Strings are back!

pokeris4fun · Post time: 9-7-2018 22:15:17

Edited by pokeris4fun at 20-6-2019 08:39 PM

They are back to celebrate 30 years of awesomeness!

Bio

Strings are an internationally acclaimed Pakistani pop rock band composed of two members, plus four live band members from Karachi, Pakistan. The band was initially formed by four college students—Bilal Maqsood (vocals and guitars), Faisal Kapadia (vocals), RafiqWazir Ali (synthesizer) and Kareem Bashir Bhoy (bass guitar)—in 1988. In1992 the quartet disbanded, only to make a comeback with Maqsood and Kapadia in 2000. While the initial band rode the new wave of Pakistani pop music, the later lineup ushered in a revival in the Pakistani music industry.

In 1990 the band signed with EMI Records and released their debut album, Strings. Their initial experiments with synthesised sounds and rhythms was not immediately recognised, although Stringssold 20,000 copies during its first week after release. Two years later theband released their second album, 2, which included the critically acclaimed single "Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar". The song was first aired on MTV Asia, and led the band to widespread fame. After the release of 2, the quartet disbanded to focus on their studies and careers. In 2000 Maqsood and Kapadia released Duur, which revived the band's popularity, and followed it with Dhaani in 2003. This album included the single "Najane Kyun", which was part of the soundtrack for the Hollywood film Spider-Man 2. Following Junoon and Nusrat FatehAli Khan, Strings went to India (where they found remixes of one of their early songs playing in clubs). In 2008 Strings released their fifth album, Koi Aanay Wala Hai, with the singles "Yeh Hai Meri Kahani" and"Aakhri Alvida" (included on the soundtracks for Bollywood's Zinda and Shootout at Lokhandwala). The album was co-produced by Bollywood actor John Abraham, and was successful in Pakistan and India.

Strings are acclaimed for their stringed rhythms and melodious, poetic songs written by Anwar Maqsood, Bilal's father. He has been writing lyrics for the band since its re-formation, with Kapadia the lead vocalist. Bilal Maqsood composes, plays guitar and occasionally sings. Strings' live performances are augmented by Adeel Ali on lead guitar, Shakir Khan on bass guitar, Haider Ali on keyboards and Aahad Nayani on drums. The band havesold over 25 million albums worldwide.

Strings produced and directed music reality series,Coke Studio Pakistan from 2013-2017.

Language

From their debut album Strings to their fifth album Koi Aanay Wala Hai, all Strings' songs are in Urdu. Most lyrics are by Anwar Maqsood; a few songs are by his son, guitarist Bilal Maqsood, and writer Zehra Nigah.

Influences

Strings' music is influenced by Eastern classicalmusic and Western rhythms. With an emphasis on Eastern melodies (including atouch of raga in the vocals), the band use flute and sarangi to give their vocals an Eastern touch. Songs like "Duur" and "Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar" (from Duur) and "Kahani MohabatKi" (from Dhaani) are examples of this influence. Other songs, such as "Sohniyae" and "Najane Kyun" (from Dhaani) have elements of rock music.

Style

Strings perform a blend of Western music and classical Eastern music, combining rhythmic guitar riffs with the tranquilityof Eastern music. Their music is also based on worldly issues, emphasising world peace. Their music (such as "Ab Khud Kuch Karna Paray Ga","Beirut", "Jheet Lo Dil" and "Titliyan")has helped keep national spirits high. While Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan promoted Qawwali music and Junoon rock music, Strings blend Pakistani pop, classical music and rhythms on stringed instruments.

Although Strings' music revolves around a male lead singer, the band has also featured other artists on their albums. Since the release of their third album, Duur, their music has combined Eastern and Western music. Their fourth and fifth albums (Dhaani and Koi AanayWala Hai) featured rock songs such as "Sohniyae", "MeraBichra Yaar", "Koi Aanay Wala Hai" and "JabSay Tumko".

Present

In 2018, they announced eight singles to celebrate 30 years of Strings. 3 songs have been released.

Sajni