However, his latest project entitled Peace through Music in collaboration with Atif Aslam and ex-members of Guns 'n' Roses has earned him a distinctive place amongst the music community of the country. As this project aims at cultural exchanges and to broadcast a positive image of Pakistan globally, throngs of local and international artistes intend to be a part of it.

Lanny recently visited Pakistan to promote the project. During his stay, he also visited flood affected areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa and took part in flood-relief activities. We talked to him about the theme of the project, his views on Pakistani music, his involvement in flood relief activities and of course, how the project would be beneficial for projecting a positive image of Pakistan in the US and on the international front.

Q. Why did you choose Atif Aslam for the project?

A. Todd Shea and I were both extremely blessed to meet, connect and become musical/spiritual and cultural friends with Atif. This is a blessing of the highest order as Atif is not only a musician who is gifted and dedicated, but also a humanitarian with a heart for peacemaking and poverty crusading.

Q. Do you plan to take other Pakistani artistes on board?

A. Todd, Atif and I have had the great joy of meeting many of Pakistan's finest musicians who have shown great interest and support for the projects we are undertaking.

Q. How do you compare the present catastrophic situation with that of the 2005 earthquake?

A. It seems that the impact of the recent floods has affected many more people across a wider geographical spectrum. This is not to lessen the tragedy that the earthquake of 2005 had for suffering is suffering. The floods, however, have cut a wide swath through Pakistan.

Todd Shea is the expert of flood relief. Atif, Todd and I visited Swat and Charsadda to lend assistance and bring gifts to the kids and offer hope to our brothers and sisters in those regions.

Q. To what extent do you think this project will change the negative image of Pakistan in the US?

A. I believe to the depths of my being that this project will have a major impact on helping to bring about the transformation of Pakistan and America as well for that matter. Music is the healing force of the universe and we have the story which we have to tell. There is so much light in Pakistan, so much hope, so many angels, so many incredible sights and sounds.

Q. Any favourite Pakistani artistes?

A. I have many favourite Pakistani artistes Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Azmat, Laal the band, Call, Abida Parveen, Noori, Shehzad Roy, Arieb Azhar, Sain Zahoor, Zarsanga, Sanam Marvi, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Overload, Zeb & Haniya and of course Atif Aslam among others, whom I have had the great pleasure to become friends with.

Q. Do you think you would be able to achieve the peacemaking goals which politicians have yet to achieve?

A. What history teaches us is that music helps us to learn, heal, unify and transform. Dedicated practitioners of music are healthier, happier and have higher brain function. So perhaps we must get musical instruments into the hands of our politicians for peace. Love is a melody and the world is a rock 'n' roll band. — S.S.