Catching up with Shallum Xavier

Q&A

The guitarist and producer talks to Instep about Fuzon’s latest endeavours, solo projects and his views on what the music industry needs.

At Point One Three Production Studio in Karachi, Shallum Xavier is hard at work. Juggling between solo projects and that of his music group Fuzon, he is not only welcoming but warm throughout the course of this interview. We end up discussing what he has been up to, his solo projects that include an instrumental album, Fuzon and everything else in between…

Instep: Tell us about the status of Fuzon?

Shallum Xavier (SX): Fuzon recently released a music video called ‘Oki Jane’. It is a song inspired by the Sufi philosophy of Baba Bulleh Shah. At this juncture, Fuzon is all set to release its fourth studio album called Ishq Azad Hay. It will release by the end of June or beginning of July. We’ve been working on this album for over five years and we strongly believe that the songs and the music production of this album is by far one of our best – in terms of our creativity and style of music.

Instep: What can you tell us about your instrumental album?

SX: I am working on many songs and instrumentals. The idea is to share my brand of music with keen music listeners and people who admire original composition and music without vocals. The feel of the album is what I feel, what I imagine and what I have gathered in thoughts, ideas and emotions over a period of many years. The feel also comes from the music and musicians that have inspired me. It’s a crazy mix of many years of music listening and playing.

Instep: How do you manage your solo projects while being in a band?

SX: I mostly compose, produce music and songs for various corporate clients, advertising agencies and TV producers/directors at my studio. Fuzon keeps me busy only when we have concerts and tours so I can create time for my own music.

Instep: How important is the role of music videos in promotion of music?

SX: As an individual, I launched two music videos this year; the instrumental songs ‘Guardian Angel’ and ‘Mera Des’. With Fuzon we released the music video for ‘Oki Jane’ in April. It is evident that music videos are extremely important to promote your song and your (own) self as this era is all about visuals.

With the advent of social media, the new-age religion, video clips and videos are in huge demand. The access to information and entertainment is unlimited; hence the need to create and produce visual content on a regular basis has become imperative for one to stay in the game.

Instep: What are your views on the present state of the local music industry?

SX: Pakistan desperately needs a few progressive and professional music channels in order to project and promote all forms of music being produced and performed in Pakistan. Music culture will thrive if liberal values are promoted. Music must be promoted as an art form and not just as entertainment. Utmost respect for artists and performers is pivotal for the development and growth of the music scene. It’s quite disappointing to see appreciation for only popular artists. Music demands respect and appreciation. We must as a society and as people value, respect and promote those who are genuinely gifted and talented, even if they are not popular.

The plague of nepotism and favouritism has hampered the growth of the music scene. Many talented artists are suffering because of the menace of favouritism. A comprehensive effort has to be made from within music circles to curb this reality. All artists and musicians must unite for the betterment of the music scene.

Instep: What collaborations, if any, are you working on?

SX: I am currently working with an accomplished American trumpet player called Thomas Bergeron. He is trumpeter, composer, bandleader, producer, and educator known for excelling in both jazz and classical realms. Bergeron exemplifies a new breed of 21st century artists. His jazz chamber ensemble has released two critically acclaimed albums inspired by the work of Claude Debussy and Olivier Messiaen. His third release (Spring 2017) features music of Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Liszt, Takemitsu, and original compositions. He will be recording his trumpet parts and solo on a song I composed and produced which is called ‘Sukh’.

I was introduced to Mr. Bergeron by a friend who happens to be his father-in-law. We collaborated and performed in Karachi last year. He is exceptional in many ways and I am happy to have his music on a song I composed.

Instep: Tell us about future projects.

SX: As far as my solo work is concerned, I am planning to work on more music videos for my own songs and instrumentals. Fuzon is all geared up for tours of the USA, Europe and the UK, post album release. Fuzon will be releasing more music videos from the upcoming fourth album which is also being launched internationally.