Today we’d like to introduce you to Khizer Khan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Khizer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started off as a teenager desperate to express myself conversing with other people, but unfortunately, my speech disorder made that difficult. However, when I was 12 years old my father bought me my first acoustic guitar, and that became my voice. I became a bit more social with that and known in the community as the Singer who also played the guitar. It’s given me a place in the world with purpose and confidence
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. For the most part, I’ve had to go at it on my own, and figure stuff out along the way. It’s a lot more anxiety provoking when you’re a Pakistani-American, and your peers/friends are all pursuing careers in medicine, IT, engineering, etc.. I’ve questioned myself many times if this was the right path.
I’ve always been able to answer it saying, “This is the right path for Me, and I’m taking it because I can handle the passion and uncertainty of it.” I’m very grateful for the amazing producers, vocal coaches and guitar instructors who have helped me take my talent and skill to the next level!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Khizer Khan – what should we know?
I perform mashups with my vocals and guitar. I’ll take Bollywood/Pakistani songs and mash them up with American songs that have similar BPM’s (Beats Per Minute). I’m able to relate to almost every audience using this flare, and it also makes them realize that we are not so different after all.
The project I’m most proud of is the mashup I did for Chainsmoker’s song called “Don’t Let Me Down”. I mixed it up with an old Bollywood song, and Chainsmokers commented on that video when I posted it on Instagram. It was one of the coolest moments of my life!
I also write my own songs and I’m planning on releasing my 3rd single with my first music video.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My criteria for success has always been that if it’s something I’m passionate about, and it stretches me out of my comfort zone, then I have to pursue it and execute.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/KhizerPermanente
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KhizerPermanente
- Other: www.YouTube.com/KhizerKhanMusic
Image Credit:
MNK Photography, Sarah Iqbal
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