El Amir
My name is Amir John Haddad, known as “EL AMIR”. I am a multi-ethnic musician, composer and solo artist. I am considered to be one of the most international flamenco guitar soloists of my generation. I have been collaborating among others with Hans Zimmer, Juno Reactor (Matrix), Peter Murphy (Bauhaus), Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and many more. I have recorded guitars for James Bond - No Time To Die, Spongebob, Baby Boss 3 to name a few. Music in Action asked El Amir why music matters?
At what age did you start making music and how did you start?
I started to learn and play flamenco guitar at age 7 by the hand of my father. Since age 12 I have been performing on stage as a professional artist. Later on I studied with maestros Pepe Justicia and Enrique de Melchor.
What do you enjoy about performing and what was your favourite performance?
I enjoy the fact that each concert is an experience for itself and a new way to discover the emotion behind the notes. I love to create a strong connection with my audience through music. It is not a repertoire it is a journey.
Why does music matter to you?
Music is a vehicle for unspoken words and emotions. It’s the language of the heart channelled by an artist who uses music to express that. Some say it is like speaking to the gods.
What is your favourite place on earth?
Earth itself. If I had to choose a place anyway I would say the place where I live right now. Home is the possible best place until you decide to change and make another place your home. Actually everywhere I go I feel like home.
Who is your favourite composer?
- Classical: Bruckner, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, Mozart, Albioni, Vivaldi
- Rock: Steve Vai, Mother’s Finest, Dream Theatre, Living Colour
- Funk/Jazz: Hiram Bullock, Paolo Mendonça, Mike Stern, Richard Bona
- Flamenco: Paco de Lucia
...to name a few... can’t choose just one, it wouldn’t make sense to me.
Which historical figure would you choose to have dinner with?
Jesus from Nazareth. He must have been quite an amazing, mesmerising and almost dazzling figure if everything that has been told and written about him was accurate. I would be interested in his mindful approach towards live humans and creation. Also, how did he manage to walk on water... I would ask him many questions and try and read between the lines of his answers. As a mere mortal this could be a thrilling experience.
What is the future of classical music?
I actually don’t know. Music has its own pace and evolution. I encourage classical musicians to start composing more own music again, just like all these past centuries. Music only can develop if certain figures take the courage to express their own music rather than performing over and over again the same or similar repertoires. Classical music has had and will always have a huge potential and a huge influence in our lives. Such a beautiful music and a beautiful way of expressing emotions with impeccable technical approach.
What can we look forward to from you next?
Right now I am about to launch my new online Flamenco Guitar Method (FGM). Next year I will be featured again in “The World of Hans Zimmer - A new Dimension” Tour and I will be focusing on creating new music as well. It will be a year full of new adventures and learning processes. This is what I always try to do as much as I can. Wether it was on my guitar, on personal level, professional level, musical level or spiritual level it wouldn’t matter.
“The only way to keep growing is to keep learning”
(El Amir)