Catching up with Amzad Hossain

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The latest renditions of songs uploaded through your studio page are mind-blowing. What other projects are you working on now?

I wanted to feature artistes that I shared my journey with throughout the years, as well as upcoming talents, through my studio page "Taal Kachari".

 I am grateful for the response that I have received, and many more surprises are coming from the page! Besides stage shows and other commercial studio work, I have done the theme song for OPPO O Fan Festival, and a UNDP project raising awareness against violence against women.

How are you keeping yourself motivated during these tough times?

To be honest, I feel like being alive is a blessing during this pandemic! Even though it is more difficult to record music with artistes during limitations in movement, we have eventually adapted working remotely. I am also listening to a lot of music and watching movies, whenever I get the time.

You started your musical career as a drummer. What prompted you to learn the art of music production?

I started tinkering with a software called "Cakewalk" in 2001, out of curiosity. However, I then became busy with session work. I only started producing seriously in 2010, when I did 7 songs for Shuvo bhai's album, "Onek Kichu". You can say that after drums, I learned everything else situationally.

How do you think our music industry can improve in the post-covid days?

The pandemic has really been harsh on musicians and live performers. However, the biggest problem with our music industry is that it is not specialised at all. For a musical production in, say Bollywood, a different person would be assigned to playing instruments, mixing and mastering a song. More often than not, we have to do most of these things ourselves here. The culture of industrial involvement needs to be instilled in our industry for it to become more professional.

Who are your favourite artistes to collaborate with?

That is a difficult question indeed! I would especially mention Shuvo bhai, with whom I have shared the stage for 17 years.

I really enjoy working with Shawon Gaanwala, Elita Karim, Priyanka Gope, Palbasha Siddiqui, and Johan Alamgir.

Artistes like Tashfee, Antora and Sameera are also very talented, and have a good future ahead of them.

What is your ultimate musical goal?

It might sound farfetched, but I dream of collaborating with David Gilmour one day!

Do you have any message for the readers?

I will just say that not a single person can survive without music, so be sure to continue supporting good music and your favourite artistes.