User:Syed Jamal Ahsan/sandbox

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Syed Jamal Ahsan^Talk_{/ Contribs} 07:04, 3 May 2014 (UTC)

Interview

Picking up a sophisticated instrument at a tender age then mastering quite a lot of its aspects. How has your journey been so far?(1 response) It is a mixture between frustration, motivation and the overwhelming feeling of being successful! Especially the beginning took a lot of hard work. Practicing each day, being patient and dealing with the fact that you won't sound the way you want can be a put down for some people. But after some weeks it is stunning what you can achieve if you just keep doing your thing. Of course there are still some hurdles that need to be taken - I constantly fail when trying out sweep-picking or playing fast solos in general and I sometimes lose motivation because of that. I never had a guitar teacher and learnt everything by myself. Therefore I sometimes struggle while practicing these certain techniques. But you also need to know your strengths. I guess I am a quite good rhythm player. Playing songs by System Of A Down who seem to love poly-rhythms were really helpful and enjoying. haha =) Also it is very important to have some idols you can look up to. Personally, I like Michael Padget (Bullet For My Valentine), Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold), Yngwie Malmsteen, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Daron Malakian (System Of A Down), Mick Thomson (Slipknot), Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom).. and some others. Now my own bandprojects just need a full set-up to take the next step! =) Being in the age of cheeky-Pop and over-the-edge Techno, mention that one thing which is keeping you attached to Heavy Metal?(1 response) I guess it's its power of individuality. Many riffs are inspiring and many songs just touch your heart. Some lyrics have a deeper meaning and make you think about them. The combination of these keep me attached to Heavy Metal. The music fascinates me. When could we see JJ dishing out covers of classic Rock 'n Metal bands (like Black Sabbath, GN'R, Megadeth, etc.) in addition to mid-to-post '90s Metal bands?(1 response) Actually there is a cover of Megadeth's "Countdown To Extinction" on my channel! I recorded that one with a friend from France. Last week I also uploaded a new Metallica cover - "Enter Sandman" =) Additionally I plan to practice "Paradise City" and "Sweet Child O'Mine" by Guns'N'Roses, "Highway Star" by Deep Purple and "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath. The songs of these classic bands require much technique and a clean playing. I didn't feel ready to try them out until now. Still, it is a matter of time until I can play them with minor mistakes... but these covers are about to happen! We saw a cover of American Idiot. Is there more coming up for Punk lover anytime soon?(1 response) Sure! I love Sum 41 by the way and I always record some guitar covers of their songs. As I rather enjoy playing metal than punk nowadays, there won't be that many uploads of punk band covers like before. But punk bands influenced my playing. I picked up the electirc guitar because of Sum 41, so yes, I will upload more punk stuff on my channel =) How strengthening has your family's support been throughout your musical journey? Also, adopting Metal in Germany is as easy as it is in UK or US?(1 response) Let's say that it was a fight to convince my parents to get me an electric guitar. They didn't believe that I will keep at it and they thought they would spend the money for nothing. But I won! They noticed I was serious about the music and playing guitar and supported me with new equipment. Such as my GIO Ibanez and my Line 6 Spider IV. However they don't explicitely like my look - the red hair and piercings - and you know... the struggle of listening to your own mind instead of listening to your parents can be difficult from time to time. Nevertheless they like to listen to me once in a while when I practice and they are happy that I find my way. Germany has some great metal bands - Rammstein! \m/ - but I do think adopting metal in UK or US is easier. Whenever my own bands try to get a full line-up or a room for rehearsals, there isn't that much support. Remember that first song you played on your Ibanez?(1 response) Yes! Sum 41 - The Hell Song ! You do all the video editing yourself?(1 response) Yes! Sometimes DeSade takes on the editing when we record a collab but nearly every video on my channel is edited by myself. Ever heard of "Pakistan"? Know any individual/artist/performer from there?(1 response) Of course I've heard of Pakistan. Personally, I helped a Pakistani student with her maths homework a few years back and got to know some of the country's culture. Not to mention Malala Yousafzai. The strongest girl I've heard of. Her fight for female education is admirable and she deserves the Nobel Prize! Unfortunately I don't know any Pakistani rock band or artist. Final words for your fans worldwide?(1 response) Guitar is all about passion and fun! Be yourself that is all that matters. Thank you for your huge support, I have no words to describe how important it is to me that people love the work I do! Rock on! \m/ Future projects?(1 response) More guitar covers of metal bands, learning some guitar solos - like "Eruption" - and - of course - original stuff from my bands! (Once everything is working...)