Getting to know musician Naser Mestarihi

Rock musician Naser Mestarihi Naser Mestarihi is, impressively, the first artist to release a rock album out of Qatar. Born to a Jordanian Arab father and a Pakistani Pashtun mother, the Qatari born multi-instrumentalist has been on the music scene since the age of 15. Influenced by the likes of rock legends, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May and Eddie Van Halen - the self-taught musician has been performing in live shows with several bands since 2004. In 2007, Naser embarked on a solo career, eventually debuting his self-titled EP, Naser Mestarihi in 2010. The record became the first official rock album to be released in Qatar.

Although not commercially successful, the debut has been hailed as hugely impressive by Rolling Stones Middle East magazine.  Since then, the artist has garnered much support for his musical offerings that remain unique to the region.
Arabstoday caught-up with the singer-songwriter to get know him a little better and find out what he has in store for his growing fan base.

How does it feel to be the first musician to officially release a rock album out of Qatar? Why do you think it’s taken so long to achieve?

“I feel really proud to have done so. I love representing my hometown and showing the rest of the world that rock music of an international standard can come out of Doha. I think people are quite fatalistic when considering the option of pursuing a professional music career here, which subsequently leads to them abandoning such aspirations.”

What’s your constant source of inspiration when song-writing?

“There is no constant source of inspiration. Anything can inspire me to write. Lyrics and music come to me from different places at times. For instance, one source of inspiration to write music comes from acquiring new musical knowledge which I then begin to experiment with. Whereas lyrics can come from life experiences, politics, travel, exploring different cultures, and history.”

What’s your life’s motto?

“Live a life overcoming challenges & obstacles to achieve your dreams rather than a mundane existence.”

If you had to pick one rock band as your all-time favourite, who would it be?

“Tough, but it would be Guns N' Roses. They represented everything I love about the genre musically and visually.”

You sing, play the guitar, the bass and the drums, thinking about learning another instrument soon?

“Piano, sitar and the mandolin.”

What do you think of musicians who don’t write their own music or play any instruments?

“They're not musicians (laughs).”

What can we expect from your upcoming début album?

“Full-on, no holds barred rock n' roll. Real music with all the elements that have gone missing in the generic song writing you hear today. It's pure hard rock, no games or compromises. I really want to encourage younger kids to pick up instruments, learn to play, buy records and support artists; do not let the corporate mainstream rubbish and social norms of today which breach basic ethics affect you or your intellectual capacity. Liberate your minds.”

Naser Mestarihi EP (2010) is available for purchase on iTunes.