NAGIB HAWK

Nagib Hawk is a relative newcomer to the music scene here but he is by no means an amateur. Hailing from the U.S.A., he is a talented music composer and artist who set his sights on Bangladesh with the aim of bringing something new to the audiences here and everywhere else with the release of his new album. Star Showbiz recently caught up with him to find out more about him and his music.

When did you get the inspiration to do music?
Ever since I was a child. I always had family influence in terms of music, and because of this, I was exposed to different types of music while growing up. Since I was born here in Bangladesh and stayed here till 11, I got exposed to a lot of local music as well.

So how did it all happen?
After I turned 11, we moved to America where I got further involved in music through orchestra. I learned to play the cello, oboe and other wind instruments. Through these, I participated in a couple of functions. When time came for to start college, I joined medical science, more specifically, neuroscience, because logically, that seemed right but my heart still belonged to music and passion is something that doesn't let go no matter how hard you try. This indecision caused a bit of a fuss in the family, but in the end, I decided to go along with music as I feel that I can actually make something happen with it because I understand it. In 2005, I met another college mate who was then working for a record label. We got to talking and we decided on making our own record label as we were both knew and loved music. We were still a bit rusty with our compositions but we still kept trying and delved into different genres like Pop, Hip-Hop, Rock, and Electronic etc. Gradually, we started the company, recruited different artists, developed them and, in the process, developed myself.

So with all this going on in the U.S., why did you come here?
I believe in the power of social media. I believe it's a fantastic platform especially for artists to market themselves to the world and that's exactly what I have been doing while working in the U.S. In 2012, well known lyricist Susmita Biswas Sathi, came across my works on social media and asked me about my nationality. When I answered that I was Bangladeshi, she was impressed but she asked me why music was so westernized. I told her the reason was that I moved at a very young age and I didn't get a chance to experience the Bengali music scene properly. She asked if I wanted to partner up with her and bring something new to the Bangladeshi music industry and add value to the music scene in whatever way I could. I saw this as an opportunity and I immediately agreed as going into an unknown industry solo wouldn't be a very smart move.

Tell us a bit about your album.
'Onkota Bhul' is my first solo album here. Despite my shaky Bangla, we decided to do the album in Bangla except for one part. The music in this album is a mixture of classical Bangla root and Western elements fused into a harmonious tune; the quintessential 'East meets West' combination. The album has been released onto social networks for the first time, because the compact disc is a dying medium. People only buy those because they want to preserve a memorabilia of their favorite artist. Another reason for this is because everyone is always active on social media so that's the best way for new artists to showcase their work.

You worked in two different countries. Any differences between the two?
One major difference is the lack of support. The mentality in in the US is collaborative, where people support each other in order to further improve the industry as a whole. Unfortunately many people here don't understand that. Another issue I have noticed is that many people here lack humility.  Many professionals don't want to admit that they need to improve or aren't knowledgeable about something, which would open the door to further learning and refinement, whereas over in the U.S., people readily admit their shortcomings and wants to learn how to overcome it. I believe that if you truly want to be good, you have to acknowledge the fact that there is always someone better than yourself out there.

So what are your plans now?
This year will be all about marketing my solo album and building Jadughor's platform along with the artists who are signed. Because I want it to reach as many people here as possible, that's my first priority. I also want to reach out to all non-resident Bangladeshis living across the globe.