Dameer Khan Indie and Independent

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

At only 17 years old, Dameer Khan has signed up with Majestic Casual Records, a German label known as a pioneer in Indie music. Even though he is the son of decorated musician Pilu Khan of the band Renaissance, he manages to make his own mark in music with unconventional and fresh tunes. The Daily Star has a chat with the up and comer about his music, aspirations and more.

We hear that you have been doing music since the age of eight. Tell us about when you started to consider music as a career.

When I was little, I used to tag along with my dad (Pilu Khan) to various events. I have always been fond of music, but only recently have I understood how much he has actually influenced me. Sometimes when I make music now, I feel like I am borrowing some elements from one of my dad's songs which were already stuck in my head (laughs). I have since realised that nothing makes me happier than music, so this is my ideal career choice.

Tell us about the kind of music you are making right now. How do you record them?

I am working on a lot of indie stuff as of late. To be honest, I only have an average laptop and a 60 dollar podcast microphone with which I make do. I sometimes set the mic in the closet and surround it with clothes for 'acoustic' treatment. I usually play all the instruments in my songs as well.

Signing up with Majestic Records must have meant a lot to you. How do you feel after this tremendous achievement?

Honestly, I have followed them since I was 12 or 13 years old and never actually expected them to reply to the demo that I had sent them. When they got back to me and told me to forward them to their label manager, I was over the moon! After a few days, they decided to sign me and that inspires me to do a lot better now.

Who are some of the current indie musicians that you like?

I am proud to be a part of a stellar indie community. Issa Nibras Farooque is amazing, and I consider him to be my mentor. Albab Rana, Kadin Imdad, Zayan Khan, Ummid Ashraf and Saif Rahman are all great indie musicians.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I just want to keep on doing the music that I like, in my own way. I am hopeful that indie will not only be appreciated by a small minority, but everyone will come around to accepting this genre.