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

Strings, Lanny Cordola and Todd Shea performed live at Sonic Peacemakers Charity Concert, held at Carlton Hotel, Karachi on 24th March 2012. View the concert pictures below:

This post, Pictures: Strings, Lanny Cordola, Todd Shea Live at Sonic Peacemakers Charity Concert , was originally published at PakiUM.com

After the likes of Strings, Roxen, Falak, Annie Princess, Amanat Ali, and Ali Azmat, the city of Hyderabad is going to host other big names such as EP, RDB, and Gunnah the band.

The live concert, named “Dance to the Beat” –– is going to take place on the venue of Police Ground, Hyderabad on 14^th of March, Wednesday –– is surely going to be one hell of a night for the Hyderabadians to remember!

For more information, contact:

Waleed Khokhar:   0336-3042151
Alee Shaikh:            0333-2655022

For buying tickets in Karachi, contact:

Usama Barakzai:   0343-3153616
Zain Khokhar:        0334-2856278

For buying tickets in Hyderabad, visit:

Students Link, Qasimabad
Levis, Autobhan Road

For more details and queries, Join the Official Event Page

This post, EP, RDB and Gunaah to rock Hyderabad on 14 March , was originally published at PakiUM.com

This post, Strings Live at City School PAF Chapter (Concert Pictures) , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Pakistan’s famous showbiz celebrities were recently spotted in Dubai for Shaukat Khanum Hospital Fundraiser. The event held in Atlantis the Palm, Dubai was attended not just by Pakistani showbiz celebrities but also by the stars from neighboring country India. Pakistani Celebrities spotted there, included Top Pakistani Band Strings, Fashion Model Amina Sheikh, Drama Actor Adnan Siddiqui and TV Actor/Host Behroz Sabzwari. At the event, the complete cast of Humsafar was also spotted (including the elegant Mahira Khan and rockstar turned decent actor Fawad Khan).

The event created the musical atmosphere when Strings plugged some chords at the venue. The band gave an astounding  performance in front of the star crowded audience.

Check below the Exclusive Pictures from the Fundraiser 2012 Event in Dubai

Shots Clicked By Rabea Natasha Ahmed

This post, Pakistani Celebrities spotted at Shaukat Khanum Hostpital Fundraiser 2012 in Dubai (Pictures) , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Strings live at DHA Hockey Stadium, khadda market in Karachi on 3rd February 2012. the event was organized by Colgate to which the band is ambassador of. Colgate is organizing Strings concert Pakistan wide to target youth and promote their brand Max Fresh. View the concert pictures below:

Picture Courtesy: De’Subaz (Photography)

This post, Strings Live at DHA Hockey Stadium Karachi on 3rd February 2012 (Concert Pictures) , was originally published at PakiUM.com

According to latest news report, Five bands from both the countries India and Pakistan were considered. Among them, only Pakistani Band Strings and Indian Band Agnee are short listed. Now, there is said to be a clash between both the bands and only one band will be given the opportunity to compose the title track of hindi dubbed version of Avengers.

The decision for this will be taken in next 10 days and the criteria will not just be what the bands are creating now, but also what they had earlier produced. Just to remind our readers, Strings have earlier given the soundtrack of Hollywood Movie Spidermen. It is being said that Strings’ soundtrack for Spidermen will also be considered and it can get them an edge against the other Indian band Agnee.

We wish the band Strings very best of luck !

JAL, Junoon Band failed to impress!

There is also an interesting news attached to it. Among the five bands of sub continent who were considered, there were also Two of Pakistan’s most popular rock and pop bands. These were none other than Junoon and JAL The band. Unfortunately both the bands which have no power vocalist in the line-up failed to impress.

Source: Santa Banta

Update: Indian Band Agnee has been selected for composing the soundtrack of “The Avengers”

This post, Strings shall compose track for Hollywood Film Avengers? , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Strings performing at Shaniwar Wada in Pune on 07 January, 2012, View the concert pictures below:

Check out the Gallery:

This post, Strings Live at Shaniwar Wada in Pune (Concert Pictures) , was originally published at PakiUM.com

The news is that Aahad Nayani is now selected as the brand ambassador of world’s leading percussion and Drumsticks Company called Vater. It is a US based company and its drumsticks are used by various popular artists including Matt Flynn from Maroon 5. So, it is really a big achievement for strings as well as for the whole country.

This post, String Band’s Drummer chosen as a Brand Ambassador of Vater , was originally published at PakiUM.com

Around two months ago, Gillette officially launched Mach3 Sensitive in Pakistan and announced its partnership with ‘Strings’ as Gillette Grooming Gurus. As part of the campaign Strings and Gillette team visited university campuses across Pakistan and connected with thousands of young men and shared with them tips on styling and grooming. The key idea behind this initiative was to instill confidence in the Pakistani youth and help them prepare for challenges of the professional world.

According to Salman Yousuf, Brand Manager Gillette Pakistan, “Gillette as a brand has always aimed to help men look, feel and be their best and the Grooming Gurus campaign was a step in the same direction.” He further added, “Faisal and Bilal are not just music legends in Pakistan, but they also personify highest standard of male styling and grooming. Together with them we have reached out to the youth of our country with the intention of giving them the confidence to feel and be their best in all that they do”

Sharing his views at the event, Bilal Maqsood, said, “Gillette Grooming Gurus campaign has been an amazing experience for us. Gillette is one brand almost all males are associated with since the time they start shaving and it was a great honor for us to partner with Gillette to fuel energy and confidence in the Pakistani youth.” Faisal Kapadia also shared his views about the Grooming Gurus Campaign at the occassion, “We’ve always believed in the potential that Pakistani youth has to offer. When the Gillette team approached us for this project we were more than eager to support them as this was a great platform for us to connect with students across country and play our role in nation building”

The concert by ‘Strings’ was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants and the band kept their performance interactive by keeping the audience engaged throughout.

This post, Strings with Gillette continue to enthuse Pakistani Youth , was originally published at PakiUM.com