'Our titans of rock music'

Local band Qayaas grabs best band award in India amid disappointing anonymity in Pakistani media.

ISLAMABAD: Jack Daniel’s Rock Awards 2010 in India opened up a new avenue for Pakistani rock bands to get acclaim. Qayaas, the rock band from Islamabad that recently won Jack Daniel’s Best Pakistani Rock Band award, held a press conference at Kuch Khaas. It was disappointing to see that after getting so much respect in India, the Pakistani media failed to give their own artists the acclaim they deserved.

Qayaas won the award out of 25 nominations from Pakistan and had the privilege of playing at the Hard Rock Café’ in Delhi. Performing alongside EKA and Half Step Down, the band came back home with high hopes.

It is important to encourage upcoming bands, especially in a country where there is always talk about lack of initiative. The turnout of media representatives at the band’s press conference at Kuch Khaas was more than disappointing.

Dr Hassan Waqas Rana, the band’s mentor and supporter, in his opening remarks at the press conference said, “In Greek mythology, titans were always considered greater than the Gods and these musicians are the titans of rock music here.”

He said that the artists have invoked the passion of Pink Floyd and Creed in their music.

Luke Kenny, a popular Indian VJ and host for the event said, “It is remarkable how Qayaas has brought rock music in Urdu language. I think it is one of the reasons why the Indian rock fans really love their music.” He said that most of the Indian rock bands produce music in English and “to embody the essence of rock and translate it successfully in our native language is worthy of appreciation”.

Khurram, Fifu, Sherry, Umair and Sarmad travelled to New Delhi for a three-day tour and bewitched an audience of more than 750 people. Bringing their ethnic and unique sound to the neighbouring borders, the band got nothing but an overwhelming response.

With an album and new videos featuring international stars about to release, the upcoming New Year holds exciting things for Qayaas. Khurram of Qayaas said, “We cannot disclose who we will be collaborating with but it is very exciting and we are looking forward to it.” He added that the band is also working on an undisclosed Hollywood film and are the first rock band to compose the background score for a mainstream film.

With great aspirations and a passion for music, the band is looking forward to swaying the Pakistani audiences.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2010.