rahim quazi

Rahim Quazi, A Supernatural Songwriter
Audiences and musicians in North Texas respect Rahim Quazi for his warm washes of melodies, his firm strides as a showman, and the fact that he's just a darn nice guy to know. He had performed in popular Texas rock bands (most notably, OHNO) for years before deciding to go the solo route and, despite minor personal and professional setbacks, he has been a closely followed North Texas songster for more than a decade. Local musical upstarts can learn a lot of valuable things from Quazi, the most important of which is his proven philosophy - take the time to do it right. SAMPLE Press was thrilled to learn that Quazi is soon to release his long-awaited second album, Supernatural, and even more thrilled that he was willing to talk to us about the details. Here's what he had to say:

SAMPLE Press last interviewed you in the Fall of 2004. At that time, you were just finishing up recording on your debut album Big Black Box. How well-received was that album? Were you pleased with the response?
I feel like Big Black Box struck a good chord with people. It was my first attempt at trying to get across a body of sound and thought and I feel I came very close to my vision. A number of people tell me that my album is still in their CD changers. I recorded it 4 years ago! I love that.

What has been your primary musical focus since that time?
Playing live? Touring outside of Texas? Taking a break? Recording?
These last few years have been about quality in general. The shows I have taken have been special situations, like the two Carter [Albrecht] Memorial shows and Salim Nourallah’s CD release. I have played more solo shows at listening rooms like Bend Studio. And, mainly I have been writing and recording my new album, Supernatural.

You are getting ready to release that album. Does its musical style differ from the first album's at all? If so, tell us how.
This album is still about melodic songs, but without a unifying theme. I came to Salim with about twenty songs and we narrowed it down. He was excited because he felt this new album would be a ‘White Album’ since they were so different from each other. So, we got busy from June 6, 2006 to January of 2008 tackling these songs. Along the way, the songs began to have a string running through them and it started sounding like a cohesive group. Now that it is done, I feel it is a Big Black Box on steroids.

Have any of your life's circumstances made an impact on your music or your recording?
I have learned that you can’t force anything. If my budget is tight, I back off on recording sessions. If my band mates move away, I play solo or catch up on writing. If Clive Davis hasn’t called me, I pursue a publishing company and get signed. It’s like life-event jujitsu.

Do you write mostly about things that are happening to you, are you retrospective, or do you prefer to tell fictional stories in your songs?
This new album has a number of story-songs about other people. The song 'Supernatural' is about a guy that wakes up one day and realizes he can fly, and 'She Talks to Moonlight' is about a girl who falls in love with the moon and runs away with it. And there are a handful of straight-up Rahim songs talking about self-doubt and lost love.

What inspired the album title, Supernatural?
When all of these songs began to have an album feel, I realized that they all represented natural things that happen to us - our feelings: love, doubt, wanting more, moving on. In a song, these feelings are intensified in order to get the point across. They are supernatural, so to speak. Also, the song called 'Supernatural' recorded very well, big and strong, which kind of told the flying man's story. The song was inspired by my life. The lyrics are broad enough to be your own story, but there are specific lines right out of my story.

Why the long wait between your first and second albums?
I think it came down to absorbing many life changes - getting married, having a little boy, moving three times. Life stuff. It really was a little more than a year and a half between recording processes though. It’s just that this new album has taken a while to finish. For better or worse, I let go of the deadline.
What are your hopes for this new album? How would you like to see it received by the public?
I want many more people to hear Supernatural. More reviews. More exposure, in general. Although locally, Big Black Box was a success in that I sold a good amount and made many critics' Top Picks list. I want that times ten for the new one. I am hoping that Supernatural will floor people. I would love it if people hear this new stuff and keep it in their CD changers for a few years.

Do you strive mostly for hometown appreciation or do you play with the intention of breaking to a wider audience?
The more the merrier, for sure. My aim is to keep putting albums out, always reaching for a wider audience through touring and internet distribution. Also, I am always looking for opportunities for song placements. The publishing deal I currently have is geared toward putting my songs on other people’s albums. So, if one of my songs makes it, it could only help the rest of my songs be heard. I really just want to make a living on my creativity one way or the other. I can’t say that being respected in my own back yard doesn’t feel great though.

The last time we talked with you, the music scene in Dallas was strong, but at a stall. The classic Deep Ellum was crashing down and many bands were finding difficulty gaining new audiences. In your opinion, has that changed at all?
Oh my. Poor Deep Ellum. I was fortunate enough to be a part of one of its heydays, headlining Trees and such, but what I see now is weird and sad. I think this up-and-coming generation doesn’t so much want to be a part of a music scene. It seems more people are content checking their MySpace pages while songs stream. God Bless Club Dada though!! What a trooper.

Do you feel like things are getting better or worse for the North Texas music scene as a whole?
The general population isn’t really supporting a local scene anymore. But, regional acts seem to do well coming through at places like House of Blues and The Granada. There are pockets of energy that do offer a glimmer of hope.

Who are some of the local bands you currently follow or identify with, and why?
Although I have been friends with Salim Nourallah for many years, I would have to say I am a huge fan of his songs and the way he moves forward musically and interpersonally. I also love Manya and Blue Petal. Her voice and melodies resonate deeply with me. They are both on the bill of my CD release show! I love creating bills that inspire me.

Tell me about the CD release party for Supernatural. When and where will it be, and what can we expect to see?
My CD Release show will be at Club Dada on Friday, May 2nd. I have a stellar full band which includes Dave Karnes, Paul Jenkins, Ray Tamez, and a few guest musicians. I will play much of the new album and throw in some Big Black Box songs for old times sake. Salim Nourallah and the Noise, Manya and Blue Petal, plus one other band to be announced. This will be a special night with the new album and new merch available.

Congratulations on your completion of the new album, Rahim.
We can't wait to hear it!
-- Interview by Jennifer Manriquez
-- Photos courtesy of Rahim Quazi

- The Sample Press