Our first-time intro to any music artist begins with our Artist Profile, where we learn about them and their music, directly from them.
Name: AHI
CMW Show(s):
- Tuesday, May 6 @ 12am – Cameron House Backroom
- Saturday, May 10 @ 12am – Lounge Bar (Inside Marriott Hotel)
Hometown: Brampton, ON
Music Genre: Indie Soul
Year it all began: 2011
A quick introduction: I’m AHI, (pronounced “eye”). I’m an Canadian born Indie Soul singer, songwriter and recording artist. When I say “Indie Soul”, my style and sound is indie music meshed with soul music, and it’s unique and it’s my own.
What got you into music? Believe it or not, I started off as a rapper and I gotta give credit to my older brother for that. He started writing rhymes at a really young age and influenced me to do the same. Growing up my siblings and I would always put on talent shows and although I loved to sing back then I was pretty horrible, so rapping gave me and outlet. In university I started a band and fronted it as a lyricist, singer and spoken word artist. We had potential but it didn’t go too far. That’s when I really focused on singing and playing guitar solo, which lead me to where I am today.
What are your sources of inspiration? Honestly, I can draw inspiration from anything, but my faith, culture and heritage really shape my writing process. Music that connects to people and that reflects a history is most valuable music you can make In regards to other music it really all started with B.B. King and the blues when I was a toddler. Now I’m really into Bob Marley, 2Pac, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield and The Staples Singers to name a few.
Dream gig? Maybe somewhere like the Royal Albert Hall in London, England with a full backing choir, orchestra and a solid band supporting me. Alternatively I would love to do MTV unplugged.
Your thoughts on Canadian Music Week? CMW is growing at a rapid rate and I won’t be surprised if it becomes the number 1 music festival in the country. I say this because their artist selection is focused on talent and not PR and that’s important when it comes to festivals. Also their conferences are relevant too. From what I see it’s really about the music with CMW.
Interesting points others don’t know about you? I’ve backpacked across Ontario, Trinidad and Ethiopia.
