Ayr College Welcomes Pakistani Pop Star

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After a number one single and a number one album, Pakistani pop sensation Imran Khans decided to take a break from stardom and in September, enrolled on the HND Sound Production course at Ayr College.

The singer songwriter from Pakistan was keen to find a course that would develop his music recording skills incorporating his love of music with his knowledge in computing. Imran, also known as IMIK, obtained a degree in Computer Science from college in Pakistan before landing his big break in with Sadaf Records in 2003.

Imran said: “I wanted to get the best sound possible from my recording and, with my computer knowledge, I decided that a sound production course would suit me perfectly. I did a random search on the internet and it displayed a number of establishments worldwide that offer such courses. Initially I thought I would go to Melbourne as my brother lives there but then I decided that I wanted to be part of the vibrant and active music scene in the UK.

“I have met so many really nice people here. The course is brilliant and I feel that I understand it very well. The lecturers are all really helpful and I’ve made good friends on my course. The only thing that I am not too impressed with so far is the Scottish weather although I do think that Scotland is very beautiful and colourful. I am really enjoying myself here and Ayr is a great place to live.”

The HND Sound Production course, which is delivered from the college’s Dam Park Campus on a full-time basis, provides students with the knowledge and practical skills required for the music technology industry.

Sound Production Curriculum Leader, Patrick Devlin, said: “IMIK is doing brilliantly since starting the course in September. He is learning from his fellow students as well as sharing his first hand experiences with them. The students benefit greatly from having such a well know star in their midst and often ask him about the music scene back home. He has a lot of potential and I am certain that he will go far both in the UK and in Pakistan.

“Since arriving he has already made an impact on the Scottish music scene and will hopefully be able to apply much of what he learns on the Sound Production course to any future career. We are very pleased with IMIK so far and he seems to be enjoying all aspects of Scottish life. We are honoured that he chose to come to us from Pakistan from such a long list of prospective establishments worldwide. For all of us, it is an indication that the fine reputation of the Music dept at Ayr College, has spread beyond our national boundaries.”

Imran, who is now in his mid twenties, has been making music since receiving his first guitar from his father for his 13th birthday. The self taught musician wrote his first song about his girlfriend moving away when he was only 16. The song, PIYA, was later released with Sadaf Record in 2003 and reached number one in Pakistan. The song was a massive hit and led to Imran’s album, Winds of Change, also reaching number one in his home country Pakistan in 2005.

After Imran finishes at Ayr College he plans to stay in the UK for a year to gain more recording experience before returning to Pakistan. He then hopes to set up his own studio and record his own album.

Imran, aka IMIK, played his first ever Scottish gig on Monday November 17th at the Clyde Auditorium. He will be performing as part of the Chand Raat Damaka 2008 festival tour which kicked of at the Wembley Arena in London on November 16th. ‘Chand Raat’ means ‘Night of the Moon” in Urdu Language and the festival marks the end of Ramadan. This is the first year that the tour has came to the UK and Imran will be performing alongside many of Pakistans most famous artists including Sajaad Ali, Shaida Mini and Abrar-Ul-Haq.

For further information on the HND Sound Production course or any other courses available at Ayr College please contact 01292 265184.