Ammar Farooki: Lahore to Brooklyn Journey, Music Style, Albums & Future Vision

Brooklyn is crowded with artists chasing dreams, but few carry the quiet intensity that Pakistani singer-songwriter Ammar Farooki brings to his craft. Born and raised in Lahore, Ammar’s journey to New York was years in the making, blending corporate experience, artistic mentorship, and an unshakable belief in music as his calling. Alongside him has been his wife, French journalist and musician Diane Desobeau, who shares both his life and his creative vision.

Follow Ammar Farooki:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ammarsmusic/

Twitter: twitter.com/ammarsmusic

Facebook: facebook.com/ammarsmusic

Photo Credit: Lucia Fainzilber

Why Ammar Farooki Left Banking for Music — A Leap of Faith Story:

“I’ve spoken about taking a ‘mad leap of faith’ when I moved to New York,” he says. “Moving here was a long-term dream, even when I was working in banking. Most of my heroes had played their earliest shows here. But even after deciding to try, it still took two and a half years to secure my artist visa.”

Photo Credit: Lucia Fainzilber

Ammar’s path spans Pakistan, New York, corporate work, and the art world. “It feels all my various experiences peppered and informed how I approach music. The years of business school definitely bleed into how thoroughly I prepare for a project. There’s a sense of professionalism from my earlier career that I like to apply to my current career as a musician.”

“Once you stop making excuses and commit to a vision, you learn what you’re truly made of. Behind every corner is an excuse to quit,” he adds.

The first year in New York tested his resilience. “I also found it exhilarating and realized that to pursue this dream, there is almost a necessity of singular focused madness.”

How New York Shaped Ammar Farooki’s Sound and Artistic Identity:

New York and Greenpoint in particular, has shaped Ammar’s sound and identity. “Playing music with musicians here has been very illuminating because they bring their aesthetic and cultural approaches from different parts of the world. Also, the sheer volume of talent ensures exposure to all kinds of genres and artists, which in itself is the greatest education. It helped me realize how I, and my music, stand out based on my experiences.”

Blending Pakistani Roots With American Indie Rock: Ammar Farooki’s Unique Style

Balancing his Pakistani roots with an American music ecosystem influences his upcoming work. “My new album leans into rock and singer-songwriter traditions, but the soundscape is broad. My eastern roots inevitably shine through, in the philosophical bend of my lyrics and poetry. One of the songs has an outro where I loosely reinterpret lines of Baba Bulleh Shah, which is very new for the audience here.”

Ammar’s identity remains anchored in Pakistan. “Some of the people I meet, I may be the first Pakistani they’ve met, which makes me want to be a strong representative of where I come from.”

Photo Credit: Tim Shrider

Ammar Farooki’s Creative Process as a Singer-Songwriter:

Ammar’s songwriting moves seamlessly between introspection and raw emotion. “I’ve always written from a real place and have always been my harshest critic. But with time, I feel I’ve found my own voice and expression which is unique and singular.”

How Paloma Coffee and NYC’s Art Community Influenced His Songwriting

Daily life at Paloma Coffee has become an unexpected source of inspiration. “I get to meet some of the most creative and successful people across industries every day. I’ve met some amazing musicians and producers through working at Paloma, and these interactions bleed into my art.”

Behind the ‘Caveman’ Music Video Shot in Northern Pakistan

His music video “Caveman,” directed by longtime friend Mooroo, was filmed in Northern Pakistan. “We had a grand vision but a bootstrap budget. In such scenarios, there’s nothing better than working and traveling with your closest friend. We filmed in remote areas, living in shepherd huts, crossing glaciers… memories we shall forever cherish.”

Collaboration is central to Farooki’s work. “Shared vision, trust, and respect are everything. Across the ten artists featured on Twelve, that alignment was constant. Everyone understood the core values of the project.”

‘Twelve’ Album by Ammar Farooki – A Global Collaboration Across Pakistan and the U.S:

Twelve, set for release in 2026, is Ammar’s most ambitious project to date and stands in stark contrast to his previous EP, Songs from the Cave. The album’s vision and scope are expansive, making the process both challenging and deeply rewarding. It took nearly three years to complete, ensuring each song had the finest arrangements and the right artists contributing.

Twelve is dedicated to Farhad Humayun, Ammar’s friend and mentor who encouraged him to pursue music seriously. “Farhad really believed in my music and songwriting. While others questioned the madness of pursuing a dream, he instilled in me a belief that I could do what I envisioned. Sometimes you need that kind of certainty from somebody close when you yourself are full of doubts.”

The album took three years to complete and features musicians from Pakistan, the U.S., and beyond. “Some songs were written in Pakistan, but playing in New York shaped the arrangements. You can hear the shift, in instrumentation, the energy, the worldview.”

See Also

In Conversation with Irum Rahat

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1MLSEHXBbG8AnMBxxjuL1S

The Making of “Mother” The Most Challenging Track on the Album

When asked which song challenged him most, Farooki points to “Mother”: “The arrangement demanded precision. When you hear it, you’ll understand why.”

Photo Credit: Lucia Fainzilber

Ammar Farooki’s Musical Influences and His Vision for the Future:

Ammar’s music carries echoes of Eddie Vedder and ’90s rock, but his sound has evolved. “Playing regularly in New York and collaborating with incredible artists shifted my focus. Now I’m focused on honing a voice and sound unlike anything you’ve heard before.”

His foundational force remains straightforward and consistent. He says, “Music has always been a friend or a realm I have turned to through the various stages of life.” By giving it my all, I’ve been able to tune out external distractions and focus on the life I want to live.  When your job matches your ideals, the benefits are great.”

When asked to explain his journey in a single word, he laughs and adds, “Epic.”  It feels like I’ve lived many lifetimes to get here, much like a character from The Lord of the Rings who has left the Shire to embrace all the magic and difficulties that lie beyond.  And we still have a long way to go.

Why You Should Listen to Ammar Farooki Today:

• Twelve, his most ambitious album, arrives in 2026
• His upcoming work promises a more personal, refined sound.
• Caveman, directed by Mooroo, captures Northern Pakistan’s landscapes with striking honesty.
• His music bridges Pakistani roots and global influences with authenticity and depth.

Also listen on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/ammarsmusic

Whether you’re discovering him now or following his journey from Lahore to Brooklyn, Ammar Farooki represents artistic conviction, cross-cultural storytelling, and the courage to build a life around what matters most.