Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Ahmed.
Hi Omar, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, my parents used to play a lot of music around the house. My dad (from Pakistan) and mom (from South India) listened to a lot of music from their countries, like A.R. Rahman, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Abida Parveen. My parents had a diverse taste – from Sufi to Carnatic to classical western music they listened to it all. I was heavily drawn to music. My parents got me a keyboard for my 6th birthday. From there, I learned how to play classical music, like the Fur Elise by ear. Fast forward to high school and college – I DJed parties and clubs, exposing me to the music scene early on. I was lost in the sauce of it all and didn’t have an identity. After college, I went through a lot of life learning and self-discovery. I was exposed to new cultures, new music, new people, new energy. I moved to Atlanta, where I feel like my true start was.
I now live in LA, where I’m exposed to even more culture. I’ve dreamed of living here since I was a kid.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Trusting myself has always been a challenge. I’ve struggled with being quick to make decisions. I’ve noticed that I always have a gut reaction or feeling, but my mind starts to overanalyze, and afterward, I feel stuck. Lately, I’ve been trusting my instincts more and acting more on feeling. It’s still an everyday challenge – I’ve been taking more risks daily, and the practice is helping. Learning to understand how I am feeling – what I need to give my body/mind has also been an everyday learning process. I’ve been practicing enjoying the process. “Success” is a moving target. I want to love every step.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a dj, producer, curator, music lover. I specialize in making Indian/Arabic/ethnic-inspired beats inspired by my culture.
I just dropped my newest beat tape, Bollywood Bass Vol. 1. It pays homage to artists and songs I grew up listening to with my parents and family. After living in Atlanta, I was able to immerse myself in the sounds of the south and further my knowledge about the hip-hop culture. Bombay to Atlanta is the first project in my new series Bollywood Bass, which blends my cultural roots with my American upbringing.
Next, I plan to collaborate with artists and producers all over the world to make original music. I care deeply about empowering and encouraging other creators. They are the reason for my inspiration, and collaboration feels like the way forward for our collective growth.
How do you think about happiness?
I’ve been learning that happiness and gratitude go hand in hand. There’s always something else to do, more to achieve, more money to earn, etc. These days, I’m practicing acceptance. Whatever happens to me happens for me.
Other than that, my Bengal Kitten Lulu, being around my family and friends, learning new things, playing basketball, video games, and bubble tea all give me a boost of happiness. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.omarmakesmusic.com
- Instagram: @omarmakesmusic
- Twitter: @omarmakesmusic
- SoundCloud: @omarmakesmusic
- Album: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/omar17/bollywood-bass-vol-1-bombay-to-atlanta
- Other: https://omarmakesmusic.bandcamp.com
What to check out next:
Aleasha Bahr is a sales & marketing strategist known for showing introverts and ambiverts the Secret Art of Subtle Selling. She personally sold millions in revenue while discovering introverts are usually top sales people – as soon as they stop trying to act like extroverts. We’ve partnered with her to produce Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories. Check out episode 1 below:
