One of the youngest, charismatic and talented singer songwriters in Maldives, Eman from One Knight Stand is set to launch his self titled album “Eman’s Conspiracy”. We sat down with him to talk about his new band, his latest works and dream collaborations.
Q. You have a new band titled under your name “Eman’s Conspiracy”. How did you come about starting a new band? And why is it called “Eman’s Conspiracy”?
I have always wanted to start my own self titled band and it all came together at the 2013 Dhiraagu Eid Show with a lineup that I had always wanted to work with. I had new songs written too. We all connected so well that it was perfect to start a new band again. As for the title, I just wanted to go wicked with it.
Q. Was it that you had any differences among your band members of One Knight Stand that made you come up with a new one?
Would we still see you perform with them?
No, not at all. We have not disbanded either. I will still perform with One Knight Stand if the opportunity arises but at the moment I am focusing on my new album and I will be mostly seen there.
Q. What should we expect from Eman’s Conspiracy is it going to be a departure from One Knight Stand’s style? Would it show a different side of Eman?
Emans Conspiracy will be focused on rock genre. The songs are very different and the lyrics will be in the comical style and hopefully everyone will enjoy it.
Q. One Knight Stand’s songs especially the lyrics are very popular in Maldives. Every Maldivian youth was singing songs like “Dhethiki p”. Did you write the lyrics yourself or did you work on them with your band members?
I wrote the lyrics for One Knight Stand and Eman’s Conspiracy as well. I enjoy writing lyrics and I always try to keep them simple and easy for people to relate to.
Q.“Dhethiki p”, “Dhefarubadha” ,“Varubalivanee” ,“Rizna” and your latest song “Vagu” Your songs are contemporary, comical and connects with the youth but they are also suggestive, bold and controversial. Do you ever have to come across criticism and disapproval from people especially elderly people? Or from your family? Do they say that it promotes what is socially unacceptable?
A few times I have come across people who comment with disapproval. But it’s really upto the individual to take it in any way they want. My family is very supportive and they enjoy my songs, my mother comes to almost all of my shows.
Q. Has the album launched already? And how many songs would it have?
It will be launched earlier this year with seven songs. All of them will be in Dhivehi.
“Kuriah othee adhi”, I have a long way to go and this is only the beginning I believe.
Q. From the days when you performed with Dittore Head and Customs, how do you think you have grown as a singer and musician?
I do believe I am growing every day. As every day I am learning something new.
Q. Do you think you have reached your career goal? Do you still aspire to achieve more?
“Kuriah othee adhi”, I have a long way to go and this is only the beginning I believe. I want to reach the peak of my career and to be internationally recognized hopefully.
Q. Are you a full time musician and singer?
Yes, I am.
Q. To all those aspiring young singers and musicians, would you recommend this as a career in Maldives?
Yes, I would. If you are willing to work hard for it. But you must maintain quality. How you behave in resorts can either get you more gigs or not. Though, there’s a limit for expansion as a musician or singer in Maldives, like we cannot make sufficient record sales. So if you want more exposure then you must take an international platform.
Q. Any band or singer that you dream of collaborating, international or national?
There are so many, but I would love to meet and perform with Iron Maiden and Aerosmith, especially Steven Tyler.
Q. What is your best and most memorable stage performance uptill now?
The South Asian Bands Festival 2013 held in New Delhi, India. The crowd was great and they were even singing to our songs, which were in Dhivehi!
