Name: Waqas Naeem
DOB: 01/08/1987
Nick Name: Wiki
Favorite dish:
Any desi dish. I love desi food. Being in Australia for 2 years has really reminded me of that.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm from Islamabad. I've been into music since my childhood days. I remember when my elder brother used to play music on a casette player and I was like wish I could play like that. I love to play and watch cricket. I"m also into technology, computer and video games.
Study background?
I've done my Bachelors in Telecom Engineering from National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST). After that, I went abroad and did my Masters in Information Technology from University of Canberra.
What are your guitar lessons are about?
I've been giving guitar lessons for quite a while now, in Islamabad and also in Canberra/Australia. My guitar lessons are obviously about guitars, haha. They include a balanced approach to both theoratical and practical playing. I think that you need to have a good conceptual approach to music theory along with practically being able to play an instrument.
Who inspired you to become a guitarist?
Actually, my cousin in Lahore. He used to play acoustic guitars, and I used to watch him. Somewhere along, I developed an interest in playing guitars so I started to kinda learn fom him as well as watching him play songs of Junoon at that time. After that, I was obsessed with guitars and started learning through the internet and online tutorial videos. Now, my major influences as a guitarist include Joe Satriani, Kiko Loureiro, Marco Sfogli, John Petrucci, Salman Ahmad and a whole lot of others.
That one artist you would love to work with?
In Pakisan, I'd have to say Ali Noor at the moment. Noori has always been amazing.
You're a guitarist, define your feelings in your own words?
I don't really understand the meaning of this question, lol. If you're talking about my feelings put into songs through an instrument, then I guess you should hear my instrumental album Cloud 9.
Is there any message you consistently try to portray in your guitar lessons?
Well, patience and honesty. Learning any instrument takes patiences, determination. There are shortcuts for being successful. Having fun while playing should be your main goal.
If you got a record deal at this second, would you accept it?
Yes!
Best performance yet?
Ummm, back when I was with this band called Silversmoke, we played a gig in National Library Islamabad. We covered Guns n Roses and some of our original songs. I guess in a band, that was one of my best performances. As a solo musician, it is yet to come :)
Views about Pakistani music industry?
It's pretty stagnant at the moment especially in the genres which I like. I hope it changes. There are no good labels here in Pakistan and I don't think anyone can build a solid career as an artist which is pretty sad. But, you never know what the future might hold.
Which Pakistani female vocalist would you like to collaborate with?
Zoe Viccaji
Which Pakistani male vocalist would you like to collaborate with?
Ali Noor, Ali Azmat
How much role does the sound editing software’s play in a final ready to listen song?
All of it :)
Which musical instrument do you play really well instead of guitar?
I've always been into guitars, I think it's the most expressive instrument. Nothing tops that. But I can play a bit of everything including keyboards, drums, bass guitars. As an audio producer, you should have a grasp on every instrument. I've played almost everything in my instrumental album which includes keyboards, bass guitars, drums apart from guitars.
Worst comment by any hater?
I don't remember actually. So far I've seen all positive comments which I guess is a good thing.
Any upcoming projects?
I'm almost done building my home studio. After it's done, I guess there are going to be a lot of upcoming projects later this year. Currently, just doing live sessions for Uzair Jaswal.
Any message for your fans
Keep supporting my music. Fans are the reason musicians want to create more and more music. Not really, but still. lol =)
Where can we find you online:
waqasnaeem.bandcamp.com
www.soundcloud.com/waqasnaeem
How do you interact with your fans?
Mostly through online social platforms like Facebook, Soundcloud etc
Views about IsloTimes
A really good platform for promoting artists and musicians all over Pakistan. Internet is the future so you guys are doing a great job. Keep doing what you're doing.
