Exclusive Interview with Musician John Leo

Vmag gets a hold of musician Khakan Altaf Chaudhary (you probably know him as John Leo) for an exclusive interview.

Born and raised in Norway, by Pakistani parents from Gujrat, John a.k.a. Khakan has released two singles in 2013 – This Time Around and Shine, as well as an EP called Different Ways.

He might be living and producing his music in Norway but he has strong Pakistani roots, being fluent in Urdu and Punjabi. A multitalented musician who began playing the keyboard at the age of 13, John wrote his first English song at the tender age of 16. He was influenced by both, Western musicians such as Michael Jackson and Prince as well as Pakistani bands such as, Junoon, Strings and Vital Signs.

How did you get started in this field? Were your parents into music or were they against it? 

I was always interested in music since childhood really, even if I don’t come from a musical background. I began playing the keyboard at the age of 13 and I wrote my first English song a few years later. I released my first track when I was 18. After that I decided to pursue a medical career, but along the way I picked up the guitar and various instruments like the dholak, drums and so on – and kept on writing and playing. I realized that music is something I really wanted to do, and thus it led to the release of the “Different Ways” EP. My parents were not against it at all, as they knew I loved music from early on. 

Tell us a bit about growing up in Norway.

I grew up with my mum, dad and my 3 brothers in a city called Drammen, just outside of the capital Oslo. It was really nice, and I have a lot of fond childhood memories. It’s a winter country so one essential part of growing up North is to be comfy with snow and minus degrees. 

How would you describe your own style of music?  

I would describe it as pop rock type of music. For me every song I’ve made has its unique story, maybe a time in my life or an experience felt by me or others close to me. Guitars are important in my sound, as I tend to compose on it. Sometimes I go genreless, just experimenting.

Why do you think you make music? Do you see it as an inward or an outward act? I make music because I love music.

It’s such a universal language that anyone can understand. I think it can be both inward or outward act – depending on the viewpoint and what’s behind the making of a song. You can basically let your feelings and thoughts run freely while writing, and thus make something out of one single moment. That is beautiful. 

What is the greatest challenge you have faced in your music career?

It’s so many artists struggling for the same attention, that it takes a lot of effort to reach out. People will find you, but it’s important that they know where to look. That’s the challenge.

So you’re a physician as well. What’s more fun being a musician or physician? 

Hands down; musician. I like to be creative and with music I can be totally carefree and just indulge myself in melodies. Being a physician, well that’s a different story – quite opposite – but indeed very rewarding. Doctor by day, musician by night – that’s my life.  

Apart from music and medicine, what keeps your busy, any hobbies? 

I enjoy working out and cooking, the latter being a newfound hobby after too much “Masterchef” reruns on my telly. Time flies by these days. But I have no intention of being a pro chef anytime soon though.

Have you recently visited Pakistan? Do you find Pakistan different from how it is portrayed in Norway’s media? If so, would you care to elaborate? 

I have been in Pakistan many, many times. I have family back home as well. It’s my country, as I am Pakistani. In the media I think, in these terror times, Pakistan is generally portrayed very unfairly given we have sacrificed a lot in recent times. I wish some good news also made headlines regularly.

What is your favourite Pakistani food?

Without a single doubt: Samosa chaat! Could be more fancy, but really – I love samosa chaat. Biryani is also my favourite.

Do you have any crazy fan stories you’d like to share?

I would just like to say that I really appreciate the support of the people listening to my music, and sharing it.    

Now that ‘Always’ is out, what are your future plans?

Make more music, both in Urdu and English. I am also working on a background short movie score in collaboration with local artists here in Norway. 

What advice would you give to the aspiring talent of Pakistan?

Pakistan has so much talent, that I am so proud to be a Pakistani. Keep working, and keep amazing everyone. Quality over quantity is always better. 

Thank you for your time and opening up to our readers/your fans.