have made me young again.’ Such complements. They inspire you. I don’t know what my target audience is, and it’s not my purpose or intention. It’s music. But I think people with substance and soul. I believe that is my audience.”



He revealed he might be recording something with Peter Gabriel. “My prime focus would be working with the film industry in Pakistan. I was really surprised that they were making almost 20-26 feature films. I would love to be a part of that and support that industry.”



He gave a special shout out to his fans in Saudi: “They are blessed to be where they are, and I would love to perform there should an opportunity come my way.”



Despite the many mentions of the stars in Greek mythology and early Roman texts, Atif is the only one that stands the test of time. That comes from his ability to create something, which lives on after death.  And after all, the only greatness for man is immortality. To access the soul of his work, listen carefully to the echo of silence in his songs.