Rakat Zami & Embers In Snow

Embers In Snow is the solo project of Rakat Zami, former guitarist of Overtone. His Soundcloud page stands proof of the talent of this young musician. SHOUT had a conversation with Rakat that went as follows.
What are your influences?
RZ: I was primarily listening to pop-rock as a kid but the major influence for becoming a musician has always been Iron Maiden, alongside forms like blues, jazz and even electronica. Currently, I'm being driven forward a lot by Anathema, Steven Wilson and Jeff Buckley, while at the same time exploring some early age progressive rock such as King Crimson, Genesis, Camel, etc. My music right now can be classified as ambient and progressive music.
How has your journey been since day 1?
RZ: I've been playing the guitar for 9 years now, and it has been a very deviating journey. I started out with pop rock, then to acoustic, to hard rock, to alter metal and so on. I joined Overtone in 2010. Ambient is a type of music that I've been pursuing since 2011, but it didn't come out with Overtone as it was a rock n' roll band. With Embers in Snow, I had the freedom to experiment with ambient. I gradually improved as I discovered a lot of music recently which helped my songwriting. So until now, my journey has been a gradual build up. Currently, I'm part of an experimental trio called Changing Homes.
Tell us about your learning process and the recording deal.
RZ: I have put in a lot of time and effort behind my guitars trying to create music. I like to experiment. Once, I put a mic in a chaotic classroom. After I modulated it, it sounded completely different from what I expected! I'm still in my learning curve, and I try to implement what I learn. Armeen Musa heard my music, somehow, on the internet, and set up a meeting with me. She appreciated my work and said that ME was interested in me, and hence the deal.
Compared to conventional rock, ambient music has less demand in Bangladesh.
Are you prepared to face the consequences?
RZ: To me, progressive is how you take your listeners on a musical journey. When I started Embers In Snow, I wanted to incorporate ambient and progression. I knew I'd have to do crazy things that would generate both appreciation and criticism from the masses and I'm prepared to face the consequences. I believe that the being “mainstream” is not about being used by the media, but rather using the media to promote your type of music. If in a “make or break” situation, I cannot break new ground, I have nothing to lose, because my music will always be there and be heard, even if by a lesser number.
Describe the current musical scene of Bangladesh.
RZ: It's bleak. Our problem is our know-it-all attitude. Some people look up to me, and the prospect of disappointing them haunts me. But not everybody feels likewise. I really think we need to learn to take criticism positively.
Do you think that ours will be the defining generation of Bangladesh?
RZ: During my time with Live Square, I met people who want to step up and take things to the next level. The internet is our way of communicating with the rest of the world and being heard. It was through the internet that I got my recording deal with ME. So, definitely, with the help of the internet, we can go miles. Assuming we continue this, we'll change the current scene for the better.
Finally, tell us about your future plans involving Embers In Snow.
RZ: I realise that after graduation, things will get tough when I get a job. But I have a supportive family and I can balance my music and studies, so I'm hopeful I can do the same afterwards. Moreover, since Embers In Snow is my solo project, I don't have to worry about inconvenient jamming times. I'd like to keep making music and inspiring the young.

To listen to Rakat Zami's Embers In Snow tracks, visit http://soundcloud.com/embersinsnow