This week, in an exclusive interview, Aamir opens up about his creative journey, the evolution of his sound, and what drives his enduring passion for music...
music interview
Agifted performer, composer, producer, musician, and songwriter, Aamir Barolia has been creating soul-stirring music since 2007. His musical journey began in the world of commercials and film, where he quickly made a name for himself with his unique ability to blend emotion with sound. Honing his craft at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), Aamir caught early attention by composing a catchy jingle for rock icon Ali Azmat - a sign of bigger things to come.
Aamir’s diverse portfolio includes producing 12 original tracks for the hit musical theatre production ‘The Bobbles’ and scoring the award-winning short film ‘Barrier’, which has garnered international acclaim across film festivals.
His music - a captivating fusion of modern pop with traditional Asian elements - reflects his deep love for storytelling. With his enthralling compositions and rich, emotive vocals, Aamir has carved a unique niche in the global music scene. His songs resonate with themes of peace, self-discovery, and human connection, leaving a lasting emotional imprint on his listeners.
This week, in an exclusive interview, Aamir opens up about his creative journey, the evolution of his sound, and what drives his enduring passion for music. Read on to discover the mind behind the music...
What place does music hold in your life?
Music has been a defining force in shaping my identity. From the soul-stirring strains of classical melodies to the vibrant energy of contemporary beats, it has always been more than just sound - it’s been a source of inspiration, comfort, and growth. My deep connection with music has not only influenced my personal journey but has also played a pivotal role in guiding my career path.
How did your musical journey kick off?
My musical journey began at the age of seven, during a difficult time when I was unwell. To lift my spirits, my dad, Anwer Barolia, played ‘Main Bhi Pakistan Hoon’ on his vintage keyboard. I was instantly captivated by the sound. Curious and inspired, I asked him to teach me - and before long, I was creating melodies of my own. Within a short time, I had composed three original tunes, leaving my family both surprised and proud. That moment sparked a passion in me that has never faded.
How supportive have your parents been on this journey?
My parents were a big support in many ways. They signed me up for a community band early on, which gave me a solid foundation. That said, they were initially hesitant about me pursuing music as a career. But everything changed when I landed my first gig as a music teacher at Beaconhouse School at just eighteen. That was a turning point of my career.
Who are your inspirations in music?
I draw inspiration from the legendary Yanni, as well as classical greats like Mozart and Beethoven. Each of their unique contributions to music fuels my own creative spirit.
How did you hone your latent musical talent?
I hit the books at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) and dove into both Eastern and Western music. NAPA opened my eyes to all kinds of genres. It was there that I produced a jingle, later performed by Ali Azmat.
What are the most celebrated projects of your career?
A major milestone was producing 12 songs for ‘The Bobbles’, a children’s musical theatre gem. Hamza Jafri composed the tunes, and I handled production - mixing ethnic sounds, EDM, and string quartets. We tuned the whole production to 432 Hz, which meant meticulous recording and specific mixing for various formats, whether digital, live, or for albums. This project showcased our collaborative spirit and was a personal milestone in my musical production journey.
However, composing the original score for the feature film ‘Barrier’, directed by Maqbool Ahmed Durrani, was a game changer for me. The film travelled to over 10 international film festivals and bagged several prestigious awards, including ‘Best Indie Feature Film’. Those wins were a pleasant surprise and added a cherry on top to this journey.
Which artists you have collaborated with?
Collaboration helps you grow. Working with talented musicians like Zain ul Abideen on ‘Gumsum’, Shiraz Ali on upcoming tracks such as ‘Yeh Doorie’ and ‘Baatoun Mein’, and the Ismaili community in the USA on ‘With Heart, With Love’ for their Diamond Jubilee celebration has enriched my experience. Jamming with renowned artists in projects like the Crystal Records live show is always a learning experience and allows me to contribute to works that reach wider audiences.
Music is a creative process. When do you find your energy fully charged?
I prefer the calm of late-night hours, when my creative energy is at its peak. This often leads to melodic ideas that evolve into personal compositions, reflecting my identity as Amir Barolia. Late nights allow me to bring clarity and originality to my work.
As a multi-genre composer and producer, which genre do you feel defines you best?
I thrive on creating cinematic, orchestral, and ethnic music. My goal is to evoke emotions through sound - communicating feelings that words often can’t capture. I explore themes of spirituality, connection, and peace because I believe music can transcend barriers and unite us all. Whether I’m collaborating or working solo, my aim is to create music that resonates with listeners. I firmly believe that music has the power to heal and inspire.
How does modern technology contribute to your current work?
I rely heavily on Steinberg Cubase, my go-to digital audio workstation (DAW) for recording, editing, and producing music. It’s packed with all the tools and features I need to bring my ideas to life and keep the creative juices flowing.
Do deadlines affect the quality of your music and work?
Deadlines are like creative kick-starters for me - they push me to tackle challenges head-on and deliver projects on time. For my personal projects, I see creative blocks as opportunities to recharge. Taking a step back, connecting with friends, and diving into fun activities helps me return with a fresh perspective and renewed passion.
What exciting projects do you have on the horizon?
I’m gearing up to release a spiritual hamd called ‘Talash’, sung by Ashfaq Hussain. This composition features hauntingly beautiful Arabic arrangements that truly tug at the heartstrings, paired with Western strings that add an emotional punch. The narrative follows a man wrestling with life’s curveballs, gradually realising an emptiness within him. It’s all about his journey from despair to enlightenment. As he finds his way back to a spiritual connection, he discovers solace in the process.
What are your goals and future aspirations?
My dreams for my music go beyond chasing commercial success. I’m all about creating something that resonates on a deeper level - where listeners feel peaceful, loved, and connected to something greater than themselves. I see music as a journey of self-discovery that promotes kindness and understanding. Let’s spread those good vibes.
