When did you start in the field of music? How did it happen?

Well I’ve always been playing music since I was a kid.. I was more fascinated with music then I was with sports etc like other boys. I was about 8 and begged my mom to buy me a guitar..and I haven’t put it down since. I went to high school and then college, graduating with a degree in business but never stopped playing in bands and solo. After a couple years of working a corporate job I decided to quit and pursue music full time. Not a very glamorous story but that’s how it went down.

What instruments do you play? 

Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, some Drums, and I’m addicted to music production/engineering. I have built my own recording studio so I have the luxury of playing and experimenting all the time.

What was the first tune you played?

Hard to pinpoint exactly but I remember learning the riff for “Goray Rang Ka Zamana” by the Vital Signs and Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” and thinking holy shit, THAT sounds cool.

Is your family musical?

Not really. They enjoy good music. My cousin Asad is a fantastic musician though, and growing up I learned a bit from him.

 If someone had never heard your music before, how would you describe it to them?

African Disco mixed with Norwegian Heavy Metal, a touch of Spanish Jazz meets Justin Bieber Synth-Pop, thrown in a blender with Bhangra and Irish flute music. Just kidding man, it’s just rock and roll.

What inspires you as a musician? 

Melodies, happiness, tragedy, my past and future.

What would you say is your greatest strength as an artist?

I think I’ve developed a good understanding of groove, feel, melody and timing. I can usually sense when something is just sounding natural and right as opposed to forced and lame. Not only do I sing and play my own music, I have honed my skills as a producer and sound engineer so I can put things in perspective of the “bigger picture” when it comes to creating art.

 How would you define good music?

Food for the soul. The kind you want to eat again and again. It triggers some feeling inside of you that is hard to describe but very desirable.

 Which musicians do you feel helped define your sound?

On the Pakistani side I am big fan of Vital Signs & Junoon.. and on the Western side anything from the Beatles to Maroon5. There are elements of all of these artists in my sound.

Favorite musicians?

Aside from the above mentioned artists.. I really dig the Black Keys, Bruno Mars, Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi, Kings of Leon, Foo Fighters, Adele.. the list goes on. As for local.. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan of course. Aamir Zaki is a beast guitar player. From the newer lot I would say SYMT is kicking ass.. QB is great, so is Zoe Viccaji, Bilal Khan has a few catchy tunes. Adil Omar is also very talented and creative. Also, the band AAG is just ridiculously good.

 Three words to describe yourself?

Couldn’t. Do. That.

 Three people you would like to meet and why?

1)   My Nani who I never met. 2) Michael Jackson. 3) Steve Jobs

But it could never happen.. they’re all in a better place.

 What are your fondest musical memories?

The day I got a call from Gumby telling me I’ve been selected to appear in Ufone Uth Records was a trip. Also shooting my debut video “Jaag” in the scorching heat of Balochistan. And performing a concert in Karachi once to a crowd of about 14 people.. and myself and my band just looked at each other and said f*ck it, let’s perform like there’s thousands of people in the audience! And we did. #WINNING!!

 What are you working on these days?

My new video for the song “Kehnay Do Na” comes out in a few days. It was directed by Fayyaz Ahmed, the song was produced by Shahi Hasan (of Vital Signs), and stars myself and Meera Ansari. I think people will enjoy it. I also just produced a song for a major artist in our industry.. which sounds huge. I’m going to be releasing my album in a few weeks.. in fact I’ve even started working on material for my next album! I also performed in a top secret music show (that I can’t name yet) that should be going on air very shortly.. I redid one of my songs in a new genre and am pleased with the outcome. Was a platform shared by the biggest acts of the music scene so that was very humbling. I was just nominated for Best New Artist for the 2013 Hum TV Awards. If you say it real fast it sounds like “MTV Awards” hahahaha.! And there’s a bunch of concerts lined up (In the US and in Pakistan).

 What advice would you like to give others trying to enter the music industry?

I would say be sure, and then be really sure. The live concert scene is all screwed up due to the security situation and because of this idiotic ban on Youtube, the “music industry” is terminally ill. If you can get past that and you still want to create music professionally, then have it and give it 101%. It is not easy to break through, but good music always has a way to making its way into people’s hearts.

What was the concept behind Bewafa?

The same concept of a million other pop songs since the beginning of time. Somebody broke someone’s heart and they’re singing about it. Everyone’s been through it man. I wish there was a more philosophical or poetic touch to it. Sorry!

Most of your fans were exposed to you through UTH Records and your track “Bewafa”, how was the experience of working with Gumby and the whole UTH Records team?

Absolutely fantastic. Gumby is the best drummer in Pakistan and probably even Asia. Working with him, and the likes of Zeeshan Parwez (who is the premiere director of the country with credits such as Coke Studio to his name) was professional and exciting. Natasha Ejaz is a wonderful singer/artist and Russell D’Souza is one of the unsung heroes of the live music circuit who has been playing bass guitar with perfection for a couple decades now. While I’ve been in studios for a long time.. being on a reality show and having other minds dissect my song and re-build it into a new flavor was a learning experience. They took a simple pop/rock song of mine and turned into a retro funky/disco number almost.

 You recently did a cover of Dil Dil Pakistan by Vital Signs and it was one of my personal favorite covers of last year. What inspired you to make it?

I’ve always been a HUGE Vital Signs fan. I’ve been playing their songs live since I was a teenager. Dil Dil Pakistan was the song that really gave birth to the modern era of Pop Music in Pakistan.. and since it’s 25^th anniversary was coming up I felt like covering it as a tribute. I had no idea it would go so massive!! It wasn’t the first Vital Signs cover I’ve released (or the last hahah).

But the amount of appreciation I got was kind of crazy. The most touching thing for me was that all 3 founding members of the band (Junaid Jamshed, Rohail Hyatt & Shahi Hasan) all told me that it was their favorite re-make of the song to date. Getting that kind of feedback from my idols was just unreal.

 You have a very distinctive sound that isn’t heard very often out of Pakistan, Do you think this stems from growing up in the United States? Or can you attribute it to something else?

I dunno man. I just do what the voices in my head tell me to do. It gets even more interesting when I forget to take my meds. HA HA HA just kidding now. Yeah, I think it’s obvious that my musical sound is a direct result of growing up in the US and listening to British/American bands my whole life. But I take care to make sure the lyrics in Urdu have meaning and aren’t just filler.

 There are rumors circulating that you may be on the upcoming Pepsi Smash. Can you confirm or deny this?  

I can confirm that I can absolutely not answer that question…

Sorry, I just don’t want to get sued. Make what you will of that!

Any message you would like to give to Pakium readers and your fans?

Kudos to PakiUm for tirelessly promoting Pakistani Music and our schizophrenic industry. You guys are doing a great job and I give you guys props! Keep up the good work.

As for my fans..thank you so much for all the support and appreciating my music. I know its such a cliché but if you people didn’t enjoy my art I would be nowhere. Every single email/message/comment/tweet that people send me I read and try respond to because that is what keeps me going. There’s no big money in this, believe me.. so I’m not making music for that. It’s for my own soul and for you guys. You guys are all rockstars and I am your biggest fan. Keep rocking.

Visit Facebook.com/JararOnline

This post, 20 Questions with Jarar Malik , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Abdullah Qureshi is one of the new kids on the block who has had quite a good fan following in recent months. His YouTube (please, a moment of silence for the bureaucratic nightmare the website is stuck in thanks to general incompetence) covers touched the hearts of thousands and have made him quite the internet star. He recently released his first original song “Tere Liye” and I suggest you check it out. I decided to interview him as part of (hopefully) a new series of interviews so that the reading public can get to know these artists.

When and how did you start in the field of music?
It all basically started when I formed a band with my school friends in 2008 under the name “Aghosh”. Later on I started uploading covers on YouTube as a solo artist.

What instruments do you play and the first tune you ever learned?
I started with the guitar, but now I have a pretty clear idea about the keyboard and I play some percussion as well. As for the first tune, it was “Tujhe dekha to ye jana sanam”

Is your family musical?
No, I’m the first one. It doesn’t run in the family at all, I don’t have any family background in music.

If someone had never heard your music before, how would you describe it to them?
Usually pop. But it drifts depending upon my mood. I plan to do all kinds music in the future.

What inspires you as a musician?
Thoughts and Emotions.

What would you say is your greatest strength as an artist?
My fans! The people who love me and my music. Trust me, I’m nothing without them.

How would you define good music?
Anything that sounds good to the musician himself or anything that touches one’s soul.

Which musicians do you feel helped define your sound?
Hassan Omer from the band SYMT is one musician that has helped me A LOT in my music career, I have learnt so much from him. Also, my cousin Usama Nasir has helped me define my sound, and I still consult him while arranging all my songs.

Favorite musicians?
That actually changes with time. These days its Ari Hest, Avenged Sevenfold, SYMT and Abbas Ali Khan.

Three people you would like to meet and why?
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Quaid-e-Azam and Kurt Cobain because they inspire me a lot and I wanna know them from the inside.

What is your fondest musical memory?
I won my first singing competition when I was 6. That actually still makes me feel good

What advice would you like to give others trying to enter the music industry?
Be original and never lose hope.

What was the concept behind Tere Liye?
Certain things happen in your life which you cannot get over that easily, and you need a medium to let your emotions out. So I guess this song was the medium I chose.

Where was it recorded?
Walnut Studios, Lahore.

Hassan Omer (Audio Producer)

Muhammad Adnan Butt (Executive Producer)

Syed Muzammil Hasan Zaidi (Video Director)

What are you working on these days?

My exams   Haha kidding, I’m working on my 2nd original song which will be out in a very short time insha’Allah.

Any message you would like to give to Pakium readers and your fans
Keep listening to good music, keep smiling and stay safe.

Like Abdullah Qureshi on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AbdullahQureshiOfficial

This post, 15 Questions with Abdullah Qureshi , was originally published at PakiUM.com

When Ali Gul Pir was asked about his music video, he quipped, “The next video is something that every citizen of our country has encountered at some point but not everyone speaks about it or makes a song on it. And most importantly it doesn’t feature the Orange Hummer.”

Now, Our very own Saeen is also ready for his first United States Tour. The interesting thing about Ali Gul Pir US tour is that this tour has been completely funded by US State department. About the Center Stage tour, he said “I am really excited and hope to make Pakistan proud as I am the first Pakistani comedian to be invited by the US government to perform in several cities”.

The recent ban on YouTube is making it hard for musicians and record labels to release their music videos online. When Express Tribune asked Ali Gul Pir about his response, he said, “Yes, the ban hurts me. But when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade — therefore I’m trying my best to make some lemonade and work around the ban in order to continue doing my work.”

Pir also explained his goals and the satisfaction he gets by making people laugh “My listeners are escapists — I want to make them forget their troubles. I love it when I make people laugh, specifically the elderly because their laughs are so much more genuine and heartwarming.”

This post, Ali Gul Pir talks about US Tour and New Music Video , was originally published at PakiUM.com

She also added that religion is very beautiful thing and everyone, no matter wherever in the world he is, has full right to learn and talk about religion. On being told that entertainers talking about religion was just like a ‘maulvi’ wanting to be a hero in the entertainment industry, she pounded onto the maulvi’s saying that they do simulate themselves some kind of hero on television, she also associated their cloths to some ostentatious type.

When she was asked for her thoughts for being flirty with the camera, she answered,”No man can look at me the way the camera looks at me because the camera makes me look really pretty. The way I flirt with the camera, I can never flirt with anyone.”

Veena said that she has no plans to permanently settle in India, as she had never set boundaries for her, whether its Pakistan or some other country but as long as she was offered beautiful and interesting projects in India, she would stay there.

Watch the video below after 6:00 mins for relevant part in the following interview:

This post, Entertainers Do Have Right To Discuss Religion, Said Veena Malik , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Today, the artist we have caught up with is one such talented and diverse guitarist who has contributed a lot to Pakistani Music in past couple of years. Omran Shafique (popular as Momo in the music circles) is the front man of Pakistani Band Mauj and more importantly has been the consistent house band member of critically acclaimed music show, Coke Studio.

Recently, we approached Omran and he was kind enough to spare some time to answer our questions in details. So without further ado, Read Omran Shafique’s Exclusive Interview with Pakium.com

Have you always wanted to be a musician? What age did you realize that this was your calling?

Not always.  First I wanted to be a professional skateboarder, then a professional ninja, and then, finally, a professional musician.  All three were total pipe dreams.  I didn’t take them as viable career choices growing up obviously.  But unlike all my other childhood obsessions, I never really grew out of playing music, and kept playing.  Still wasn’t interested in being a ‘professional’ musician, it was just something I loved to do.  I’m still not sure if this is my ‘calling’, there are many other things that interest me..but I have worked at this craft for a while and experience is something I can rely on now, so I stick with it.  One day, I may look around, realize this just isn’t my thing anymore and…just like that…on to something else!

When did you first start playing Guitars? Who were your early influences as a guitarist?

I was around 15 or 16..I don’t know, it was so long ago that it’s depressing.  Earliest influences would have to be Slash (GNR) and Kirk Hammett (Metallica).  In the early days, my goal was to play the songs ‘Sweet Child O Mine’ and “One’ all the way through….took me about a year and a half.

Is the guitar always your first choice or did you try another instrument before switching to the guitar?

No, I used to play around on the drums when I was 10…I used to watch my brothers rehearse with their band…and sneak into the room when it was empty and play on the drums.  But drums were unwieldy…guitar was a better fit for me.  But to this day, I’m a closet drummer, it’s the best way to get your frustrations out.  It is important to understand how all the instruments fit together, I think my understanding of basic beats helped me figure out rhythmic things on the guitar, all of which I still incorporate into my playing today.

Would you say that this music is a challenge to play?

It can be a challenge, but in a good way.  Sometimes the simplest things can trip you up.  In fact, I find in-your-face complex parts usually easier to play than subtle, simple parts that have to feel a certain way.  I’m very interested in taking the simplest parts and adding layers of complexity on top…see how much emotion can be put behind just a few notes.  Usually, you can say a lot more by playing less.

I wanted to ask you about your approach to Coke Studio. You have this amazing ability to play so many different genres and styles. How do you get so good at each one?

I have been fortunate enough to have been exposed to all kinds of music.  I don’t mean that I’ve heard lots of different kinds of music, but that I enjoy and appreciate lots of different kinds of music.  There are certain styles that I’m much better at than others, because I have studied and enjoyed them for longer.  Most other times I have maybe enough of a cursory knowledge about the genre to get by.

Can you recall any best memory from the rehearsals of Coke Studio ?

Honestly, I’m most comfortable when I’m playing music, so take any instance of a CS song and what you hear/see is my best memory.  This would apply to any other music I’ve been fortunate enough to take part in.  It’s the best kind of memories, the ones that result in tangible creation!

In Coke Studio, which track you loved to play the most ?

There are many and all for many different reasons.  If I had to pick one, I suppose, Tina Sani’s ‘Mori Araj Suno’ from Season 3.  It certainly wasn’t my favorite when we first started working on it, but it grew on me, and the poetry resonates very strongly with me…so by the time we were recording it..I was hooked.

Coke Studio is considered a benchmark in Pakistani Music industry. What do you think if it wasn’t started here in Pakistan, what would have been the state of music in Pakistan ?

It’s an honor to be a part of something like Coke Studio, but, honestly, if it wasn’t around some other form of creative force would have taken the nation by storm.  There are so many talented people in Pakistan, it’s inevitable, that, given a chance, something amazing will be created.  Pakistani music, like many other things in Pakistan, has always been rough, a little inconsistent maybe, but, at the same time, unstoppable.

Who do you think will stand out in this new season of Coke Studio ?

Everyone really brought their ‘A’ game this season so it’s hard to say, but Bohemia’s inclusion really stands out for me, just because no one like that has been on the show before.  Plus, he had a great, positive vibe that was just infectious!

How do you see the inclusion of Farhad Humayun and Mubashir Admani in Coke Studio House Band ?

Obviously we missed Gumby and Jaffer, it was very comfortable with those guys around…everyone knew their role and what was expected.  With Farhad and Mubashir we kind of re-learned the whole process of working on the show, which was refreshing in a way.  Both are amazing musicians so, by the end of our sessions, it all came together beautifully.

You were the face of another musical talent show called Uth Records ? Why didn’t you appear in its most recent season ?

Various reasons.  Timing and scheduling was a problem, plus there were some budgetary constraints, all of which led to me making the hard decision to back out of it.  It was fun while it lasted, and I enjoyed watching the second season as well…I think it can move in many great directions now, so I wish the Uth team all the best!

You have been playing for many years. What would you say is the most memorable show that you’ve ever done?

These days it’s all a blur, but my first experience getting on stage stands out.  It was with my high school band ‘The Hemlock Society’, at a place called ‘The Underground’ in Bahrain, and we were horrible.  I remember getting off stage and thinking ‘Next time, I’m going to play better.”  Ironically, I still think that when I get off stage now…

What are the best and worst experiences of your career so far?

Both the best and worst experiences stem from the same aspects of my career.  The fact that I eat,drink,breathe music is a blessing and, at times, a curse.Working and creating music with some of my hero’s from childhood is wonderful. Ali Azmat, Rohail Hyatt, Shahi Hasan these guys are the reason I wanted to make Pakistani music. I’ve had incredible support and encouragement from amazing musicians like Mekaal Hasan, Hamza Jafri, Sameer Ahmed, Sikandar Mufti, Gumby. But, by the nature of business, it also means a lot of instability and it can get scary without the added security of a 9 to 5 job.

Are there any new album on the way — either new material or unreleased tracks, the makings of an archival project or box set, perhaps?

We are working on a new Mauj album, hope to get it out by the end of the year.  Getting a small studio setup as well, so I can get my own projects recorded and maybe record a few pet projects.   Also, working on a few projects which shall be revealed when the time is right!

Is there anyone who you are still hoping to work with, in the future?

Not one person in particular, I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some amazing artists already.  But I can’t wait to get my studio set up so I can get some interesting acts in there.  There is an infinite number of talented acts in Pakistan that still need to get their music produced.  I hope to be able to help them out in any way I can!

Do you have any practical tips for guitarists wanting to improve their sound on the instrument?

It depends on the level of their playing really.  In the beginning, it’s important to get the fundamentals right.  Understand how the fretboard is linked up together,  ear training, what makes a chord, and how to keep time.  Once they get past that, it’s important to forget the rules and just play from the heart.  Once they know how to play it’s vital that they work on injecting feel and emotion into their playing.  Sounds easy, very difficult in practice.

Last Message for PakiUM.com Readers

Hope you’ve enjoyed what has come so far, and be prepared for what is to come!

Images courtesy: Coke Studio/File Photo

This post, Catching up with Omran Shafique (Mauj Band’s Front Man & Consistent Coke Studio Houseband Member Interview) , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Luckily, we now have available young breed of drummers who are energetic enough to steal any show all alone. One such rising Pakistani Drummer is Aahad Nayani, who is just 24 years old and currently plays for the popular band, Strings.

We caught up with him recently and asked him about his personal experiences in the industry so far.

Find below the detailed interview of Aahad Nayani, taken exclusively by Team PakiUM

How did you come to work with Strings?
There was a TV show Azm-e-Alishaan, national song competition by TV one channel and I was selected as a drummer for their house band. Fortunately, Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood were the jury. By the grace of GOD, they liked my work and approached me in-person to be part of their band and I gracefully accepted this magnificent opportunity.

When you think about Strings now, what’s your take on the band and what you experienced?
Amazing experience I must say .. I think both of them are very supportive and they always welcome you for new ideas.

Was there anything particular about other drummers that you picked up on?
Initially i picked up some stuff from my dad Wahid Ali Nayani, his style and how he kepts smiling and do crazy fills while playing drums. Then there’s this drummer called Mike Portnoy I think he played a major role in my drumming carrier as well as he improved my musicality level too.

How was ur experienced with Ufone Uth Records?
I see Uth records as a platform for our young generation to explore their talents and see where do they stand and what they want to do in this career specifically. I had a wonderful experience with Uth Records especially Gumby. He is one of those talented people who are ready to build positive energy and enthusiasm for youngsters.

You have been the ambassador of Vater Percussion, the American Company, so far, what’s your experience with them ?
I am fortunate to get the endorsement from Vater Percussions. They are also one of those who look for young talent and approach them by themselves rather then we knock their doors. They made this endorsement very easy for me. This company is American based but they have contacts in India too. Basically, I contacted them for the endorsement thing. Few days later, I received the call from Vater Percussions of India and they presented there idea of having me on board with them. Fortunately, the tour to India was planned at the same time. Before meeting in person, I emailed them the articles and videos of mine and my recording materials. Then I met them in India and finalized the endorsement.

You’ve played at many venues, Any funny moments or mishaps that you’d like to share?
No there’s Isn’t any.

What are the best and worst experiences of your career so far?
The first time when I told my family that I want to take drumming as my profession, I was totally an unacceptable person to them. I always use to receive a lot of teaching to go for a white collar job but I was not able to see myself sitting in the office and having papers around me. I use to play with any available band. I did not even know about their status. Sometimes they use to pay me, sometimes not. I use to have big arguments with everyone in the family. There was one thing in my mind that I will proof myself and the biggest turning point was Azm-e-Alishan from where I got entry in STRINGS and now I am able to see myself somewhere in upcoming years.

Do you have any practical tips for drummers wanting to improve their sound on the instrument?
Listen to all kinds of music. Slowly and gradually you will be able to figure out your genre. Once you know your genre then start practicing for it. With that, daily practice is very important which in turn will make your sound quality better. One more thing, listen and practice whatever you love and not what others tell you to do. (Don’t limit yourself)

This post, Catching up with Aahad Nayani (Interview) , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Since she won and brought the Golden Oscar Statuette to the country, her name is buzzing in the nationwide media and in each progressive discussion. But we still haven’t heard her speaking or giving detailed interviews, post her Oscar achievement. This is one of its first kind of interview, where Sharmeen gives her precious time to a channel and answers the queries that may have in many minds.

So here you go, upclose with Oscar Winner Filmmaker and Proud of the Nation, Ms. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNXN5dKtcz8

This post, Oscar Winner Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s Exclusive Interview with Geo News , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Zeb and Haniya talks about the negative perception of Pakistan that is found in West regarding Terrorism. The musical duo also talk about their music and its distribution worldwide. They are of the view that they do not have any problem with Free Music Downloads and its distribution, as in whole their life they listened to FREE MUSIC. They also had to say that Free Downloads didn’t hurt artists that much as Record Labels did.

Watch out below Zeb And Haniya interview for more scoop:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmRCBCDHbjM

This post, Zeb and Haniya Interview on Urdu Voice Of America (VOA) , was originally published at PakiUM.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsonAdgRG64

This post, Exclusive Interview of LPNY Star Ali Zafar , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who is a camera shy person, hardly gives interview to channels or appear on the media. Last year, unfortunately, he made quite negative headlines. First he was arrested by Indian Officials for tax evasion, later that month his manager lost his life in a car accident in US.

These incidents portrayed very wrong things about this classical maestro. In this interview, the viewers will see another side of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Rahat, for the very first time, discussed many things about his personal life and career on the national television.

We won’t take much of your time, So Enjoy the full interview of Rahat Fateh with GEO Pakistan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUctGM6vmik

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fElr1Q91OmU

This post, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Exclusive Interview with GEO Pakistan , was originally published at PakiUM.com