Soul sensation Bashiri Asad

(Credit: Michelle Pemberton / Metromix)

Claim to fame: Soul singer. The Broad Ripple High School grad has performed with local bands around town since January; in February, he joined the newly formed Xenobia Green. Performing soul music, Asad says, is not always pretty. “Being a ‘soul singer’ means singing a song from the soul of your being, and sometimes the soul hurts.”

In 15 words or fewer, I want the world to know ... Xenobia Green represents true soul music. And music is my weapon of choice.

You have a degree in sociology, but chose a full-time music career. What gives?
I started singing professionally as a result of being in the chorus at Central State University. Some of us got together and formed a group with six vocalists and a five-piece ensemble called “The Answer.” We did some touring and were even courted by a major independent label.

After college, I came home to Indy and in 2007, I started singing at open-mic nights. I’d been employed full time for five years at IndyGo when I decided to leave my job and follow my passion. I’ve been at it hard ever since.

What song do you sing along to when no one else is around?
“Reckoner,” by Radiohead.

If you were mayor of Indianapolis, what one thing would you change about the city?
I would put more money into the arts. Right now it seems like the arts are suffering. Not just on a professional level, but in schools and on the amateur level.

If you were going to jail tomorrow for life, what’s the last meal you’d eat in this town?
Well, I’m a vegetarian, and my wife cooks better than restaurants, so I would ask her to make my last meal. But if I had to choose, I would go to Shalimar and have the lunch buffet. It’s one of Indy’s best-kept secrets.

What’s your biggest ambition in life?
I want people to love what I do. I don’t want be famous.

Who’s your favorite local celebrity?
I’m a fan of Rob Dixon, a jazz mainstay. I’m also a Brandon Meeks follower and a big Reggie Bishop supporter. Bishop is a genius on the keys.

What outfit do you wish you’d never worn?
I did a show at The Fountain a while back, and I wore grey cord pants and a maroon button-up shirt. I took a nap before the show, and I overslept, so I woke up and couldn’t re-iron my clothes before I went on. I looked like someone had pulled me out of a trash can. It was bad business, and I was really embarrassed. I caught flack from everyone I knew.

Indianapolis: Love it or leave it?
I love Indianapolis because I see the potential here. There’s a budding music scene, and we have lots of talent. If people stepped out on faith and really followed their dreams, this would be a really solid music scene.

Xenobia Green (vocalist Bashiri Asad, bassist Brandon Meeks, lead guitarist Pancho Benton, keyboardist Angelo Bridges, and drummer Richard “Sleepy” Floyd) played its first show Feb. 21 at Urban Element. The band has since done more than 30 shows, performing with national acts The Foreign Exchange, Kindred The Family Soul, Whodini, Rhymefest and MalikYusef.

For information on Asad, visit www.Reverbnation.com/bashiriasad or www.facebook/com/bashiriasad, or follow him on Twitter at @bashiri08.