## From Corporate Suites to Sonic Landscapes: The Journey Behind ammar Farooki’s Debut Album, *Twelve*
Ammar Farooki is a familiar face to patrons of Paloma Coffee and Bakery, known for his warm interactions and dedication to crafting the perfect cup.Though, beyond the realm of artisanal coffee and pastries lies a deeply personal artistic endeavor: the creation of his debut album, *Twelve*. This project represents a important shift for Farooki, a journey from the structured world of marketing to the expressive freedom of music.### A Lifelong passion Ignited
Farooki’s musical roots trace back to his upbringing in Pakistan, where a childhood dream of performing in New York City fueled a quiet passion. For years, songwriting remained a cherished hobby, pursued alongside formal education in business and a subsequent career in the corporate sector. Between 2012 and 2015,this dedication yielded a collection of approximately 10 to 15 songs,a testament to his consistent creative output.
Though, it was the encouragement of a close friend and musical mentor, Farhad humayan, that ultimately propelled Farooki to fully embrace his artistic calling. Humayan’s belief in his talent served as the catalyst for transforming a long-held aspiration into a tangible reality. Sadly, Humayan passed away from cancer shortly after Farooki relocated, making the album a poignant tribute to their friendship.
### *Twelve*: A Global Collaboration Rooted in Personal Loss
The album, *Twelve*, is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a deeply personal exploration of everyday life and its impact on the human spirit. Farooki explains that his songwriting is intrinsically linked to observing and reflecting on the experiences that shape us all.the album’s creation spanned three years and was uniquely produced at home, fostering an intimate and authentic sound.
What sets *Twelve* apart is its collaborative nature. Farooki assembled a diverse ensemble of musicians from around the globe, leveraging the power of remote collaboration to create a rich and textured sonic landscape.This included securing the talents of Rakae Jamil, a highly respected sitar player, and Sameer Ahmed, a celebrated bassist from Pakistan. A notably serendipitous connection occurred at Paloma itself. Farooki simply inquired about the instrument a new visitor, Marta bagratuni, carried – a cello. This casual conversation led to Bagratuni contributing a captivating cello track featured on the album.### Funding the Final stretch and a Summer Release
Currently, Farooki and his collaborator, Desobeau, are running a Kickstarter campaign to support the promotional efforts and vinyl pressing of *Twelve*. With a projected release date this summer, the album represents the culmination of years of dedication and a heartfelt tribute to a cherished friend.
“It feels like the best way I can honor one of my best friends,” Farooki shared, underscoring the deeply emotional core of this project. *Twelve* promises to be a compelling debut, showcasing Farooki’s unique voice and the power of music to connect us through shared experiences and enduring friendships.