Check Out Imran Ahmed’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Imran Ahmed.

Hi Imran, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is based mostly on teenage angst and alienation. I felt alienated and like an outcast or a loner, so my circumstances also contributed to and inspired me to create something no one was doing at the time. I grew up in Pakistan, which is not an English-speaking country. 

Imagine you’re living in a country where people don’t speak English and music is mainstream Indian/Bollywood dominant, so you were a circle among squares. There was hardly anyone who would listen to American/British rock bands, thanks to one of my friends who introduced me to rock music; once I was introduced to rock music, everything took a backseat. I had a cheap Sony Walkman, and the only album I would listen to was Megadeth’s So Far, So Good, So What… German Band Kreator’s Extreme Aggression and Metallica’s Justice for All. 

I knew right away that music was the answer to what I was going through then. That, too, is rock/metal music because of its loud guitars and in-your-face lyrics. I got my first acoustic guitar with five strings; the first high E string was missing. I borrowed it from a friend, intending not to give it back, and I was ignorant that the guitar had six strings. I would try to create sheer turbulence with the instrument until I decided to take up private tuition and save money from which I bought my first electric guitar. It was a copy of Les Paul, and by the time I was 17, I got very serious and would lock myself in a room and practice for hours and hours. 

Pakistan is a country where rock English music is considered niche and underground because it is not an English-speaking country. Hence, getting accepted was very difficult for my music as I was into English rock music. Back in the day, rock music was not for everyone, and the dominating scene was all pop bubble gum songs, which I wasn’t into. Rock/metal music was dark and loud, and the songs were about reality. I grew up listening to Judas Priest, Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Kreator, Black Sabbath, Ozzy so on, also some mainstream rock bands like Def Leppard, WhiteSnake, Guns N’ Roses, Scorpions, etc. 

The main thing what got me into this specific career path was the guitar, guitar is the most versatile instrument, and the possibilities are endless, I love to compose music and music is something that I eat live and breathe. It was obvious that either I was going to choose music or music was going to choose me. 

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has never been an easy road, initially it seemed like I was doing the wrong thing at the wrong time but thanks to me, I listened to my heart and was persistent. Rock and Metal music was the only escape for man and me alive talking about struggle or smooth roads in the world of music. Ha, that’s a rare find, my friend. My journey has been more like a rollercoaster ride, with its fair share of twists and turns. From the get-go, money was tight, making it tough even to afford the basic gear I needed to kickstart my dream. 

But beyond the financial struggle, the constant battle with self-doubt and societal expectations put me through the wringer. Being self-taught meant I had to figure things out independently, which often felt like wandering in the dark. There were nights spent locked away in my room, wrestling with chords and scales until my fingers ached. And let’s not even get started on the raised eyebrows and skeptical glances I got from folks who couldn’t wrap their heads around a Pakistani kid chasing rock dreams. But you know what? Every stumble, every setback, it all shaped me into the musician I am today. 

They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? And hey, despite the bumps along the road, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. It’s taught me resilience, pushed me to dig deep and find my voice, and, most importantly, shown me that no matter how tough the road gets, music has the incredible power to light up even the darkest paths. So yeah, it’s been one heck of a ride, but man, wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I’m a guitarist, composer, and songwriter from Karachi, Pakistan. My journey in music has been quite an adventure, from teaching myself how to play on a beat-up 5-string acoustic guitar to eventually forming bands like Project X and Nkounter. 

I specialize in rock music, but what sets me apart is my blend of Eastern and Western influences, creating a sound that’s uniquely mine. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive recognition for my work, winning awards like the Josie Music Awards and the ISSA Awards and even performing at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall in London. Recently, I was honored to accept the position of Executive Co-Director of The International Singers Songwriters Association Awards based in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The International Singers Songwriters Association Awards better known as (the ISSA Awards) is the biggest prestigious, and most legit award show for independent artists around the world, with 16000 plus members globally. Tamanie Dove is the CEO of The International Singers Songwriters Association, and she is one amazing lady and a Bona fide musician herself. In 2023, I won the accolade at the 2023 ISSA Awards in the “International Break Through Artist of the Year” category. 

But beyond the accolades, what I’m most proud of is staying true to myself and my music. I’ve always believed that music should be more than just entertainment; it should have depth, meaning, and the power to connect with people on a deeper level. And I think that’s what sets me apart—my commitment to creating music that rocks your socks off and touches your soul. 

Who else deserves credit for your story?
There is a long list of people, but I just want to mention a few people here: first off, my family, my mom, and my wife Shaista, who’s always been very supportive of me and always appreciate the efforts I put in, whether it’s music or anything. Linda Arrico Centeno, a friend of mine from LA, has supported my music and was the first person to help me get nominated for the Indie American Awards, which I later won. 

My friend Don Balch of DND Productions is my friend and brother. Moreover my friend Hagit Kastel has done most of my videos, I would like to give a huge shout-out to my band mate David Pollard of Nkounter. Two of my friends and DJ/Radio personalities are Michael Tobin and Phil Kranz, and my very good friend Gregg Wietstock, to name a few. 

Last but not least a huge shout out to Tamanie Dove of The International Singers Songwriters Associations (ISSA) these people played a big part in my musical journey and helped me to be where I am today, if it wasn’t for them, it wouldn’t have been possible. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.imranprojectx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imranprojectx/
• Facebook: facebook.com/imranprojectx
• Twitter: twitter.com/imranprojectx?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpe_Tb1EiASwQmIE5Toy3SA