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Thursday, 14 February 2013

Shahaab Sheikh (Interview)


Name: Shahaab Sheikh
Nickname: ShazStar
D.O.B: April 9th
Favorite dish: Definitely has to be Biryani, Butter chicken and French fries!


Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a 14 year old rapper coming up from Toronto; born and raised here. I really like the city a lot! I started rapping and performing from about grade 6 and I've never given up on this dream. I'm just looking to get seen by someone in the business one day by doing what I love!

Inspirations?
I look up to people who started out from really nothing. Also people who I know are doing music because they love it. I look up to people by their music like D-Pryde, Drake, Tupac, Lowkey, etc! I also look up to my mom a lot. She's inspired me in so many ways and encouraged me from the start!
Study background?
Currently studying in high school.
What are your raps about? 
I base them on real life situations, or stories that happen. I look at my raps from either my perspective, from someone else’s or third person. This way, people can build a picture in their mind while listening to my songs.
Have you ever performed in front of any audience?
Yeah! I performed in school talent shows, and in small performances here and there! Never in front of a massive crowd though.
Who do you think is the living king of rap?
Honestly, there can never be a king amongst an art of which everyone portrays something different.
Define rapping in your own words?
3 words; Beauty, art and visions.

Was your family supportive when you started rapping?
Of course! They helped me all along! Told me to focus on my studies and also keep in mind of what I love doing!
That one rapper you would love to work with? 
Has to be either D-Pryde, or Drake.
You usually cover rap, do you have any of your own rap as well?
haha I try to make very few cover raps, and I try as much as possible to make original tracks! Even when covering a song, I always make my own lyrics to add my own touch to a song.
Any upcoming projects? 
Working on a mixtape called "Fifteen Stars". Can't wait for everyone to hear it!
Where do you see yourself in next few years?
Wherever I'm bound to be.
Why did you decide to rap?
I originally started off by singing. I was just with my friends one day and they noticed I listen to a lot of music and that I sang here and there by myself. I sang in front of them, and I found my place on this Earth. As time went on, I was introduced to rap and that's what I stuck with.
Is there any message you consistently try to portray in your music?
Yeah! I try to get people to know that haters will always come and go. Make sound that people remember, not just to please them. At the end of the day, not everyone can be pleased. If you love what you put out, then stick with it! You will find true fans!
If you got a record deal at this second, would you accept it?
Well, it depends really. I wouldn't want it to affect my studies because if anything, you need knowledge in life. I'll have to think more in depth about it because it's a big decision.
Where can we find you online?
I'm active on Youtube. Type in "ShazStar" and you will find my music on there. The channel "OfficialShazStar" is where all my latest videos are uploaded! Also follow on Twitter @ShahaabTS.

Views about islotimes? 
It's honestly a really great website to get upcoming people with some sort of talent out there! I feel it will really benefit many people! Never stop Isotimes!

Salma Khan (Interview)

Name: Salma Khan
Nickname: samz
D.O.B: 4th June
Favorite dish: I love to eat anything made of chicken
Give us a brief introduction about yourself?
Basically I’m from Rawalpindi but currently I’m studying in London, UK. I’m a free lance software developer aswell. By nature I’m a very friendly and easy going person.
Study background? 
I have done software engineering and currently I‘m doing Ms in Information Management from London.
Photography as a passion or just a hobby? 
Well.. at first it was my hobby but gradually its turning into a passion. :)
How did you got into photography stuff?
My brother Ali Khan, he is into photography and his work was even published in “The Times” (uk). So by seeing his work I kind of developed an interest in Photography.
Who are your inspirations?
My brother and Mr. Irfan Ahson who is an amazing photographer
What else are your hobbies except photography?
I’ m a computer nerd! :p I love to do programming and learn new software other then that I like to read and travel.
Would you like to have interns with you?
Definitely, YES.
Who is the one person you would like to do or dying to do photo-shoot of?
Ah! Well I have a huge list; it’s really difficult to pick one. On top of ma list is Ian Somerhalder ;)
Was photography your passion?
No, it was just a hobby but now it’s becoming my passion.
In which kind of Photography section do you focus/ have more fun like fashion photo-shoots, outdoor shoots or wedding photo-shoots etc.?
I love doing outdoor photoshoots, as u get lots of stuff to play around with.
You got an opportunity to do photo shoot for many magazines and known people in this glamorous industry how was your experience working with them?
Every opportunity which I get is worth the value and experience.
What is important?
1. Good camera
2. Editing skills
3. Good face
I would say a Good camera but a good editing skill is a plus!

Let’s get a bit technical which cameras do you use? And it would be really great if you give a short review about it too?
I’m using canon 60D. It’s really a good camera for all those who want to adopt photography as a profession. It has excellent photo and video quality
Any tip for new photographers?
It all about believing in yourself. Don’t focus too much on the competition. It is very important to create what you love, not what someone else loves. Keep clicking ;)
What do you think is there any scope for photography in Pakistan?
Now a days photography is a very popular field in Pakistan and I think there is infinite scope.
Who has been most supportive while you were becoming a Photographer mum or dad?
Alhamdulillah, my parent have always supported me and encouraged me. I would not be the person I am today without them.
Any person you would like to say thank to?
I would love to thanks my parents who have always been there for me and have been my strength throughout my life. And here a big thanks to my brother, who gave me his own professional camera as a gift, when I first showed interest in photography.
Any moment when you were like I am the best photograph and you are leaving photography?
No.
Which,when,where were the best/interesting events you have covered till now?
In oct 2012, It was the wedding coverage of a lady doctor, both bride n groom and their families were full of life and I really enjoyed working with them in Islamabad.
One embarrassing and funny moment while you were on your work?
I forgot to take out the battery from the charger and I left if at home :p
What are the other goals you have?
I want to see my name as Dr. Salma Khan, n yes for that I’m anxiously waiting to start my PhD. B-)
Where do you see yourself in next few years?
My name in list of best photographers :)
Any message for your fans?
Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Life is simple, so don't make it hard. Stay Blessed!
Views about islotimes
It’s really a good platform to encourage all the young/ upcoming talents. I wish it grows faster. And I really thank you for giving me that opportunity I really feel horned.

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Azmat Naseer (Interview)


Name: Azmat Naseer
Nickname: Well there alot, so lets not go down that road. 
D.O.B: November the 26th. 
Favorite dish: Tuna with rice, Daal, Bhindi. Actually I am not that choosy with food. 
Give us a brief introduction about yourself.
  Well my name is Azmat, I am from Rawalpindi. Did my masters in IBM from Uni.Of Hertfordshire, and undergrad in HR.from Uni.of Reading and ICMD.Currently Iam working on my personal photography projects.
Study background?
 APSAC(Ordanance Road), Iqra University, ICMD, Uni.Of Reading & Uni.of Hertfordshire
Photography as a passion or just a hobby
 Both.
How did you got into photography stuff?
 A friend of my father was a photographer in Reuters and he motivated me to start it as a hobby regardless of equipment, so I bought a 4mp point n shoot and started photographing.Before that I used disposible cameras.
Who are your inspirations?
 Roger Deakins,Cรฉsar Charlone,David Higgs, Tim Maurice Jones,Philippe Rousselot, Newton Thomas Sigel etc etc.
What else are your hobbies except photography?
 Reading, Films, Electronic Music and long drives.
Would you like to have interns with you?
  If they can bare my humour and method of teaching.
Who is that one person you would like to do or dying to do photo-shoot of?
  Asif Ali Zardari.
Was photography your passion?
  It is.
In which kind of Photography section do you focus,fashion photo-shoots, outdoor shoots or wedding photo-shoots etc.?
   A part from personal projects am happy doing Fashion, and wedding shoots. 
What is important?
1. Good camera
2. Editing skills
3. Good face
 Camera is definitely important if you want to get into the business or you can say for a professional photographer a good camera is way too important,editing skills will help you in putting out your imagination to world. Good face is a plus but not necessery.
Let’s get a bit technical which cameras and editing softwares do you use? And it would be really great if you give a short review about it too?
 Iam using Nikon D90 & D7000,both of which are DX format cameras with great low light performance and good battery life. I use photoshop CS5 for editing and file conversion.

What do you think is there any scope for photography in Pakistan?
 Yes there is,but you have to work hard for it,plus having connections at right places can really give you a big leap. 
Who has been most supportive while you were becoming a Photographer mum or dad?
 I think both of em for not asking me why I want to get into photography,despite the fact I have degrees in a totally different field.
Any person you would like to say thank to?
 Not anyone yet.
Any moment when you were like I am the best photograph and you are leaving photography?
 Nope.
Which,when,where were the best/interesting events you have covered till now?
 There are alot, I loved covering underground raves in Hatfield and Bedford areas. Apart from that I really really loved covering theme based weddings in churches and English country side.
One embarrassing and funny moment while you were on your work?
 There is one both Funny & Emabarrasing moment when I tried to take a photo of Gabriel&Dresden with my lens cap on at their reunion tour.
What are the other goals you have?
 To get into the field of visual story telling.Also to release my own photobook in an year's time.
Where do you see yourself in next few years?
 Travelling around photographing functions and people from everywhere.
Any message for your fans?
 Keep on clicking and Keep on visiting my page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photos-by-Azmat/292897850811574?ref=hl) and do leave some feedback. :D
Views about islotimes?
 Great initiative for bringing out the local artists.

What Is Valentine`s Afterall?




Love itself holds something extraordinary special aspect to it. The month of Feburary is known as the month of love and affection. Yet it contains history and background of its own. Valentine’s Day is celebrated by millions around the world to make their love one feel special, love fills the sky, red is seen everywhere and bows, arrows and hearts are hanging on the ceiling. Love can be defined as:
‘A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; preeminent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as, the love of brothers and sisters.’
 
Valentine’s Day is merely an arbitrary day that people use as luminosity hearted way to express their feelings to their partners; it is also true that this day sustains the myth that all couples are happy. Without intending to bash this “feel-good” day, after all, people benefit from an expression of love, it seems that Valentines Day may be more widely accepted if it was truly a day for love.  Not just romantic love between couples, but love in all of its forms.

 
 Yet the history of Valentine`s Day is as well full of confusion. As it has two extreme sides of it:

  1. St. Valentine's Day began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named “Valentinus”. The most popular martyrology associated with Saint Valentine was that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire; during his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius. Legend states that before his execution he wrote "from your Valentine" as a farewell to her. Today, Saint Valentine's Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion
  2.  In the Lutheran Church The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine's Day, albeit on July 6th and July 30th, the former date in honor of the Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni).

Many people who find themselves alone on this day, struggle with past hurts, grief, and feelings of inadequacy.  While they are bombarded with images of happy couples, it is important that they remember that their identity is not defined by their relationship status.

While your friends might be buying flowers for their partners, consider the people in your world that could be your parents, siblings, close friends or other relatives. Random acts of kindness can bring a surprisingly wonderful sense of well-being. One can spend a time might be helpful to spend time with friends or family - people with whom you have already been.  It could be a time to focus on what you have, rather than on what you feel you’re missing. 

Even if we are not even born yet, our parents and God already love us. Even if our heart breaks, our parents and God are there to comfort and love us until the wounds of our heart is healed. Even if our parents die and no one’s there for you, our parents together with God in heaven will be there to love you, though you can’t see them, you must know that they’re always there.

The above mentioned facts on their side but there are certain questions that I have in my mind. Why just this one day to celebrate ‘love or affection’? Why we make special arrangements for this day and forget about it the rest of the year? Love and be loved, a simple rule to be applied in our everyday life. The poorest person on earth gives love and prayers, it even exceeds that of the most powerful man on earth, and why is that? People are blinded by power and wealth but the darkest path can be illuminated by love, so the only thing the poorest person can hold to is love, love given by God and others around him, love given by nature to warm him in coldest night and give him shade on the hottest days, and that is way better than power and wealth. 

Why should you give love only on Valentine’s Day when you can love everyday to be loved and be one of the happiest people on earth. Surely, people have their own views and motto upon this day. But for me, every day should a day of ‘love and affection’, giving extreme love shouldn’t only happen in one day, it must be done 24 hours a day 7 days a week 52 weeks a year or simply everyday.



Written by: Tayyaba Khushi


Monday, 11 February 2013

Asad Pervaiz (Interview)


Name: Asad Pervaiz

Nickname: I don't have any

D.O.B: 20th sep 1989

Favorite dish: biryani,aalo keema,daal chawal

Give us a brief introduction about yourself.
Ans: I am a shutterbug, music freak and a telecom engineer.

Study background?
Ans : I did my schooling from APSAC, then pre-engineering from F.G Sir syed college and completed my engineering degree from CIIT, Islamabad

Photography as a passion or just a hobby?
Ans : A hobby turned to passion

How did you got into photography stuff?
Ans: I always used to take pictures with my 2 mega-pixel cellphone camera no matter where or what i was doing lol, then i get my hands on a Dslr and this is how it all started.

Who are your inspirations?
Ans : Mobeen Ansari, Fayaz Ahmed, Von Wong, Evan and the list goes on.

What else are your hobbies except photography?
Ans : Exploring different genres of music and i love to sing too (though i am not that good at it).

Would you like to have interns with you?
Ans : Not at the moment.

Who is that one person you would like to do or dying to do photo-shoot of?
Ans : My grandmother (R.I.P)

Was photography your passion?
Ans : Yes, taking pictures makes me happy and thats all i know.

In which kind of Photography section do you focus/ have more fun like fashion photo-shoots, outdoor shoots or wedding photo-shoots etc.?
Ans : I am more towards outdoor/fashion-shoots and experimental photography.

What is important?

1. Good camera
2. Editing skills
3. Good face

Ans :Your gear/equipments do matter but what matters the most is your aesthetic sense and composition/POV of taking photos and post-processing them.Good face is not necessary ;)



Let’s get a bit technical which cameras do you use? And it would be really great if you give a short review about it too?
Ans: I use canon 550D. It's a great camera indeed whether it comes to picture or video quality.

What do you think is there any scope for photography in Pakistan?
Ans : Yes there is a scope only if you won't do monotonous work or copy work/style of others.

Who has been most supportive while you were becoming a Photographer mum or dad?
Yes : Both are supportive :)

Any person you would like to say thank to?
Ans : My family and friends.


Any moment when you were like I am the best photographer and you are leaving photography.
Ans : Never.I consider myself a beginner photographer and there is a lot more to learn and a lot more to do yet.

Which,when,where were the best/interesting events you have covered till now?
Ans : I recently covered Qayaas (rock band) gig at Kuch Khaas.Since i am a huge fan of Qayaas so it was fun taking photos and banging my head right at the same time.

One embarrassing and funny moment while you were on your work?
Ans : It happens quite often that i forget to remove lens-cap while shooting.


What are the other goals you have?
Ans : I love film-making and cinematography.Hope i ll do some work in these fields in near future inshAllah

Where do you see yourself in next few years?
Ans : Hopefully doing shoots for some major brands and making films inshAllah


Any message for your fans?
Ans : Always value yourself and your work no matter in which field you are.

Views about islotimes?
Ans : You are doing tremendous job by supporting local talent. Keep up the good work :)

Sunday, 10 February 2013

Rabia Minahil and Shaiza Haider (Interview)

Band members: 
Rabia Minahil and Shaiza Haider.
Nick names: 
Shaizzi & minni!!
Favorite dishes: 
Food yum! Its something we cant live without.. We love pizza and biryani (our all time favorite food)  
How was this band formed? 
Well to be honest, we were jamming one day and discussing how Shaiza loved to be a lead guitarist and I wanted to be on vocals... Soo it just clicked to me that why not we make a band it's what we love to do(music).. Umm it actually took us 5 minutes and there you go we were a band.. (Hahaha) 
Who could be said as the most talented person in the band? And why?
We both are talented at our own place. Well the thing is I am on guitars and Minahil is on vocals so it's kindda hard to say which one of us is better because we both do different things, but surely Minahil has a beautiful voice.. 
What make you girls different from rest of the bands in Pakistan?
We believe in dreaming and achieving.. 
Study background?
I'm in Alevels and Shaiza is doing her o levels. 
Minahil describe Shazia? Tell us what kind of a girl she is, her flaws and other secrets *wink*.
Shaiza is beautiful from inside and out.. She is a really kind hearted person but the thing is she thinks that she should have been the elder one!! Haha! She doesn't listen to me much 
Shazia describe Minahil? Tell us what kind of a girl she is, her flaws and other secrets *wink*.
She's my elder sister.. I love her soo much, she's a full on psycho and shugalii bandi.. Actually she's the funny one and we be soo insane and awesome together. 
You both are quite young? Do you girls think that you are old enough to enter the underground music industry of Islamabad?
Definitely! Ummm.. First of all we do not plan to stay underground for much long and yes it of course is the right time. How much more longer would we have to wait to do what we love. It's our passion beside there is no age for music I suppose.  

 One male underground singer you girls would like to collaborate with?
Oh please!! No one. 
Funniest moment at any performance?
Umm.. We were doing she will be loved and there was a pause before going to chorus.. I stopped as we decided but Shaiza started (singing) with the chorus I was looking at the crowd and God! you have no idea how I stopped my laugh.it came along at the end 
Harry Styles or Zayn Malik? 
I knew this was coming (haha) well, None! We are not those ordinary next door girls who are ready to die before Harry and Zayn.. We prefer paki men  haha!! 
Where do you guys see yourselves in next few years?
I look forward to be a cardiologist and Shaiza will definitely become a business women lol, but yes we don't think that we are going to stop music it's our passion and we will surely do some small projects. 
Any message for your fans?
We don't believe that we actually have fans.. There's a long way to go but yeah keep supporting us, and the way you guys are requesting for covers its simply amazing and we will defiantly entertain you guys and come up with new stuffs. Just keep your prayers with us and yeah do what ever you guys love to do as life is really short. :))
Views about islotimes?
Well this was our first interview and it went amazing. By taking interviews from people like us islotimes is doing an incredible job and is providing up coming artists an opportunity to show the world what they are capable of..