Since its inception in 2010, Bangalore-based rock band has taken the Indian indie music scene by storm with its Kashmiri/Urdu lyrics and progressive rock sound. Many concerts, an EP and another critically-successful album later, Parvaaz has now established itself as one of India's leading rock bands. Khalid Ahmed, the vocalist of the band, is considered by many as the band's crown jewel.
Let's take a look at what he is listening to right now:
"Blue Ridge Mountains" by Fleet Foxes
Khalid: "This song takes me back to Kashmir, my birthplace. I love the way it begins, especially the patient guitar licks."
"Khabaram Raseeda" by Fareed Ayaz and Abu Mohammad
Khalid: "The song is originally by Amir Khusrau and has been sung by many artists. But this version from Coke Studio Pakistan is perhaps the best as it's quite progressive. Even though it is long, I never feel its lengthy when I listen to it."
"Gullay 39" by Dhafer Youssef
Khalid: "This is one composition that does not fail to give me goosebumps every time I listen to it. Dhafer Youssef is a master in jazz and has been a great inspiration to me recently."
"Echoes" by Pink Floyd
Khalid: "From the day I first listened to Pink Floyd, I have been a big fan. The first time I discovered this song was when I watched "Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii." And I just couldn't believe that a 70s' band could produce such an intricate soundscape."
"Train Song" by Vashti Bunyan
Khaild: "This song speaks volumes for me, like how a simple melody with brilliant vocals can drive a song to greatness."
"Finders" by Blushing Satellites
Khalid: "I recently discovered this band from Bangalore. They have a really refreshing sound."
"Today" by David Gilmour
Khalid: "One thing that has always attracted me to David Gilmour is that he gets better at writing songs each day. I don't know how a 60 plus-year-old person can still produce music that rivals his best work. This song is an instant mood-lifter for me."
"Since I've Been Loving You" by Led Zeppelin
Khaild: "The combination of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant is a once in a lifetime thing. I really wish they were still making music together."
"Paranoid Android" by Radiohead
Khalid: "Sometimes bands tend to make a lengthy song to show a lot of techniques and textures in it. But the best thing about Radiohead is that they incorporate all of those techniques is a five minute track."
