Ever since he first emerged, emerging artist Pavel Areen has always looked to add a fresh and distinctive edge to his Bangladeshi-inspired direction. And after plenty of praise for his material over the years, he now ventures to the UK in order to bring his powerful flair to a new audience.
So we talked to him about his ambitions and what he has planned for the months ahead as well.
–
You’ve worn many hats; composer, drummer, sound engineer. Which role do you find yourself returning to instinctively when starting a new project, and why?
I always return to music composition—it’s where my ideas begin and where I feel most creatively challenged. Composing allows me to think beyond boundaries, explore new emotions, and constantly evolve. But I’m also deeply grateful that my mother instrument is drums—being a drummer gives me freedom, groove, and versatility across genres. It also adds a certain insecurity that pushes me to strive for better production—to make every beat, every sound, truly matter.
From Bangladesh to the global stage, what have been the biggest cultural surprises or lessons you’ve encountered while working internationally?
One of the biggest lessons has been learning how to stay humble and keep evolving. Every new stage, every collaboration, pushes me to become a better version of myself. I’ve realised how important it is to remain true to my roots, carry forward the original sound of Bangladesh, and still give each production a new global dimension. It’s also taught me to understand global audiences—how to connect emotionally while staying sonically authentic. Above all, I’ve learned to strive for uniqueness—to create music that stands out from the rest of the world, yet speaks to everyone.
What drew you to launch this UK press campaign now, and how do you envision your sound connecting with British and European audiences?
The legacy of British music and cultural history has always deeply inspired me—it’s the birthplace of some of the world’s most influential and fearless artists. From the poetic depth of David Gilmour, the genre-bending brilliance of Jacob Collier, and the global spiritual energy of John McLaughlin, to the anthemic storytelling of Coldplay, the raw intimacy of Ed Sheeran, and the bold pop presence of Dua Lipa—these artists shaped how I see and hear music. I truly believe British and European audiences are constantly seeking fresh, meaningful sound, and for me, this is the perfect time to share a series of unique collaborations and performances that reflect both my roots and a forward-thinking, global vision. This campaign is about pushing my creative boundaries and building real connections with audiences who value originality and emotion.
Your productions often carry a deep sense of texture and atmosphere. How do you approach layering sound to evoke emotion or spiritual meaning?
For me, it’s most important to be soulfully connected with the project I’m working on. Whenever I travel, I absorb the spirit of the place—the sound of the soil, the rhythm of life—and carry that inspiration back into my productions. I take time to truly understand what the project wants to say, in the language of music and sound, and then translate that into texture, tone, and atmosphere. That deep emotional and intuitive process often leads to something that feels honest, personal, and maybe even unique.
Working with artists across different languages and genres, how do you ensure a cohesive artistic outcome while respecting each collaborator’s voice?
For me, it’s not just about music—it starts with building a real connection. I try to be a friend first, to understand who they are, what music, art, and culture mean to them personally. Only then do I begin translating that into sound—adding value without overpowering their voice, and always respecting their artistic identity. I keep myself open to learning, and I give collaborators the freedom to express themselves fully—because that’s when the most honest and impactful art happens.
As a drummer, how do rhythm and tempo serve as emotional storytelling devices in your music—beyond just structure?
For me, rhythm is more than just timing—it’s about finding the heartbeat of a piece. I try to explore different grooves and “foots,” almost like trying on different emotional shoes to walk through a song. It’s about matching the pulse of the body to the pulse of the music, tuning into what feels emotionally true to the project. When the rhythm aligns with that internal feeling, it stops being just structure—and starts telling a story.
What inspired you to create ‘Living Room Session’, and how do you choose which traditional Bengali pieces to reinterpret?
For most of my life, I had to create music for survival. Outside of my band, almost every project was shaped by someone else’s vision—be it a music label, film director, producer, or corporate brief. But Living Room Session is different. It’s the first project that is fully mine—my ideas, my choices, my sound. It’s me pushing myself beyond limits, carrying forward the sonic textures of our land and South Asia, and giving them a global production standard. This project gives me the freedom to innovate, to rediscover my roots, and to share them in a way that feels deeply personal and artistically true. It also gives me the opportunity to become more global, to collaborate across borders, and to create a new kind of vastness in music—one that blends cultures while staying grounded in authenticity.
You’ve performed at SXSW and shared the stage with Scorpions, two vastly different worlds. What did each of those stages teach you about connecting with an audience?
SXSW was all about energy, openness, and future-focused creativity. The audience there was eager for new sounds, fresh collaborations, and bold cultural ideas—they pushed me to explore the next version of myself and my music. On the other hand, performing with Scorpions felt like stepping into a legacy space. Their audience was mature, warm, and deeply respectful—they made us feel like part of a global family, and for a moment, like we truly belonged among world-class artists. Both taught me different sides of connection—one through curiosity and discovery, the other through legacy and heart.
What’s a piece of studio or live gear you consider essential to your sound, and why does it resonate with you creatively?
Definitely my Apple MacBook Pro—it’s the heart of my creative setup. Whether I’m on stage or in the studio, it gives me the freedom to experiment, produce, arrange, and perform with endless possibilities. It’s not just a tool; it’s a canvas for turning ideas into masterpieces, helping me shape sound exactly how I imagine it. From intricate layering to live adaptability, it’s essential to how I bring my musical vision to life.
Looking ahead, what role do you think South Asian music will play in shaping the future of global genres like electronic, rock, or ambient music?
I believe South Asian music will bring a deep sense of soulfulness, emotional truth, and humanity to global music. With its rich cultural legacy, ethnic instruments, and refreshing textures, it offers a sound that’s both deeply rooted and endlessly inspiring. As global genres evolve, these elements can add not just sonic value, but something that connects, heals, and stays with people.
It’s the kind of music that feels timeless—something that will remain evergreen, no matter how trends shift.
