Name: Sher Afgan
Nickname: Sheray, Afgan, Shotgun, Guns, DJ
Date of birth: 21-Nov-1991
Favorite dish: I’m a true desi and can’t resist the classic Chicken Biryani.
Islo Times : Who inspired you to become a DJ?? Inspirations?
Dj Guns : I should be saying the normal cliché of being inspired by someone, but I think for me inspiration comes from within. My love for music and the courage of believing that I can do it is what inspired me to be what I wanted to be, a DJ. It is important to inspire yourself, because being inspired by others can fade from time to time but being inspired from the depth of your core lasts for good.
Islo Times : While becoming a DJ did your family supported you?
Dj Guns : The support of my family is a balanced one. They have been supportive of me, in terms that I support them back by finishing my degree. I have no restrictions in my field being a DJ, as long as I don’t forget my university studies and deadlines. My mom is a really cool person who does not complain about the rack of noises when practicing. Not all household is pleasant about loud banging of music from the speakers you know!
Islo Times : What else do you do except DJing?
Dj Guns : Currently, I am on a pause study from the Erasmus University Rotterdam of Netherlands to pursue work experience. I work as an Assistant Program Manager at a non-profit organization centre, for arts, culture and dialogue. Besides that, when my busy schedule allows me I’m just like any normal bloke who enjoys lazy days with friends and family, watching a movie, relaxing or playing football. Football I must say is one of my expertises. Care for a match?
Islo Times : How did you start DJing? What was your age when you started mixing sounds?
Dj Guns : Music has always been my fascination. It’s my own source of therapy. My relationship with music changed when I started to fiddle and experiment djing virtually at the age of 16. The experimenting turned into more than a hobby and I said to myself why not go all the way? Next thing you know, I’ve purchased myself my first mixer, set up a mini stage at home, practiced long hours, landed my first gig and like they say the rest is history.
Islo Times : Who's throwing the best parties at the moment?
Dj Guns : I think FCCM is doing a brilliant job, bringing talented, fantastic DJs from one of the world renowned brands such as Ministry of Sound (MOS).
Islo Times : What's the best event you've played at?
Dj Guns : Errr, the one at Club Escape in Amsterdam I’d say. Since I was playing alongside a good friend Mehran Khan of Tranquilizer. It was pretty much an alnighter!
Islo Times: Was there any embarrassing moment when you were DJing?
Dj Guns : Oh, definitely! It was in one of my gigs when the system crashed and I had no back up for around 40 seconds. You see 40 seconds is not that long but when you’re in front of a crowd, with all eyes on you expecting the abrupt stop of music to come back, it seems like an eternity!
Islo Times : When was the first time you performed in front of a large audience?
Dj Guns : Performing, the ‘Pakistan Mela 2012’ in Amsterdam, last June alongside Hadiqa Kiyani and Imran Khan. It was one of the first major gigs I had, playing in front of thousands of people. The energy of the audience and the atmosphere was exciting and superbly manic.
Islo Times : What's your favorite tune of all time?
Dj Guns : The song ‘Whiskey Lullaby’ by Brad Paisley. There’s something about the lyrics and the song that sends a tragic beautiful chill to your soul.
Islo Times : Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?
Dj Guns : Indeed! It was at a private event when the entire party was crashed because the mother met the daughter at a very impropriate level of soberness. Haha unbelievable times never to be forgotten with memories that will stay with me forever.
Islo Times : What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Dj Guns : Determination and patience are my key strengths. Weaknesses,hmmm. I can be stubborn-headed at times and waking up early in the morning! I’m not much of a morning person.
Islo Times : What do you think in Pakistan is there any scope for DJ’s or electro music??
Dj Guns : Surprisingly as it may, Pakistanis are rapidly catching up with the whole genre of house, club and electro music. I have noticed the youngsters shying away from the usual commercial popular charts and more into the genre mentioned above. DJ’s are the craze nowadays and seems to inspire everyone to become one. I’m very proud and grateful of the current scope and platforms that is very encouraging for us DJ’s.
Islo Times : Compare yourself and DJ Tiesto ??
Dj Guns : We’re both from the Netherlands and can speak dutch! (Laughs) On a serious note, DJ Tiesto is someone who is a veteran in this industry, his achievements are steps ahead than mine of course. But it’s safe to say that like DJ Tiesto I like to experiment and that my genre is not restricted to one.
Islo Times: Where do you see yourself in next few years ??
Dj Guns : Hopefully, producing my own music and signed then by a record label, releasing records. InshAllah.
Islo Times: What are the major achievements you have got till now??
Dj Guns: I feel blessed that I have achieved the things I set my mind to so far. However, I believe I’m still waiting for that one major moment to come.
Islo Times: What is your relationship status???
Dj Guns : Oh, is this a trick question? (Laughs) I’m lucky to have a great relationship with a wonderful woman whom is both a friend and my support in all things I do.
Islo Times : How do you connect with your fans?
Dj Guns : Making my audience and fans dance to every tune, with their hands waving in the air, is the time I feel connected to them the most.
Islo Times: This is your chance to deliver your message to your fans...what is it ???
DJ Guns : First of all, big thank you, for your endless kind support. Nothing in life is achieved without hard work and patience, but most of all you need to believe in yourself and mostly have faith to that one superior being. You can stay connected, through my;
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Dj.Gunx
Views about Islotimes :
Islotimes is a fresh look on the usual blogs. It is new, hip, yet still friendly enough to all age groups. It promotes many new and well-known talents likewise. I like it. And it has been a pleasure doing this interview, thank you. Good luck!
