Introducing Hani, a new addition to the UK Asian music scene and a well travelled one too! From his vocal capabilities, musical instruments, to song writing, Hani’s musical style has been shaped by his multi-cultural influences, and his determination to learn, develop and grow into an extremely talented young musician. His debut single ‘Do It’ is a chilled out RnB number, suitable for an easy-listen on a night in, or when you just want to two step a little. Far from a grower, the track has a catchy chorus that leaves an instantaneous liking after the first listen. ‘Do it’ is simply an RnB track minus any sort of desi beat or chorus...just simple RnB accompanied by a great video. With more tracks on the way and an album in the pipeline I am curious to hear more from Hani, as we await to see what his music career has in store. He’s got an extremely witty humour too which I found out about when I caught up with him to find out more...read on and see for yourself!
For those who have not heard of Hani, tell us a bit about how you got started?
My dad used to play instruments for relaxation which helped a lot in motivating me to do music. Every instrument was available at home except the guitar. Being the nosy kid I asked my dad for the only instrument that was not available. I started playing guitar at age of 12 and at age of 14 I learnt to compose melodies and write songs. I started to perform at various events, performing acoustic covers. Then I moved to London for higher education. The great journey started with Mr. H, the first person who motivated me to do music and told me that I can do it. The talent was there just needed recognition. Mr. H and Rock knock gave me both. Rock knock is a company founded by Mr. H and Hani. Rock knock is growing day by day and has got a good team.
How would you define your musical style? Who were the biggest influences for you?
I have listened to a huge number of artists from around the world during the past years.  Many of them have inspired millions- Michael Jackson, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Tamer Hosni the list is endless. While some have only made Pharmaceutical Companies that make Paracetamol much, much richer. My style is a Mixture of Eastern, Arabian and Western Melody, since I have an Asian background, I was brought up in the Middle East listening to various Artists from around the world and now I’m based in London. The main influences and the driver of beautiful music is Mr. H the Music Producer and Best Friend. Mr. H and I spend years, months, days and hours together to produce music like "DO IT".
Your debut track ‘Do it’ is a smooth RnB track, tell us a bit about it?
The track is a polite way to express the universal desire of all the men, with dare I say, a classy spin. After the hard work one day at the studio Mr. H played a beat and whilst I was listening to it I came up with a melody and there and then we came up with the lyrics and it was recorded.“Do it” is a slow jam that has a dreamy feel to it and is one of my personal favorites.
How did you come up with the music video concept?
Hey! The two pounds and 47p I had as the video budget could only go so far. What do you expect? We couldn’t even afford a colour camera. Even the models were paid with handfuls of 1p coins. But on a serious note, the director Akash Sam proposed the idea and it turned out very well. The video has received great reviews and we are all very happy with it.
What other tracks have you been working on? Are they of a similar style?
The debut album has around 12 tracks, each track is very close and personal based on my daily life, Happiness and Sorrow written and composed in a way that hopefully the listener can relate to. Each song is different in its own way.
What music did you grow up listening to at home, how did it help shape the music you chose to create?
My listening choice is more diverse than the number of elements on the periodic table. I love listening to all kinds of music. I particularly like artists who have a message to convey and are full of expression. Since I have been in mixed environment I was forced to listen to Music from around the world in different languages. It has helped shape up my melodies and expressions.
As a new and upcoming artist, what are you finding most difficult when trying to break into the music scene?
I heard this expression somewhere “nothing is easy, everything is hard and everything takes longer than you would expect”. Unfortunately, speaking from experience, I can confirm this as being true. If I knew getting the out on mainstream media would turn out to be so incredibly hard, I would have instead just tried to teach my dog French and got on Britain’s Got Talent show. Luckily consistency does off and, after a positive response to “Do It”, we have made good friends in Media and tide seems to be turning.
Which artists are you feeling in the current music scene and why?
I think there is a lot of great talent that is emerging in UK. Don’t want to name any favorites as I like to be Diplomatic! As far as the International scene I really like Eminem for his Lyric Content and Jason Mraz for his melodic expressions.
What would be your ultimate lifetime achievement?
My face on Mount Rushmore, next to the presidents. If that is too much to ask, then to emerge as an RnB artist that will contribute to the Music Industry.
When can we expect single number two and a debut album?
We have been working on it as hard and as fast as the poor people who built the pyramids, the only difference being there are no guards with whips involved. We are expecting it to be out very soon hopefully in about a month.
Can we catch you performing anywhere anytime soon?
Last month was terribly busy, in terms of the performances and it has been truly exhausting. After all that hard work we have put into new album and as it’s is Ramadan I am on a break, but I will be back next month with a few shows lined up.
Where can we find out more about you?
Facebook is the next best thing after sliced bread, at least for artists. Facebook.com/hani.fanbook is the place to go to delve deeper. My team and I will like to thank all the good people who have supported us to this day, and we bow down to them…. Arigatous ! Arigatous is Japanese for thanks!
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Facebook Name: Hani RockKnock
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