Singer-songwriter, composer and music director, Shuja Haider’s life has been entrenched in music. Establishing his own recording studio, ‘Speed of Sound’ in 1996
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Singer-songwriter, composer and music director, Shuja Haider’s life has been entrenched in music. Establishing his own recording studio, ‘Speed of Sound’ in 1996, Haider rose to fame with his hit single, ‘Tera Woh Pyar’, and later stole the show when he produced other artists’ hit singles such as Ali Zafar’s ‘Channo’ and Haroon’s ‘Mehbooba’. “I never knew my voice would be suitable for singing until my brother Naqash Haider made me sing a song ‘Tera Woh Pyaar’ in 2002. The song was an instant hit. I reproduced it for Coke Studio and chose Momina and Asim to sing,” says Haider.
Haider is also known for his collaboration with ace film-maker Shoaib Mansoor for his films ‘Khuda Kay Liye’ (2007) and Bol (2011). He has also produced host of OSTs for several drama serials including ‘Muqaddas’, ‘Sehra Main Safar’ and ‘Mann Mayal’. Haider appeared first time in Coke Studio Season 9 as both music director and featured artist. His songs ‘Tera Woh Pyaar’, ‘Khaki Banda’ and ‘Sab Jag Soye’ were particularly liked by the viewers.
Haider returns to Coke Studio Season 10 as a music director with five session performances. He is also a featured artist in one of the songs this Season. These days Haider is working on a couple of songs for films and OSTs and primarily focusing on his ensemble project ‘SoundScape’. Let’s see what are the likes & dislikes of this multi-talented man:
What is your specialized field of singing?
I am not a classical trained singer but can sing semi-classical, pop and rock.
What is your most memorable concert till date?
As a singer, I have not done any concerts yet, but look forward to them now.
Your claim to fame song:
‘Tera Woh Pyar’.
Who was your favourite rock/jazz star in your teens?
Steve Vai, Steve Morse and Sting.
How was your Coke Studio experience?
A creative would always love a place where freedom of creativity is the rule. Strings and the house band are the best people to work with and I am glad that I got the opportunity and I want to thank Strings for believing in me.
Which musicians do you admire?
There are many but Sir Henry Mancini and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan have composed some unforgettable tunes.
Your favourite music composer:
Gustavo Santaolalla. He has done music for the famous game ‘The Last of Us’.
Who is your icon in music industry?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
What do you usually wear in daily life?
I prefer something simple and comfortable like jeans and a T-Shirt for my everyday look.
One thing you like best about yourself:
I don’t share my music unless I am satisfied. That way in most cases, I get positive feedback.
Your most irritating habit:
Thinking too much.
What is a typical day/week like for you?
Being at the studio working on my music is a typical day for me.
Your all-time favourite movie:
Jeepers Creepers. I like scary movies.
Are you a shopaholic?
Kind of!
What bores you the most?
People who talk too much.
Do you ever get nervous?
Depends usually I don’t, may be uncomfortable sometimes but not nervous.
What’s your favourite time pass?
Playing games and watching movies.
You are crazy about...
My kids.
Among your friends you are known as...
Ustad jee (in a funny way).
Are you a social person?
Yup!
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
There are no Sundays in my business. I choose my Sunday and that could be any weekday!
In your childhood were you a bright student?
No!
Your favourite hangout:
I usually go out with my kids... wherever they like it.
Something very few people know about you as a person...
I am a lyricist too.
For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words:
Soul, meaning, reason, feelings, words.
What is your dream project?
‘SoundScape’!
