Strings (band)
Strings | |
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Background information | |
Origin | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
Genres | Pop rock, Hard rock, Progressive rock |
Years active | 1988–1992 1999–2021 |
Labels | EMI, Fire Records, Sony BMG |
Members | Faisal Kapadia Bilal Maqsood Adeel Ali Bradley D'souza Haider Ali Aahad Nayani |
Past members | Rafiq Wazir Ali Kareem Bashir Bhoy Shakir Khan |
Website | Stringsonline.net |
Strings (
In 1990 the band signed with
Strings are recognized for their stringed rhythms and melodious, poetic songs written by
Strings produced and directed music reality series,
History
Quartet (1988–1992)
Pop music became more popular in Pakistan during the late 1980s, with new artists emerging in the scene.
In 1988, at the
Breakup (1992)
In 1992 the band and the Shalimar Recording Company released a follow-up album, 2. Maqsood, realising that Strings needed more exposure, directed a video for "Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar". It was played on STN during their hour-long show; with little competition Maqsood's directorial début was a success, making the song a nationwide hit. The band had a string of hits, touring and enjoying the lifestyle of post-1980s pop stars. However, their fame was short-lived and the quartet broke up.
After Strings disbanded, Maqsood attended art school and later became a creative director at an advertising agency. Kapadia went to
Ali and Bhoy continued their education.Comeback (1999–2002)
In the nearly eight years since Strings were famous, their reputation had faded. Bilal Maqsood continued his work as creative director at an advertising firm, involving Kapadia in the creative process as well; the latter worked in the marketing department of a production unit in the same company. Both had married and were fathers.[4] Although they had given up music, they still loved it.
The new millennium saw another shakeup in the Pakistani music industry and they were interested in participating. Since Ali and Bhoy were unavailable,[4] Maqsood and Kapadia decided to re-form Strings by themselves; this meant giving up their day jobs.
They recorded "
Although Strings were successful in Pakistan, they were unaware that a remixed version of "Sar Kiye Yeh Pahaar" was being played in Indian clubs and had established their reputation.[6] When their new video was played on Indian music channels, "Duur" became a hit across the border.[6] In January 2002 they reissued Duur on the Magnasound label, which had launched pop stars Baba Sehgal and Remo Fernandes.
Revival (2003–2006)
The realization that Pakistani pop music had a
Strings appeared on Channel V's television show Jammin, performing "Pal" from their upcoming fourth album with Sagarika. The song was written and recorded in audio and video over a three-day period. The band then recorded the single "Bolo Bolo", later re-recording the track with Hariharan.[8] Both collaborations were eagerly awaited and critically acclaimed. Strings played an unplugged set at the Hard Rock Cafe in Dubai,[8] which added to their fame beyond the subcontinent. The band were approached by Columbia Records, who released their fourth album (Dhaani) on 1 September 2003.
In June 2004 Strings released the music video of the title track, "Dhaani", directed by Jamshed Mehmood.[10] The band were then approached by Columbia TriStar Films of India, a sister company of their record label, to include their next single ("Najane Kyun") on the soundtrack of the Hindi version of the Hollywood film, Spider-Man 2.[11][12]
In May 2005 Strings released the music video of "Kahani Mohabat Ki", directed by Umar Anwar.
Success (2007–2010)
On 8 May 2007 Strings released "Aakhri Alvida" on the soundtrack of It was reported that as part of the agreement, Strings would use Gibson guitars exclusively for concerts, recordings and music videos. In return, Gibson would provide concert venues and required equipment.
On 16 May 2008 Strings released their fifth album,
In June 2010 Strings signed a one-year partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways as its brand ambassadors, promoting Pakistan in the global market with the band's music.[22] Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer for Etihad Airways, said he was "looking forward to witnessing how the Etihad brand name reached across the world through the music of Strings." Vocalist Faisal Kapadia said, "It is not only about free air tickets. We needed something like this to promote the true image of Pakistan. We want to do concerts internationally, but it is very expensive. This deal will help to overcome that".[23]
On 5 June, Strings and Arshad Mehmood judged the National Song Competition for national awareness initiative Azme Alishan. The primary aim of the movement is to revive the spirit of nationhood and community in Pakistan, highlighting the country's young musical talent. The competition was televised worldwide throughout the summer, with the winner announced on 14 August. Other guest judges were former Vital Signs member Shahzad Hassan, singer Najam Sheraz and Khalid Khan from the band Aaroh. On 16 July 2010 Strings released their single "Ab Khud Kuch Karna Paray Ga", featuring former Jal lead vocalist Atif Aslam.[24] In October Strings, in collaboration with Emirates International Mobile Humanitarian Hospital for Children, distributed over 500 gift packs to children displaced by the 2010 Pakistan floods who were living in the Sujawal relief camp.[25]
2011 to 2017
In February 2011, Strings performed at Pearl, the annual cultural festival at
On 1 August, in an interview with
In April 2013, Strings joined
On 29 October 2017, Strings announced its farewell to Coke Studio after season 10.[44][45][46] In 2018, they announced new videos from their new album, to mark 30 years of Strings.
A romantic number, "Piya R"e is in top list. It has been written by Anwar Maqsood and Bilal Maqsood. The song has been mixed and mastered by M. Ishaq Nazir.[47]
2018 to 2021: 30
Strings released a teaser of their upcoming single "Sajni" on 2 March 2018 on their Facebook page.[48] Later the band's lead singer Faisal Kapadia confirmed the release of their sixth studio album 30, as 2018 marked 30 years of Strings. Sajni is one of the eight songs from the upcoming album. The official video for their first single "Sajni" was released on their official YouTube channel on 17 March 2018. Strings released their second track "Urr Jaoon" on their YouTube channel on 6 April 2018.[49]
On 25 March 2021, Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood officially announced that the band is coming to an end on Instagram.[50]
Music
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, musician Bilal Maqsood, and writer Zehra Nigah.
Influences
Strings' music is influenced by Eastern classical music and Western rhythms. With an emphasis on Eastern melodies (including a touch of raga in the vocals), the band use flute and sarangi to give their vocals an Eastern touch. Songs such as "Duur" and "Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar" (from Duur) and "Kahani Mohabat Ki" (from Dhaani) are examples of this influence. Other songs, such as "Sohniyae" and "Najane Kyun" (from Dhaani) have elements of rock music. Bands influencing Strings include Junoon[51][52] and Nazia and Zoheb.
Style
Strings perform a blend of Western music and classical Eastern music, combining rhythmic guitar riffs with the tranquility of 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.[53] Their music has been enjoyed by Pakistani youth for over ten years, compensating internationally for the departure of Vital Signs and Nazia and Zoheb. 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 Aanay Wala Hai) featured rock songs such as "Sohniyae", "Mera Bichra Yaar", "Koi Aanay Wala Hai" and "Jab Say Tumko".[54] Several of the band's singles have been used on soundtracks for Bollywood and Hollywood films, including "Najane Kyun" (Spider-Man 2), "Zinda Hoon" (Zinda)[55] and "Aakhri Alvida" (Shootout at Lokhandwala).[56][57]
Live performances
Strings have achieved international fame, and their popularity is attributed to their unique music and
Members
- vocals(1988–1992, 1999–present)
- vocals(1988–1992, 1999–present)
- Aahad Nayani – drums (2010–present)
- Haider Ali – keyboards 2006–present)
- Adeel Ali – lead guitar (2001–present)
- Bradley D'Souza (2015–present)
- Former members
- Shakir Khan – Bassist (2004–2013)
- Qaiser - Drummer (2004-2010)
- Rafiq Wazir Ali – synthesizer (1988–1992)
- Kareem Bashir Bhoy – bass guitar, backing vocals (1988–1992)
Timeline
Awards and honours
- Best Band – MTV Music Awards 2009
- Best Album – MTV Music Awards 2009
- Brand ambassadors, Honda City 2009
- Nominated for Pakistani torch bearers, 2008 Olympic Games
- Motorola brand ambassadors for Pakistan
- Best Live Act in Music, Lux Style Awards 2008
- Most Wanted Band, The Musik Awards2008
- Best Lyrics ("Aakhari Alvida"), The Musik Awards2008
- Best Artist, MTV Asia Awards
- Favourite Artist India (title song for movie, Zinda) 2005
- Motorola Icon, The Musik Awards 2006
- Nominated for Most Wanted Band, The Musik Awards 2006
- "Zinda" nominated for Best Pop Song and Most Wanted Song, The Musik Awards 2006
- Best Video ("Anjaane"), Lux Style Awards 2003
- Lux Style Award, 2004
- Best Band at the first Sangeet Awards ceremony held at the Royal Albert Hall[citation needed]
- Indus Music Award (2005) for contributions to pop music
- MTV Asia's Most Favourite Band, 2005
- Best Band, third Jazz Indus Music Awards
- Best Lyrics ("Zinda"), third Jazz Indus Music Awards
- Excellence in Music Award, Hum Style Awards 2018
Discography
Studio albums
Year | Title | Label |
---|---|---|
1990 | Strings | EMI |
1992 | 2 | Shalimar Recording Company |
2000 | Duur | Sound Master, Magnasound |
2003 | Dhaani | Sadaf Stereo, Sony BMG |
2008 | Koi Aanay Wala Hai | Fire Records, Sony BMG |
2019 | Thirty | MainStage Productions |
Compilation albums
Year | Title | Label |
---|---|---|
2003 | Hai Koi Hum Jaisa | Sadaf Records |
Tu Hai Kahan |
Lollywood
Year | Film | Film Director | Language |
---|---|---|---|
2015 | Moor | Jami | Urdu |
Bollywood
Year | Song | Film |
---|---|---|
2005 | Yeh Hai Meri Kahani | Zinda |
2007 | Aakhri Alvida | Shootout at Lokhandwala |
2013 | Chaaron Taraf | John Day
|
Hollywood
Year | Song | Film |
---|---|---|
2004 | Najane Kyun | Spider-Man 2 |
Singles
Year | Song | Video Director | Additional Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2010 | "Ab Khud Kuch Karna Paray Ga" | Jami | The song also featured Atif Aslam |
2011 | "Mein Tou Dekhoonga" | ||
2018 | "Sajni" | Yasir Jaswal | Singles from Thirty |
"Urr Jaoon" | Jami | ||
"Piya Re" | Asma Humayun | ||
"Mil Gaya" | Kamal Khan | ||
"Chal Para" | Mohsin Kamal | ||
"Hum Dono" | Faisal kapadia | ||
2019 | "Naina" (featuring Sona Mohapatra) | ||
"Raat Shabnami" | Yasir Jaswal | ||
2020 | "Pyar Ka Rog" | Velo Sound Station Season 1
(Last song issued by the band) |
Coke Studio
Year | Season | Featured Artists |
---|---|---|
2014 | Season 7 |
Abbas Ali Khan, , Usman Riaz, Momin Durrani, Naseer & Shahab, Niazi Brothers, Sara Haider |
2015 | Season 8 |
Surriya Khanum, Umair Jaswal, Karam Abbas Khan, Mai Dhai, Fizza Javed, Asim Azhar, Mulazim Hussain, Kavish (Jaffer Zaidi and Maaz Maudood), Malang Party (Zeeshan Mansoor, Ibrahim, Zain Ali), Bakshi Brothers (Aafi Bakhshi, Yawar Bakshi, Bilal Bakshi and Sherry Bakshi), Nafees Ahmed, Samra Khan, Sara Haider , Siege (Junaid Younus, Muhammad Ahsan & Parvaiz), Shehroze Hussan (sitarist)
|
2016 | Season 9 |
Zebunnisa Bangash
|
2017 | Season 10 |
Shuja Haider, Umair Jaswal , Waqar Ehsin, Zaw Ali
|
See also
References
- ^ a b "Strings interview with Madeeha Anwar". Retrieved 25 June 2008 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Coke Studio 7, with Strings attached". Dawn.com. 21 August 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
- ^ a b c "Strings – Dawn News interview". Retrieved 25 June 2008 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c d "Strings: Personality Profile". Pakistan Television Corporation. Archived from the original on 21 December 2007. Retrieved 20 June 2008.
- ^ "String – Interviewed at the Magnasound office". Magnasound. 17 May 2008. Retrieved 25 June 2008.
- ^ a b "Stringing their way to success". DAWN Newspaper. Archived from the original on 21 August 2008. Retrieved 20 June 2008.
- ^ Say it with music, Newslinemagazine.com, Retrieved on 25 March 2011
- ^ Rediff. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
- ^ Peace with Pak: Breaking the sound barrier in Bollywood, Maheensabeeh.wordpress.com, Retrieved on 25 March 2011
- ^ Dhaani: Video Review, Pakipop.com, Retrieved on 26 March 2011
- Rediff. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
- ^ Slinging A Victory, Pakipop.com, Retrieved on 25 March 2011
- ^ Kahani Mohabat Ki: Video Review, Pakipop.com, Retrieved on 26 March 2011
- ^ MTV Asia Awards 2005 winners, Ecentral.my, Retrieved on 26 March 2011
- ^ The Musik Awards 2006, Pakipop.com, Retrieved on 25 March 2011
- ^ Strings – Beirut (video), Newsvidz.com, Retrieved on 25 March 2011
- ^ "Music strings 'em together". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 January 2009. Retrieved 25 June 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Coke Studio: Season One, Featured Artists, Cokestudio.com.pk, Retrieved on 29 April 2011.
- ^ Coke Studio, Strings at Coke Studio – Titiliyan, Cokestudio.com.pk, Retrieved on 16 August 2009
- ^ Titliyan releasing on 6 November 09, Stringsonline.net, Retrieved on 15 November 2009
- ^ Titliyan Video, Stringsonline.net Retrieved on 15 November 2009
- ^ Etihad signs Strings as Brand Ambassador, Etihadairways.com, on 6 June 2010.
- ^ Etihad Airways signed STRINGS as Brand Ambassador, Geotauaisay.com, Retrieved on 22 June 2011.
- ^ Music as a sign of the times Archived 20 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved on 28 March 2011
- ^ Etihad Brand Ambassadors Distribute Gifts to Children in Pakistan Relief Camps, Geotauaisay.com, Retrieved on 22 June 2011.
- ^ Strings-Indian Ocean to perform together, Web.archive.org, Retrieved on 28 March 2011
- ^ Indian Ocean, Strings perform in Ahmedabad, Web.archive.org, Retrieved on 28 March 2011
- ^ Mein Tou Dekhoonga – Strings – Music Video (Watch Video/Audio), Pakiupdates.com, Retrieved on 4 April 2011
- ^ Dubai with Strings attached!, Tribune.com.pk, Retrieved on 12 August 2011.
- ^ Rocking Riyadh: Strings talk about the thrill of performing in the Saudi capital, Old.thenews.com.pk, Retrieved on 12 August 2011.
- ^ Levi's music release, Tribune.com.pk, Retrieved on 12 August 2011.
- ^ Levi's ® Presents: Zoe Viccaji & Strings "Bichra Yaar", YouTube, Retrieved on 1 June 2011.
- ^ The Strings theory is the right theory, Tribune.com.pk, Retrieved on 12 August 2011.
- ^ The Strings sings the night away, Tribune.com.pk, Retrieved on 12 August 2011.
- ^ Future plans: An update on Strings, Tribune.com.pk Retrieved on 12 August 2011.
- ^ Strings and Indian Ocean on BBC "Music Beyond Borders" (in Hindi/Urdu) Retrieved on 18 August 2011
- ^ Strings and Indian Ocean on BBC "Music Beyond Borders" Part 2 (in Hindi/Urdu) Retrieved on 18 August 2011
- ^ Sanjay Gupta's Shootout At Wadala now has Pakistani connection, Bollywoodhungama.com, Retrieved on 29 August 2011.
- ^ a b c d Strings’ joyride to India, Tribune.com.pk, Retrieved on 8 September 2011.
- ^ Ekta Kapoor's party for Strings, Masala.com, Retrieved on 29 August 2011.
- ^ Imran's special screening for Strings, Archive.today, Retrieved on 29 August 2011
- ^ Lux Style Awards: Lights, camera, action, Tribune.com.pk, Retrieved on 8 September 2011.
- ^ "Waves 2012 - Relive the Streets!". Archived from the original on 21 November 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2012. Retrieved on 21 October 2012
- ^ "The departure of Coke Studio from classical tropes". Herald.dawn.com. 12 November 2017.
- ^ "It's a bittersweet goodbye from Strings to Coke Studio". En.dailypakistan.com.pk. 30 October 2017.
- ^ "Pakistani pop rock band Strings says goodbye to Coke Studio". Arabnews.com. November 2017.
- ^ "Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema". Gulfnews.com. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ Azam Khan, Turyal (18 March 2018). "30 years of Strings". Daily Times. Daily Times. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
- ^ "Strings band announces eight singles to mark 30 years of band". Pakistan Today. Pakistan Today. 27 March 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
- ^ "We did not split up, just made a mutual decision to close this chapter: Bilal Maqsood". The Express Tribune. 27 March 2021.
- ^ "Strings-Geo TV interview". Retrieved 25 June 2008 – via YouTube.
- ^ The On/Off Jounarlist – Interview with Strings, Astralwicks.wordpress.com, Retrieved on 9 January 2011
- ^ Strings & Atif Aslam: ‘Azme Alishan is the answer to our challenge’, Blog.pakent.net, Retrieved on 26 March 2011.
- ^ Dhaani (Album review), Pakipop.com, Retrieved on 25 March 2011
- ^ Zinda: Music Review, Smashits.com, Retrieved on 26 March 2011.
- ^ Shootout at Lokhandwala: Music Review, Smashits.comm Retrieved on 26 March 2011.
- ^ Dil, dil Pakistan, Madeehasyed.com, Retrieved on 26 March 2011.
- ^ "Drizzle sweeps the excitement at Strings concert". Geshan's blog. Retrieved 26 June 2008.
- ^ "Rashtrapati Bhavan corridors to resonate with rock 'n roll beats". Indianexpress.com. 27 November 2013.
External links
This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines. (June 2023) |
- Strings Online – Official Website
- Audio Collection
- MySpace Page
- YouTube Channel
- Orkut Community
- The Music Of Strings – Website By Ali Irfan
- Etihad Airways signed STRINGS as Brand Ambassador
- Role of Strings Band In Pakistani Music Industry