Photo by Samier Mansur
Last week, VOA Urdu aired an interview on GEO Television with my younger brother, Mesh (short for Meshal), an aspiring singer/songwriter who recently launched his own music publishing company, Franklin’s Row. In the below video, Mesh discusses why he writes and sings English (versus Urdu) songs, as well as his desire to improve perceptions of Pakistan through his music. It’s a testament to how music truly is a universal language, one that transcends cultural, ethnic, and national barriers.
I generally keep my personal life separate from this blog, but what can I say – I’m a proud sister. I am extremely close to my family, and my brother is truly an example of how hard work and talent can pay off. His company Franklin’s Row is an innovative challenge to the music industry, placing the emphasis on the songwriters and taking a novel approach to music production, distribution and promotion. Amid all of this, though, he never forgets his roots. Last year, when his music first appeared on Pakistan’s FM radio [see my previous post], he emphasized how important it was to share his music both in Pakistan and the West. He told me, “My cultural identity is important to me, but for someone to find a way to relate to my own identity is equally as important. For me, that middle ground is music.”
Congrats Mesh! If you would like to check out his music catalog and read more about Franklin’s Row, click here. To hear one of my personal favorites, “Edgar” (with album art, lyrics, and link to download), click here.
[Thanks to Raza Naqvi, who did an awesome interview!]
The Lakhani family is very talented!! M’sha Allah
Wow Mesh! Amazing – congrats! I am so proud of you!!
Great Interview!
[...] and sings English (versus Urdu) songs, as well as his desire to […] Read more at: CHUP! – Changing Up Pakistan aspiring singer, chup, cultural identity, cup of tea, fm radio, lakhani, music catalog, music [...]
Mesh this is sooo awesome. I’m bragging about you to all my curious coworkers and saying “YEAHH! THIS IS MY FRIEND! Check out Franklin’s Row!”
Proud of you!
“Without music, life would be a mistake.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
It’s refreshing to see an artist that remembers his roots.
Kalsoom, Nicole just told me about your blog. It’s great!
MESH sounds amazing. Congrats on the VOA interview! Soon I’m going to hearing him on the radio and Pandora!
I’m going to be in DC this weekend. Will you guys be around?
Thanks G
I hope he gets on Pandora soon! Fingers crossed.
Will be around this weekend, look forward to seeing you!
Congratulations Meshal! We are lucky to have such a talented artist like you. Keep up the good work!
well done!!!
Fabulous!
nice job mesh – i like the camera angles
Amazing interview Mesh!! Love listening to all your music. Waiting for the new songs you are working on. GOOD LUCK!!
Congrats Mesh, so.o..ooo wonderful to hear you sing. Keep up the good work…so much to be proud of.
Congratulations, Kalsoom and Meshal. It was a great interview. I listed to your Rock the Girl on my ipod during my run! your voice is beautiful. best wishes, always, shayma.
Wow, this was amazing! Keep up the good work and hopefully people like you will be able to bridge the gap between Pakistan and the Western world one song @ a time.
Thanks for the kind words guys! I appreciate the support.
WOO HOOOO!! YAAYYY BBBB!!! YAYYYYY!!!
Really good interview and great video and amazing song. As for Franklin’s Row- potentially the next ‘disruptive innovation’ in the music industry! Yaay!