Music

YouTube video of the day: Fire Fly by Usman Riaz

Usman Riaz is a percussive guitarist who recently released his first album via EMI Pakistan

Shaheryar Popalzai February 28, 2011

Usman Riaz is a percussive guitarist, based in Karachi, who recently released his first album Flashes & Sparks via EMI Pakistan.

The song Fire Fly is the first single off his album and is a very refreshing track with eastern classical influences. Riaz occasionally shifts to using the body and the neck of the guitar as a percussive instrument, a unique style he developed when was 18.

The video has been directed by Bilal Khan and Shayan Agha, who have also done the Hum Na Rahey video by Aunty Disco Project.

Video rating: Two thumbs up!

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COMMENTS (8)

God | 13 years ago | Reply I am devastated at the standard of talent in thiscountry, this kids technique is first of all, NOT unique by any way and probably 20% of all guitarists use the technique of slapping the guitar body A's a percussive instrument. Usman riaz CAN utilize this technique, but even in that he is at the beginner level of that technique. He tries to look cool by bringing his hand on the other side of the guitar.. Even MAB knows that's outdated and very cheap because it's a show off thing and very easy to do. Secondly, I am an experienced guitarist, usman's picking/legato/tapping techniques are at an extremely low stage As he is very sloppy and is missing 90% of the notes. Now days anyone can fool a pakistani with a hi def camera, and good sound quality and by doing aomethin which a common Pakistani had no idea of. A good society appreciates real talent.. A decaying one like Pakistan unfortunately evidently is at a very low stage of music awareness...

Zara Norris | 13 years ago | Reply Mr. Shaheryar Popalzai, thank you for you review. Just wanted to add that the "Firefly" film-piece itself was premiered on February 28th 2011, already calculating a staggering number of over 4000 Hits in less than 36 hours of releases! Its been three days since and the number of hits are still growing phenomenally. This just proves that real talent and genuinity out-shines all that isn't, and deserves all that it is. And we are excited and looking forward to see Pakistan boom in this regard. Thank you for your support & Good luck!

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

S Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply @siddiqui As great as Andy Mckee's video that you posted is, Usman provides an eastern and a more entertaining aspect for a much different audience. Also, I see no similarity between the works except the instrument, i don't see why someone might think one is a copy of the other.

yasir | 13 years ago | Reply He is not a "percussive" guitarist. Please listen to his EP Flashes and Sparks. You should also go through his piano pieces on youtube aswell. His music is more cinematic, with different levels of expressions. The music flows well throughout his album, and goes through different moods.

Ahmed Mehanti | 13 years ago | Reply @siddiqui: that was crude and uncalled for.

Khan- | 13 years ago | Reply Akheeeeeeeeeeeeeeer (Y)

siddiqui | 13 years ago | Reply it isnt music to my years... the guy is more concerned with showing of his skill than creating a pleasurable experience for the listener... i know people argue that its artistic creativity... imo, art only for the sake of art is an abomination and deserves to be thrown into the gutter... anyways it looks a pathetic copy of the great Andy Mckee, who creates "music"... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddn4MGaS3N4

Mariam Javaid | 13 years ago | Reply oh my god ...thats was so mesmerizing ....he has magic in his fingers .....i hope this video gets the attention it deserves on YouTube ...Thank you ET for promoting it

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