The musical odyssey of Dameer Khan

Dameer Khan is a rising musician whose journey is steeped in a rich musical heritage with a fervent passion for art. Surrounded by the rhythms of life from his earliest days, Dameer's footsteps echoed the beats of his father, Pilu Khan, founder of the iconic band, Renaissance, that swept through the music scene in the 1980s. With an undeniable prowess as a drummer, singer, and composer, Pilu Khan's influence infused young Dameer's world with melodies waiting to be explored.

The melody of Dameer's own journey first began during his visit to England when he crossed paths with a travel guitar found in a charity shop. In that moment, Dameer moved from being a spectator of his father's artistry to being an active participant in the music scene.

Later, Labu Rahman, an eminent guitarist of the country's earliest rock bands, Feedback, taught Dameer how to play the guitar strings and make different chords. This was the start of Dameer's musical journey, and Labu Rahman's lessons gave him the ability to express his creativity. Feedback and Renaissance's rich history in the music scene became a strong foundation for Dameer's own growth as an artist.

Dameer's curiosity extended beyond just playing the guitar. He embraced a keyboard given to him by his uncle as a new avenue for exploration. Using YouTube tutorials as his guide, he embarked on a journey of self-learning, showcasing his determination and ability to adapt.

Pilu Khan's aspiration transformed into a music school in Baridhara where, within its walls, Dameer's talents flourished as he not only jammed with others, but also passed on his skills by teaching drums to other students. The Khan family's unwavering commitment to nurturing a musical community shone brightly, forming connections that wove themselves into the very fabric of Dameer's musical identity.

As life's journey unfolded, Dameer's family moved to Malaysia, presenting him with a vibrant blend of cultural influences. This new chapter added colourful threads to his musical tapestry, expanding his horizons. The fusion of these experiences allowed him to weave together various musical influences, ultimately shaping his distinct and individual sound.

Today, Dameer stands at a crossroads of academia and artistry. Pursuing studies in Economics and Political Science at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, his decision underscores his multifaceted identity. As Dammer navigates this two-fold journey, his dreams of building a life in Canada, while also honouring his musical heritage, capture the essence of his dual experience.

Catch Dameer's performance on 31 August at Dhaka's Aloki as he joins hands with renowned music producer Fuad Almuqtadir along with special guest Sanjoy to celebrate the global impact of Bangladeshi music. During a conversation over coffee, he said, "This show is a representation of how Bangladeshi music should be. Elements of past, present, and future all coming together to form the most diverse set of artists Dhaka has seen in recent memory. This show will be historic."