Amar - stage name Dr. AAC - graduated from King’s College in 2012 with a degree in Medicine, but could never quite forget that it had been Music that was his first love: “I am a doctor (Radiology Registrar) by profession, practising for 3 years now” he told us “but I couldn’t feel complete without the singing/song-writing in my life. Music has always been there in the background. I am trained in Indian Classical Music, play the piano, guitar and harmonica, and have been singing since I was six, so I thought it was high time I brought them to the fore! I made the gutsy decision to take a year out and seriously pursue music, and so far I’m glad to say, it’s been a great adventure.” Amar’s music can be described as a fusion of Indian Classical, Bollywood and Western genres, and in April, he made it to the top 50 of a competition called the ‘Magical Voice of India,’ in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, after going head to head with a total of 12,000 entrants. He has also played up and down the UK from Scotland to Southampton, at festive, boisterous Melas and on hire at more private events: “I’m delighted to have found work on both the public and personal platforms: it’s good to know that taking a risk with my passion is really paying off.”
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But it’s not just Amar’s melodious melds that impress: it’s how they extend to life. “I chose the brand name ‘Dr. AAC’ because I wanted to demonstrate how there are no boundaries to your dreams,” he continued. “I want to keep practising Medicine, but also devote an equal amount of time to performing. I believe it is possible to have both. My initials are in the name too, to highlight that it’s about honouring yourself: you only live once and you should do justice to your identity.” Indeed, Amar’s music possesses a charismatic yet poised quality and no wonder some of his favourite artists are Michael Jackson and Arijit Singh. As much in tune with his soul as he is the body and the mind, Dr. AAC shows us how happiness is a holistic pursuit.
Tell us a bit about your upcoming singles?
The first is called ‘Meri Har Dua,’ and the second is named ‘But I Miss You’. The latter came to me quite organically as I was taking a walk through London. I passed a place in Borough - a quiet, little garden in an enclosed area and this melody just arrived in my mind. What I usually do is take out my phone and start recording wherever I am, because otherwise you are likely to forget, and jotted it down quickly as soon as I got home. I’m very excited about the tracks and hope that they’ll reach people in the harmonious way they reached me.
How would you describe your personal style?
Soulful! There is a lot of passion and emotion in my music. It’s about connecting with the audience. Love and pain, along with happiness and sadness, are fundamental human emotions, and so I hope people will be able to feel my music.
Is there a particular musical technique you enjoy experimenting with?
I don't have a particular technique as such, but I do practise daily: 2h Indian classical riyaaz of low notes; 3h Indian classical riyaaz of high notes and raagas; 2h piano; 2h guitar; 1h harmonica and 2h of musical composition and improvisation. So that’s a total of 12h a day from about 630am-7pm!
Talk to me more about your influences?
Growing up Bollywood was a huge inspiration, especially Mohammed Rafi and Sonu Nigam, who encompass the ‘Golden’ and ‘Modern’ eras respectively. I love Ghulam Ali too because of the love and devotion which captures his audiences. In terms of western inspirations, the late Prince left a significant mark on me. My musical idols have all informed my unique style. It’s an Indian base with a western twist. I think it’s a fun, intriguing surprise. For example, when you go to the supermarket and they have chocolate infused with chilli!
What have been some of your favourite shows?
They have all been incredibly rewarding. I did the Southall Mela a couple of weeks back, for example, and that was a really good because it was my first outdoor concert. It was a similarly novel experience when I played at Edinburgh. You learn something different with each show: the aim for music as an artist is to build and adapt that connection with your listeners, and always be ready to embrace what is new.
What’s your proudest accomplishment so far?
Having the courage to see my musical passion through. I remember waiting in line for hours when I entered the competition in Bangalore. It hasn’t been an easy ride, but that’s what builds character. You have to take the harder times with the good, or the good wouldn’t be as sweet.
Do you think your career in Radiology and the nitty gritty of Medicine has helped build your patience?
Yes, and also my compassion and empathy with people. Those are running themes through both my career paths.
What grabs you most about music; what’s the particular sensation you chase?
That feeling of being lost in the moment where nothing else matters. Singing is like mediation: you are expressing yourself with your heart and your soul. You bring visceral feelings out into the open and play with people’s emotions.
Finally, what do you hope to accomplish with your music in the future?
To obtain a good record label and be truly successful as an artist: become a force in the field.
