Urvah Khan

Album of the Week: Urvah Khan - Entr'acte

Looking for that indie punk rock with a bit of rap & attitude? Then I suggest you cop Urvah Khan's latest EP, "Entr'acte"! At USD 4.95, it's a steal! The last track on the EP, "World Turns 'Round" is the funkiest sound I've ever heard Urvah rock! Check out the reviews of Urvah's "Storm Clouds" (song/video) & "16 Year Old". Buy it on iTunes now! Peace! Yuh
- Music I Prefer

Feel so Gone ( Aieyoo Simon 'Subs' Duggal Remix)- Urvah Khan aired on BBC

Yasser airs Simon 'Subs' Duggals Remix of Aieyoo; "Feel so Gone" on BBC Asian Network.
http://www.soundcloud.com/urvmusic/feel-so-gone-aieyoo-simon-subs - http://www.bbc.co.uk

World Turns 'Round- Urvah Khan aired on CJam 99.1fm Windsor/Detroit

The Spice Show airs "World turns 'Round"- Urvah Khan on CJam 99.1fm Windsor/Detroit. "Urvah Khan leading the way in mixing genres up amongst the indie artists out there right now" - Sid Pandya
- Cjam 99.1fm

World Turns 'Round- Urvah Khan aired on CJam 99.1fm Windsor/Detroit

The Spice Show airs "World turns 'Round"- Urvah Khan on CJam 99.1fm Windsor/Detroit. "Urvah Khan leading the way in mixing genres up amongst the indie artists out there right now" - Sid Pandya
- Cjam 99.1fm

Urvah Khan – "Storm Clouds" review on SuperCritic

There is something so wonderfully charming about Urvah Khan. Aside from her stunning looks, brash personality and inimitable style, she's just such a frickin' one-off. It is no surprise that The Gospel of Urvah isn't being spread effectively, as most people probably just don't "get" her. But that is absolutely fine – in this case, it is them with the problem, not her. She has a wonderful musical ear, a talent for melody, a brutal honesty and a talent for penmanship. She is a classic artist in many respects: whilst so many Asians "do music" for image, popularity, money or sex, Khan needs to express herself through music. There is no other option. "Storm Clouds" is a different kettle of fish to "War Drum" – similar musically, but chronicling love, loss, despair and hope. Again, her influences are relatively clear, and that voice is something to get used to – but nothing worth having comes easily, and we urge you to just give the girl a chance. (Reviewed by Jesal)
- SuperCritic

Urvah Khan's Interview on The Spice Show on CJAM 99.1FM

Urvah Khan speaks about her upcoming EP and release of Storm Clouds ( DJ COzmic Cat Remix) on CJAM99.1 Windsor/ Detroit - Cjam 99.1fm

Oct 26/2012- Aieyoo aired on BBC Asian Network

Urvah Khan's track Aieyoo of 2012 EP "Entr'acte aired on BBC Asian Network on Yasser. - http://www.bbc.co.uk

Oct 26/2012- Aieyoo aired on BBC Asian Network

Urvah Khan's track Aieyoo of 2012 EP "Entr'acte aired on BBC Asian Network on Yasser. - http://www.bbc.co.uk

A regular feature, URVah Khan's back again with a video to her single, "Storm Clouds".



A well produced video & catchy song, URV is slowly, but surely, grabbing the attention of music lovers around the world with her punk rock, world music, Hip Hop fusion. She's been travelling a lot recently & shot this video in LA. There's a very consistent theme in her videos, shows the work she puts in planning these visuals!

I suggest you check out this post for some more reading material about the song, & share this video with your friends! - Music I Prefer

Just when I think Urvah's taken a break from her grind, she pops up with another project, & another, & another!


Yea, she does impress me. With her fusion of world music, Rock & Hip Hop, Urvah usually manages to drop wonderful & personal lyrics into memorable instrumentals & create head bopping songs.

Having written about her a couple of times & listening to her songs, I can't help but wonder if this particular song is directed at her estranged family members (well, that's what I picked up), or a scorned lover. Hmmm. So, while I don't over-think her lyrics, this song's got that "umph" to it, especially when the chorus hits! So much for "Storm clouds", this song sounds like a cool summer.

Cop a listen to her track, which is part of her next EP, Entr'acte (an intermission or interlude, hmmm, very interesting).
- Music I Prefer

Video of the week- Urvah Khan 16 Year old

Dope! URVah Khan back with another song & video! URV always comes through with those catchy hooks & her rap/rock style is just diggity! Dafuq does diggity mean? So, here's URVah Khan with "16 Year Old"! Yuh! Peace!
- Music I Prefer

Video of the week- Urvah Khan 16 Year old

Dope! URVah Khan back with another song & video! URV always comes through with those catchy hooks & her rap/rock style is just diggity! Dafuq does diggity mean? So, here's URVah Khan with "16 Year Old"! Yuh! Peace!
- Music I Prefer

BBC UK Podcast offers "Urvah Khan- 16 Year Old"

As a free download in UK only for 30 days. Urvah Khan as an alternative-punk rapper from Canada. She is a former BBC introducing artist from November 2011. - http://www.bbc.co.uk

A conversation with an artist I've been looking forward to talking to, Toronto singer/rapper Urvah Khan who just last weekend performed at the giant desiFEST South Asian music festival in Toronto. And this past Monday was on the Bobby Friction show at the BBC Asian Network. Her music and lyrics have a raw energy that's very compelling. We talk about her first LP, her EP and the upcoming album – and the new song she just released this past week 16 Year Old (Miss Know it All).
Hear it out now! Starts at: 23:30
- Radio Canada International

Urvah Khan Featured in the Entertainment Section - Desi Fahsion Magazine

Urvah Khan Featured in the Entertainment Section - Desi Fahsion Magazine

May 25th/ 2012- Urvah Khan's interview on RogersTV show, Daytime Toronto 10am

Urvah Khan does an interview alongside DesiFest creator SatsB. Speaking about the biggest South Asian event in Canada; DesiFest and Urvah Khan's performance at Yonge-Dundas Square on May 26th/ 2012 & more.
- RogersTV

May 25th/ 2012- Urvah Khan's interview on RogersTV show, Daytime Toronto 10am

Urvah Khan does an interview alongside DesiFest creator SatsB. Speaking about the biggest South Asian event in Canada; DesiFest and Urvah Khan's performance at Yonge-Dundas Square on May 26th/ 2012 & more.
- RogersTV

Her edgy style and sound makes you want to hear more! Urvah Khan, Toronto’s very own, isn’t your ordinary girl. She’s got a sound that is “crazy” and she’s definitely not afraid to show it. We caught up with her about what she’s working on right now and what’s motivated her to be who she is today. She tells us fans should prepare to rock as she’ll be bringing tons of energy to the desiFEST stage in a few days! We can’t wait to watch her perform live!

Check out the full interview below.


If you were to describe your music or sound in one word what would it be?

Crazy!

What’s your motivation or inspires you to make music? Any influences you have?

My music is a reflection of how I feel. Influences are many..Rap-HipHop to Rock and even Soca lol… I’m a huge Eminem fan, love Nikki Minaj… totally in love with bands like Black Sabbath, System of a Down, Nirvana & Rage against Machine. I’ve turned to the past lately to find inspiration… I love digging in the crates to find how music was years ago and how much it has evolved over time. The more I listen, the more I research, the more I find myself gravitating towards the live tracks..they’ve got the energy!

Have you been musically trained or where did this passion to sing come from?

I’m not a formally trained musician, nor did I grow up ever thinking of being a rock star. My mom was a journalist back home and I drew my love for writing and words from her. Have always been a writer and eventually writing turned to rhymes to music. I love working with experienced musicians.. they pour knowledge into you. I’m blessed to be around my band “The Central Nervous System” and every session, every song, every performance trains me to be better than yesterday.

You’re going to be performing at Canada’s largest South Asian Event, desiFEST, how excited are you about that and what are you looking forward to? What will you bring to the stage?

All I can promise you is I will be bringing a whole lot of energy to the stage..prepare to ROCK!

Who is someone that you wish to collaborate with?

I am a total Sabbath head. Not a day goes by when I don’t listen to their music. I love how heavy “Black Sabbath” can get but they still have interesting melodies and rhythms. That’s also the same thing I really love about “System of a Down”. So ye I would love to collaborate with bands like Black Sabbath & System of a Down.

Do you prefer sitting in the studio writing music, or performing in front of a live audience?

Both are creative in their own way.. I love entertaining people. When I’m on stage I want to take the audience away from their daily worries, somewhere different, somewhere crazy and insane. Songwriting and recording are that way too..guess I’m an escapist.

What are you working on right now? Any new singles or albums coming up?

I’m working on a lot. Will be dropping my second EP titled “Entr’acte” this fall. The first single from the EP is called “Aieyoo” and it releases on May 21rst. Also have an LP in works for 2013 titled “The Wrath of Urvah Khan” Keep your eye on my official website for updates.

Thank you for taking time out to do this interview. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans and our UrbanAsian.com readers?

Thank you UrbanAsian for providing me the stage to discuss my music and for the readers.. Rock on! - Urban Asian

ou may have heard the hit single “War Drum” from rapper/vocalist Urvah Khan, which has received play on BBC Asian Network & ESPN, but now we have a visual to go along with it! The Toronto based, Pakistani artist, parades her rebellion, her identity, and roots while challenging uptight naysayers and haters (including bundy ones, whatever that means), in this crazy fun music video!
Starting the song off by counting down in urdu, she proceeds to sing about her thirst for freedom, proudly proclaiming her heritage and even yelling out a popular South Asian phrase during the song’s bridge (you will see at 2:00). With her shredded clothing, eccentric style and a voice that can lead a raging mob, her song style tends to seem like the wilder version of MIA. But comparing the two isn’t fair at all. As an indie artist, Urvah has managed to garner a lot of attention with her music, which I can only describe as a strange cocktail with Rock and Rap being prominent flavours along with strong aftertastes of other genres.
She’s currently working on her EP “Universal Rhythm Venture” and debut album “The Wrath of URVah Khan” - MIDEAST Dynasty

Bobby Friction speaks to Urvah Khan on her latest release Playground (I am Free)

Look out people! Urvah Khan is back! The first single from her new album "The Wrath of Urvah Khan" is called "PLAYGROUND (I am Free)"... And it is poised to shake foundations! Khan's knack for painting portraits of the "outsider" will ring true for all those who don't fit in...and don't want to! Exclusively premiered by Bobby Friction on BBC Asian Network!
http://soundcloud.com/urvmusic/playground-i-am-free-urvah (Free Download)

- Urvah Khan & BBC ASIAN NETWORK

Bobby Friction speaks to Urvah Khan on her latest release Playground (I am Free)

Look out people! Urvah Khan is back! The first single from her new album "The Wrath of Urvah Khan" is called "PLAYGROUND (I am Free)"... And it is poised to shake foundations! Khan's knack for painting portraits of the "outsider" will ring true for all those who don't fit in...and don't want to! Exclusively premiered by Bobby Friction on BBC Asian Network!
http://soundcloud.com/urvmusic/playground-i-am-free-urvah (Free Download)

- Urvah Khan & BBC ASIAN NETWORK

BBC Introducing Artist URVah Khan (Canada) does a LIVE Interview with Host/Dj BOBBY FRICTION. (UK)

www.URVmusic.com
www.BBC.co.uk/

- Urvah Khan & BBC Asian Network UK

BBC Introducing Artist URVah Khan (Canada) does a LIVE Interview with Host/Dj BOBBY FRICTION. (UK)

www.URVmusic.com
www.BBC.co.uk/

- Urvah Khan & BBC Asian Network UK

BBC INTRODUCING ARTIST - Urvah Khan's track POP POP POP gets playlisted on BBC Radio - Urvah Khan & BBC ASIAN NETWORK

BBC INTRODUCING ARTIST - Urvah Khan's track POP POP POP gets playlisted on BBC Radio - Urvah Khan & BBC ASIAN NETWORK

Urvah Khan's Track "I Jus wanna" & "War Drum" featured on ESPN for their coverage of the Winter X Games, Sportscenter LA - ESPN

Urvah Khan's Track "I Jus wanna" & "War Drum" featured on ESPN for their coverage of the Winter X Games, Sportscenter LA - ESPN

OMNITV V-Mix: Happy 2012! - Urvah Khan rocks the house. (8:40) - OMNITV, Canada- V-Mix

OMNITV V-Mix: Happy 2012! - Urvah Khan rocks the house. (8:40) - OMNITV, Canada- V-Mix

My new favorite female rapper/rock meets world/psycho person! Urvah Khan! The Pakistani Canadian (or Canadian Pakistani?) is making her rounds in the music scene with a recent BBC interview & a video, among other activities. If she keeps up, will we see her achieve world-wide recognition? Well, I hope so. Why not?

The indie artist released this video recently & its got color! Shot in the backstreets of somewhere, Urvah shows us her Pakistani roots with the rickshaw (I didn’t know Pakistan had rickshaws too, go figure), her Canadian urban lifestyle with her whacky hairstyle & clothes, the tons of graffiti & skateboards! I’m also guessing the dudes are the Central Nervous System that made the instrumental.

Ok, at one point, somebody will need to confirm some info, I’m not a freaking detective! The topic (overanalyze time), I look at the dance part of this song as representing freedom. Freedom from what Urvah sees as the pandemonium of life & its chains, & the peace of her decisions. I’m guessing that’s why there is no dancing in the video (Dr. Phil, eat your heart out)! I hope I’m right, otherwise, huge facepalm!

Well, I’m off to find out where I can download Urvah’s tracks & blast the tracks in my car & headphones. I’ll leave you with the craziness that is Urvah Khan.

- Mid East Dynasty

My new favorite female rapper/rock meets world/psycho person! Urvah Khan! The Pakistani Canadian (or Canadian Pakistani?) is making her rounds in the music scene with a recent BBC interview & a video, among other activities. If she keeps up, will we see her achieve world-wide recognition? Well, I hope so. Why not?

The indie artist released this video recently & its got color! Shot in the backstreets of somewhere, Urvah shows us her Pakistani roots with the rickshaw (I didn’t know Pakistan had rickshaws too, go figure), her Canadian urban lifestyle with her whacky hairstyle & clothes, the tons of graffiti & skateboards! I’m also guessing the dudes are the Central Nervous System that made the instrumental.

Ok, at one point, somebody will need to confirm some info, I’m not a freaking detective! The topic (overanalyze time), I look at the dance part of this song as representing freedom. Freedom from what Urvah sees as the pandemonium of life & its chains, & the peace of her decisions. I’m guessing that’s why there is no dancing in the video (Dr. Phil, eat your heart out)! I hope I’m right, otherwise, huge facepalm!

Well, I’m off to find out where I can download Urvah’s tracks & blast the tracks in my car & headphones. I’ll leave you with the craziness that is Urvah Khan.

- Mid East Dynasty

I’m blown away by this new artist URVah Khan. She’s a small package with a dynamite swag. After checking out her performance videos on her website, I instantly liked her music. She brings something different and fresh to the scene. URVah Khan kicks it up a notch and experiments different sound with her music. She’s got a rebellious image that goes perfectly with her style of music. Here is her very first single off her E.P Universal Rhythm Venture by URVah Khan. The song features hard hitting music by The Central Nervous System. Hope you guys enjoy her debut single and check her out on Facebook and Twitter for new music.

- Bravura Magazine

I’m blown away by this new artist URVah Khan. She’s a small package with a dynamite swag. After checking out her performance videos on her website, I instantly liked her music. She brings something different and fresh to the scene. URVah Khan kicks it up a notch and experiments different sound with her music. She’s got a rebellious image that goes perfectly with her style of music. Here is her very first single off her E.P Universal Rhythm Venture by URVah Khan. The song features hard hitting music by The Central Nervous System. Hope you guys enjoy her debut single and check her out on Facebook and Twitter for new music.

- Bravura Magazine

Ek, doh, teen, char, she’s from India and Pakistan; one, two, three, four, she reps T dot O, Canada. An artistic and colorful experimentalist (musically), the Abu Dhabi born URVah Khan has been through rough roads because of some choices she made, but the same led her to Toronto, Canada, where she managed to work her rebellion into music and other art forms. She mixes rock and world music to make for some addictive tracks. She’s currently working on her EP “Universal Rhythm Venture” and debut album “The Wrath of URVah Khan” (scheduled for a 2012 release). Universal Rhythm Venture-ah Khan is a rapper/rhyme fiend that reminds me of the days punk rock music drilled its way into society; rebellious, seeking freedom from the chains of society and making their own rules along the way. Why not, works for some, doesn’t work for others.

Catchy like the flu is my opinion of URVah Khan’s “War Drum”. Her lyrics are her life experiences, mostly her escape from her previously imposed lifestyle, venture into drugs and how she’s managed to step out and will make her way through the rubble that is called life. She’s got the voice, and her inflection throughout the song is one reason I call this track catchy. Not to downplay the instrumental though, it’s good work. Her other track “I Jus Wanna” is a more aggressive instrumental which I guess may be about her significant other holding her back. For some reason, I can envision a bunch of girls using this song as their anthem!

I think she’s good, but I’ll let you judge for yourself.

Also, can anyone tell me what “Bundy Haters” means?

- Mid East Dynasty

Written by: Billal Sarwar

Her flattened blond mohawk peeks out from underneath the black toque. The recording studio located in a west Toronto basement, which Urvah says used to be a freezer, unfortunately retains the utility of its past function. Complimenting the winter hat, Urvah wore a black v-neck sweater-vest over a button-down, camouflage patterned dress shirt. The tattoos representing her band (The CNS), musical accomplishments, and spiritual journey were hidden from plain sight. However, underneath the faint studio lighting, half covered beneath the army-print collar, peeks out the, "Je ne regrette rien," (i.e. I don't regret anything) hand-written across her neck— a fitting sentiment for a life fully lived and filled to the brim with fated turmoil. Her calm, polite, and obliging manner betrayed the aggressive, screaming stage persona. My earlier prediction of being choked with a guitar chord was looking less and less likely.

The Past

Urvah is the daughter of a Mechanical Engineer and Journalist, as well as a distant relation of Pakistani pop singer, Nazia Hassan. She was born in Karachi; Pakistan and raised in Abu Dhabi before emigrating to Canada at the age of twelve. The re-location from Abu Dhabi to Flemingdon Park, a tough Toronto neighborhood, came with its consequences. Urvah tells me that while the Canadian government places a high value on educated and skilled immigrants, international experience rarely allows individuals to re-enter their field of expertise.

"It's heart breaking to know that your parents come from good backgrounds, and have their Masters… and there's your Mother —one of the most prominent journalists from Pakistan working at a factory."

Mounting tensions caused the cultural conflict to rear its head. Urvah, insisting it was due to the nature of the UAE school system, was skipped ahead taking grade 12 and 13 courses at the age of fifteen. As a result, she made older friends —friends who she describes, "wore a lot of makeup and had boyfriends." Urvah's moderate-Muslim parents were deeply concerned over the possible corrupting influences this new society offered. They wanted to protect their daughter; unfortunately, their well-meaning actions resulted in agitating restrictions. "School would end by 3:20. My Dad would be out there by 3:10," Urvah recalls. Subsequently, she dropped out of high school and ran away from home just before her 16th birthday.

She concentrates on her hands and describes the event in retrospect,

"I'm not proud of my decision because I hurt my family a lot, and until today we still pay for the decisions each one of us has made."

Despite the remorse in her tone, Urvah admits that, for her, the decision was necessary. I interject with a question, "Did you run away, or did they kick you out?" She responds back quickly, "My parents would never kick me out. I ran away."

Urvah spent the next 7 years, finding herself, to use a cliché. One month after running away, she had already converted from Islam to Christianity— an action that further complicated her familial relationships. It was the classic, bold, adolescent move of wanting to discover ones own path rather than inherit what was given. Urvah reminisces about her first time in Church,

"Everybody was jumping and dancing. They were rejoicing in the lord and I'm like, what is going on? Why are you dancing? It's like a club in here," she laughs, and then interpolates, "I think that's really the first time I felt the power of music."

Urvah's Christianity seems to reflect a broad ranging, holistic spirituality infused with what she sees as principles of equality and fairness, rather than being a set of moral beliefs.

From church bells to police sirens: "…Actually it was twice," Urvah admits hesitantly responding to the number of her jail stints. The crimes revolved around theft— the second of which nearly had Urvah tried as an adult. Devoid of pride or false humility, Urvah laments and contextualizes her actions, "I never want people to think that I'm claiming to be some hotshot big gangster because I'm not— I'm not a gangster. I was just a kid who was trying to find my way," she says with sincerity, "I never got my life back together until I was in my early twenties."

Exorcising a ghost of her past, Urvah went back to school to get her GED and for a short period of time attended University. At 22 she landed a job as an account manager, but was eventually laid off. Not wanting to waste her time, Urvah, indulged a spark of passion and downloaded some free beats and started rapping. Her writing abilities were admired, however friends suggested that she not rap— and they weren't the only ones. This was the beginning of her music career.

Lacking formal musical training and stage experience, Urvah's first performance went badly. Incorrectly gripping the mic, her voice came out muffled and unclear. And, not being used to the bright stage lights, Urvah avoided looking at the audience focusing instead on the floor. A fellow performer disparagingly suggested she write for others rather than perform. However, with the encouragement of the show promoter, who detected something more, Urvah went back to the drawing board. Vindicated, during her next performance she opened for known Canadian singer and song writer, Danny Fernandez. Although, to be fair, getting her friend to pose as an agent from Universal may have tilted the scales in her favor.
The Music

Urvah describes her music as "Rock meets world." Instrumentally, the sound is composed of a variety of drums, staple heavy guitars, and electronic sounds peppered with hints of a South Asian flavor. Vocally, Urvah switches back and forth between straight forward singing and rhythmic, half-sung half-spoken rap verses. The lyrical flow alludes to an evident soca influence detectable in both pronunciations and slang. Urvah further articulates a strong vocal emphasis by strategically delivering specific lyrics with a shouting, screaming liberation. The content seems to reflect deeper themes easily dismissed at face value. A purist more than a pragmatist, Urvah insists that both the content of her videos and lyrics reflect sincerity in the portrayal of herself.

"Rock is dead," is a phrase Urvah often espouses, although she denies doing so flippantly. Urvah specifically references how musical fads tend to cause an over-saturation of artists less driven by inherent passion and self-expression. Giving me a crash course in rock history, Urvah explains its evolution from African American slavery, to jazz, and eventually to what most people know as rock; all the while referencing the likes of Chuck Berry, Elvis, Queen, Black Sabbath and Kurt Cobain. She describes what she believes to be the essence of rock,

"Rock comes from an oppressed soul. It comes from a person who just wants to be free and can't be. Every time there was a movement there were these bunch of kids who just wanted to say something. Nobody has anything to say anymore."

Contrasting the past with the present, Urvah attributes corporatism and mass monetization as factors that contribute to the status quo. In an all encompassing sense, her independent "scrap" rock is a contribution to a new movement dedicated to the resurrection of what once existed.

With her ability to overcome and persevere, it's quite easy to paint Urvah Khan as role model; however, she seems to hate the charge— partly out of humility and partly due to the shackling implications the phrase can imply. In spite of this, Urvah prefers to think of herself as a positive influence.

"I want to inspire people. Inspiring people is different from being a role model or an ambassador for a brand. I'm not perfect. I'm far from it. I want people to take and be inspired by the goodness, and I want them to forgive me for my sins."

Urvah Khan - BILAL SARWAR

Ek, doh, teen, char, she’s from India and Pakistan; one, two, three, four, she reps T dot O, Canada. An artistic and colorful experimentalist (musically), the Abu Dhabi born URVah Khan has been through rough roads because of some choices she made, but the same led her to Toronto, Canada, where she managed to work her rebellion into music and other art forms. She mixes rock and world music to make for some addictive tracks. She’s currently working on her EP “Universal Rhythm Venture” and debut album “The Wrath of URVah Khan” (scheduled for a 2012 release). Universal Rhythm Venture-ah Khan is a rapper/rhyme fiend that reminds me of the days punk rock music drilled its way into society; rebellious, seeking freedom from the chains of society and making their own rules along the way. Why not, works for some, doesn’t work for others.

Catchy like the flu is my opinion of URVah Khan’s “War Drum”. Her lyrics are her life experiences, mostly her escape from her previously imposed lifestyle, venture into drugs and how she’s managed to step out and will make her way through the rubble that is called life. She’s got the voice, and her inflection throughout the song is one reason I call this track catchy. Not to downplay the instrumental though, it’s good work. Her other track “I Jus Wanna” is a more aggressive instrumental which I guess may be about her significant other holding her back. For some reason, I can envision a bunch of girls using this song as their anthem!

I think she’s good, but I’ll let you judge for yourself.

Also, can anyone tell me what “Bundy Haters” means?

- Mid East Dynasty

"I first witnessed U.R.V on stage, and watched her jump off, close enough to spit in your face. There is a visceral quality to her energy that she carries with her, portrayed in vibrance. Technicolor. Strength. Its an undeniable quality that doesnt require evidence, and theres no shyness in conveying it. What you see on stage, on camera, is really just her. Having fun. In going through her pictures, I decided not to portray the full video shoot..I figured Id leave that to the videographer. For all her apparent brashness and bravado, there was still a courteous and charming girl inside it all. Well spoken and clear, intelligent and thoughtful, despite her ability to create a tasmanian devils whirlstorm, she was no cartoon character. This wasnt hype for the sake of it. Deep in her eyes you could tell she had something to say to the world, and she was gonna find a way to say it." - Kevin Robert Fong

"I first witnessed U.R.V on stage, and watched her jump off, close enough to spit in your face. There is a visceral quality to her energy that she carries with her, portrayed in vibrance. Technicolor. Strength. Its an undeniable quality that doesnt require evidence, and theres no shyness in conveying it. What you see on stage, on camera, is really just her. Having fun. In going through her pictures, I decided not to portray the full video shoot..I figured Id leave that to the videographer. For all her apparent brashness and bravado, there was still a courteous and charming girl inside it all. Well spoken and clear, intelligent and thoughtful, despite her ability to create a tasmanian devils whirlstorm, she was no cartoon character. This wasnt hype for the sake of it. Deep in her eyes you could tell she had something to say to the world, and she was gonna find a way to say it." - Kevin Robert Fong

The stories of gang violence, broken families, and the need to escape in the Fringe Festival's AWAKE are particularly powerful for Scarborough rapper Urvah Khan. She can relate because until a year ago, they were the stories of her life.
There's a scene where a character says she needs to leave the projects to pursue her musical career, and that's exactly what Khan did when she left her longtime Malvern home for downtown Toronto. The stories of gang-related deaths speak volumes to her too: she's lost a few friends that way.

"It's a very strong show because it's based on hundreds of interviews. Like 98 per cent of the lines were said by people in interviews. It's real," Khan said. "People walk in and they're speechless, they don't know what to say. People leave crying 'cause it's too much."

With rapid-fire rhymes and an electrifying stage presence, the 25-year-old rhyming prodigy joined the AWAKE cast as herself and performs two of her original songs, The Beat Goes On and Ready For War, during each show. AWAKE plays at Walmer Road Baptist Church every night at 8 p.m. until Sunday, July 17.

Though Khan can relate to many of the themes in AWAKE, don't confuse her with any stereotypes. For one, she hates being put into "boxes" like that, but as an Indian-Pakistani Muslim immigrant turned rebellious Christian rap-rocker, she utterly defies them anyway.

With a body plastered with tattoos, a head half-shaven, and a face punctured with piercings, she is the antithesis of all that she was brought up to be. Now she's on a mission to make it big with her rap rhymes and "world-meets-rock" music, which incorporates ethnic instruments and sounds into Western rock.

"I don't want to live in the box I was born with," Khan said. "Some girls spend their whole life in that box because they're so afraid of what's out there. That could have been me, but I like the me I am now better."

She ran away from home at age 16, leaving behind the strict traditions of her parents in favour of a friend's house and the rules of Malvern streets. Over the next eight years, she landed herself in all sorts of trouble stealing cars for joyrides, stealing stereos for quick cash, and delving into drug use.

She eventually landed in jail, spending several days in the Vanier Centre for Women in Milton before being bailed out by a friend. It was an eye-opening experience for her and she vowed to turn away from a life of crime.

"I thought, 'What am I doing here? I'm not supposed to be here. This is not who I want to be.' I was never ghetto, I was just a lost kid," she said.

At 23, she decided to pursue music seriously and has come a long way in just two years. It takes shrewdness as well as talent and dedication to make it in the music industry, and Khan has that in spades. She landed her second live show ever opening for Canadian singer Danny Fernandes at Seneca College by getting a friend of hers to pretend she was an agent from Universal Records coming to see her.

"I knew how important that show was to my career. To open for a major Canadian artist would line things up for me and I wasn't about to give up on it just like that," she said.

She's since opened for major Canadian rappers like Saukrates, Choclair, and Rich Kidd. She's even been in contact with her idol M.I.A., who gave her feedback about her music.

"In those two years, I've done more than I think any artist could have done," she said. "I really want to bring that world music to the mainstream. I want to find that perfect balance between rock and world music."

If the last two years are any indication, then it's safe to say Khan will have a busy future with her music. Once AWAKE concludes, Khan will be playing at Yonge and Dundas Square during Carribana Weekend at the end of July. And while much is sure to change in the coming years, her life motto that has brought her here will certainly stay the same.

"The minute you fit in, you're invisible. The world belongs to people who stand out," she said. "Life is what you make of it, so dream big and make it happen."

Visit www.urvmusic.com for more information about Urvah Khan and her music.

http://www.insidetoronto.com/what's%20on/article/1043192--scarborough-rapper-performs-in-fringe-festival-s-awake- - Scarborough Mirror/ Inside Toronto

Saukrates at Pascha Lounge feat. Matisse, Quinn Maybach, Joe Louis, URV, Chris Rouse and Cherry Moon. - HIP HOP CANADA

Saukrates at Pascha Lounge feat. Matisse, Quinn Maybach, Joe Louis, URV, Chris Rouse and Cherry Moon. - HIP HOP CANADA

The Left Show featuring Capital Stacks, Wolf J. McFarlane, Emerson Brooks & URV - HIPHOP CANADA

The Left Show featuring Capital Stacks, Wolf J. McFarlane, Emerson Brooks & URV - HIPHOP CANADA

A sneak peak at Toronto artist U.R.V performing at the Poor Alex Theatre
http://www.fashionstudio7.ca - Fashion Studio 7

A sneak peak at Toronto artist U.R.V performing at the Poor Alex Theatre
http://www.fashionstudio7.ca - Fashion Studio 7

http://ctiambassador.blogspot.com/2010/08/urban-noise-cant-be-stopped.html - Expect.org

http://ctiambassador.blogspot.com/2010/08/urban-noise-cant-be-stopped.html - Expect.org

Urvah Khan rocks Yonge & Dundas Square for Desifest 2013 - (VMIX on OMNI TV Coverage)

Urvah Khan maybe be a Desi girl, but her music screams rock! She’s been touring and teasing us with single releases, but now she takes the #scraprock movement to the next level with her first full length album The Wrath of Urvah Khan - zaynahr

"Rock is dead; we built this from the scraps."

Scrap is the way Urvah Khan describes her sound, but the adjective could perhaps be extrapolated to a conceptualization of the woman herself. Growing up a Pakistani girl transplanted to Surrey, B.C. and eventually Toronto, Urvah Khan found words in her DNA — her mother was a journalist in Pakistan. On the streets of Abu Dhabi and Canada, she gathered the pieces of Western and Eastern sound that later fell into the socially conscious and empowered music she creates. A blend of rap, hip-hop and punk, the fittingly titled debut album The Wrath Of Urvah Khan runs the gamut from heartbreak to social isolation to a celebration of what it is to dream and burn with a fire that cannot be extinguished. Consider her Canada’s answer to M.I.A. — with a voice all her own.

Check out "Playground (I Am Free)" and swing by her official site for more music. Caution: may become addictive. On the plus side, music is good for the soul. Just ask Urvah. - Posted by Amber Waves

http://www.urvmusic.com/press - BBC LIVE SESSION

My general rule of thumb when it comes to artists who have enough balls to cover classic rock gods like Black Sabbath is that if you’re going to cover them, cover them right; and this artist certainly delivered. Khan is based out of Toronto, and if you like the tune you can download it for free in the player below and “Like” her on Facebook here. - RMDMUSICBlog

Urvah Khan’s got an amazing look and is a fantastic performer – a concert photographer’s dream! I got right up front and in there to make sure I was at the centre of the action - Learning Band photography

June 21 at 11pm / The Drake Hotel Underground. Urvah Khan is sole practitioner of a genre she's dubbed "scrap music", assembled from the scraps that make up the history of rock music. Born in Pakistan and raised in the UAE, she ended up in Flemingdon Park, one of the rougher Toronto neighbourhoods, as detailed in her epic bio http://www.urvmusic.com/bio. Her experiences as a troubled youth infused her music with a real, palpable intensity. Working with producer/guitarist Ruben Huizenga (leader of 90s alt-rock weirdos Glueleg), Khan has developed a unique hybrid sound, fusing heavy rock with South Asian, hip-hop and electronic influences. This eclecticism and intensity should make for an unforgettable live experience. DB - BlogTO