Johan Jackson

What is your art form?

I play the guitar.

How long have you been playing?

For about a year now.

How do you fit practicing the guitar in to your busy schedule at the U of M?

I don't see it as practicing. I see it as my chill-out time. It helps me relax.

Would you ever think about playing the guitar for a career?

No it will always be a hobby. Something to free my mind. But you never know what the future may bring.

Do a lot of people play the guitar in Dubai?

Yes, my friends and I always met up at someonešs place to play.

What other instruments do they play in Dubai?

The drums, the violin, bass guitar, as well as classical instruments such as the tabla, which is an Indian percussion instrument. Also, the sitar, which is a typical guitar of Indian culture.

Do you or does anyone you know play any of the more traditional instruments you just mentioned?

Yes I do, but some friends of mine have been playing the sithar and the tabla for many years, as they require more skill and practice than modern day conventional instruments such as the guitar or the drums.

So you are in a band?

No, it was not really a band, just me and my friends getting together and having a good time.

Is playing the guitar a big part of your Indian culture?

Not so much of culture, but more of the modern day media influence on kids our age.

Please explain.

We have grown up watching TV and listening to the radio, and we had all the posters of the bands on our walls. So its pretty much, us trying to imitate our idols.

Who are your idols?

Different bands such as Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, Three Doors Down, and Nickleback to name a few.