Aarzoo: Mirage’s desire to succeed

The band is set to release their much awaited debut album.

LAHORE:

After a long wait, rock band Mirage will release their debut album Arzoo on November 15. The band, which entered mainstream music in February 2008 with their debut video “Aarzoo”, rapidly developed a reputation for mesmerising live acts. After the release of their second single, “Jeewan” in August 2008, delays marred the release of Aarzoo, the album.

In many ways, Mirage, seemed like a natural extension of Pakistan’s soft rock — a style of music which uses the techniques of rock music  to compose a softer, toned- down sound. The band seemed destined to become big as most of their lyrical compositions aimed to provide a positive outlook in a country that did not seem to have any hope. The band’s release was delayed as Mirage’s composer and lyricist, Saad Hayat had moved to England to hone his skills as a producer, while studying for a degree in audio engineering. During this time, the rest of Mirage also completed their further education. Meanwhile, the band signed with Fire records but various delays were faced due to various market conditions such as security problems, economy and devastating floods. Nevertheless, the band is back with a bang and seems passionate than ever.

“We received a decent response from our singles. We had recorded around five to six songs but delays occurred so we weren’t able to release our first album,” said the band’s vocalist Rehan Nazim. “It’s simple; we are into soulful melodies, lyrics that inspire and show that if we stick together anything is possible.”

The album will feature 10 songs that will be a combination of romantic and patriotic tracks. Staying true to the optimistic nature of the band, their goal is to have contemporary tunes and a modern feel to the songs which will cater to the younger generation. Their third music video which will be released with the album is called “Kyun Mujhse”, another romantic number that will show the band being kidnapped by girl who is overtly obsessed with the band members.

What will be evident in the album is the diversity in sound which has, on some levels, experimented with the Pakistani musical norms and reached beyond various western rock influences. Nazim said that he had always been a keen observer of the domestic rock scene. Hassan Mahmoud, who was the bands lead guitarist, followed Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles. The three-year span since Mirage’s last official release also means that the band will be more experienced and better coordinated. “With experience you keep on evolving, you keep on observing things,” says Mahmoud. “I am into soulful melodies and I think people will like these type of melodies.”

Saad Hayat, who is currently in England finishing up his thesis, will also be able to add to the band’s overall experience in the studio. Mahmoud explained that Hayat’s degree will definitely improve the sound of the band’s music in the future.

Regardless, the closeness of Mirage stems from a closer association which dates back to their days in A-levels, when the band first got together. They made a name as a cover band typically performing at school farewells. The band’s name was a collective decision inspired by Hayat who was fascinated with the word mirage which means an optical illusion or anything that seems to be attainable, but actually, is not.

Fittingly, what seemed attainable three years ago may not be as easy now, with the overall industry dynamics shifting. However, despite the odds, Mirage’s new album Aarzoo can give a fresh voice to Pakistani music scene.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4^th, 2011.