Band's Website: www.qissmet.com
Qissmet
Qissmet, pronounced Kiss-met, is a term derived from Turkish and Persian decent meaning fate or destiny. Well it was definitely fate that brought together two kindred spirits of musicality and authenticity, known as Qissmet, Asad Khan and Shobe Khan. Qissmet was a word created by the two friends to highlight both their American and Eastern heritage. The two crossed paths in 2004 at a party where they discovered their musical commonalities and discovered a winning combination whose catchy, flowing lyrics dropped searing notes.
Building upon unrefined vocals and experimentations of drums and other instrumentations, Qissmet sharpened their skills year by year and note by note. As their collaboration began they were able to create new opportunities to have their music expressed to the world and possibly change minds and open hearts with their gift. According to Shobe, one half of Qissmet, he strongly believes in the conviction of their work, “our music has substance and groove to it.” Flowing diverse songs that pull the listeners in to the vibe of Qissmet is what has kept this unparallel group on the eyes of die-hard fans who have embraced the music enthusiastically.
Now as they embark on a new musical journey together, their original compositions bounce into listener’s ears. On stage you can see the musical influences of some of the world’s most influential show stopping performers. Qissmet blends that passion with Pop Music to create a new genre of music expected to take the world by storm. In the vein of musical genres like Rhythm and Blues, Hip Hop, and other saturated pop artists; Qissmet has developed a sound to align them with musical geniuses that remain at the top of the charts. Never doubting the divine light streaming between their lyricism and the powerful engineering, Qissmet is excited to bring to new listeners a new flavor and harmonious funk. Their sound is enriched with lyrics with universality which will give them international appeal. Qissmet’s silky voices and evolving stage presence has garnered the attention of many venues, showcases, and concerts in Chicago.
Some of their performances were witnessed at but not limited to: the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rosemont Convention Center, Northwestern University, Loyola University, Paramount Theater, and Oklahoma State University. Qissmet has given voice to not only thumping catchy beats or laid back party songs, but also songs about change, love, and living in peace and harmony. Their breakout single, “Payback”, is gaining quick momentum and is expected to hit airwaves by summer of 2008. With effortless consciousness and undeniable realism as the barometer to the tuneful beats of their songs; Qissmet are on the cutting edge of bringing back the most needed creativity in an industry thirsty for new melodies, harmony, and true talent.
Shueyb Khan (Shobe)
Shueyb Khan (Shobe) was born in Fayetteville, NC on June 27, 1982. Shortly after birth, Shobe moved with his family to Al-Khobar Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, Shobe attended a Private English School where he learned about art, but had little to no exposure to music. Therefore, when he heard Michael Jackson outside of school, he took it upon himself to study the legend and created his own musical genius. Shobe was also introduced to Cat Stevens whose positive lyrics and music inspired him to write poetry and take vocal lessons.
After arriving in the United States, Shobe kept to himself mostly. However upon attending Roosevelt University, Shobe became active in many social outlets, even singing in front of a crowd at the school’s talent show. He won first place. This was the first of many accomplishments within the realm of music, which boosted Shobe’s confidence to where he wanted to pursue a professional career as a vocalist.
In 2004, Shobe lost his Father in Saudi Arabia. This affected Shobe emotionally, and made him focus on those things in life that really matter most; family, friends, and music. Shortly after, he met Asad at a party through a mutual friend. They performed together for the first time at a fundraiser with two other friends. This led to a quartet. As time progressed, the quartet became a duo of Asad and Shobe better known as Qissmet. The two took professional training and vocal lessons and after endless studio hours and rehearsals, the two have found the magic that was destined to be. The two hope to use their gift to impact the world positively and be role models to continue to inspire future talents of both Eastern and Western decent.
Asad Khaleel Khan
Asad Khaleel Khan was born in Kuwait on November 11, 1983. He eventually moved to India for a few years before arriving to America in the late 90’s. Being the youngest of three siblings, Asad wanted to find his own identity in which he discovered through music. Since childhood, Asad has been active in some form of entertainment from being in plays to singing on stage.
Asad studied music legends such as Yusuf Islam, Michael Jackson, and Classical Pakistani singer, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This helped him to enhance his vocal ability and find talent in music production which put him on the path of becoming a master of his craft. Upon attending James B. Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, Asad went off to William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, IL where he received an associate and is currently studying to earn a degree in Psychology with a minor in Music. He hopes to one day make a difference through music and help create a positive environment.
Asad displays music inspired from his Eastern and American Culture through his music. Living abroad has given him appreciation of world music which drove him in the direction of playing hand drums. His exposure to American music R&B, hip hop, and Pop made his production skills compatible with the likes of a young Timbaland, Scott Storch, or Pharrell.
Asad has performed in several outlets, but found a winning match when he met Shobe at a party in 2004. The two hit it off discovering that they shared a deep passion for music and realized it was truly a musical destiny of how they met. Therefore giving us Qissmet.
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