Young and Versatile

Guitarist Zerif Ahmed
Talks to
Apurba Jahangir

	Courtesy: Zerif Ahmed

I went to South Breeze School in Dhaka. My school life was amazing, despite the fact that I was never quite good in my studies. I was really more into sports and used to play basketball a lot. My musical journey also started when I was in school. I used to watch my older brother, Zeheen, playing the guitar. Inspired by him, one day I picked it up, which happened when I was in class three. I am basically a self taught guitarist. I used listen to a lot of songs and try to play them on my guitar. After I finished grade 7, I left South Breeze and completed my O levels in private and after that did my GED.

The first band I played with was named Paradox. Three of my friends and I started this band. It was nothing serious. My official band, with whom I started playing seriously in 2008, was named Train Wreck. Right after my O levels I joined the famous heavy metal band, Power Surge. In a conversation with Jamshed bhai, the Vocalist of Power Surge, I asked if I could play with them. But at that time he said that Nahian, (guitarist of Power Surge) handled all the guitar parts, so I should speak with him. But I didn't approach him because I really didn't have the courage back then. But after a few months, I got a call from them asking if I was interested to audition while I was in class. After hearing that, I literally ran out of my classroom. It was with Power Surge that I first came under the spotlight, and the experience was simply incredible.

After Power Surge, I joined Nemesis, which was kind of like a dream come true for me. I always loved the band and wanted to play with them. Basically, when I heard that Omayr bhai, the former guitarist of Nemesis, was leaving the band, I started covering their tracks. A couple of days later, I also heard that they approached Zeheen for Omayar's spot. So after hearing that, I spoke with the band and asked them whether I could join. They, then, took my audition and finally, I joined as a guitarist alongside my brother, Zeheen.

I listen to a lot of artists and several of them have influenced my playing and taste in music. If I have to name a few, I would say Miles, Cryptic Fate, Artcell, Mechanix, Rafa and Watson Brothers. The biggest inspiration for me would be my mother and Zereen.

Right now, I am kind of busy applying to universities. My future plan is to focus on my studies after I get into university and alongside that, I want to make sure that music is very much a part of me.

To the upcoming musicians, especially guitarists, I have to say that have patience. You cannot rush music. And guitarists need a lot of patience to learn. And try to pick up the songs by listening to it rather then checking out tabs on the internet. Another important thing is, stay out of drugs. There is no connection between music and drugs. And getting high is very uncool, especially when you are a musician.

Getting high is very uncool, especially when you are a musician(highlights)