The way forward for Sibti

Three-time LSA nominee on latest single and working on debut album with Mekaal Hasan

KARACHI:

Having already amassed an impressive portfolio in the underground circuit, with singles such as Peshawar Ka Larki, Aanay De and Badnaam, Sibtain Fazli, popularly known as Sibti, is ironing out plans for a debut album.

According to the three time Lux Style Awards nominee, the idea of recording an album has been at the back of his mind for quite some time. However, it was only recently that he started working on it. “For any musician to be recognised, it is important that they release an album because almost everyone nowadays is releasing singles,” he told The Express Tribune. The album which is being recorded at guitarist-producer Mekaal Hasan’s Digital Fidelity Studios, has a host of musicians featuring on the tracks.

“I’ve got some wonderful musicians playing on the album such as Sameer Ahmed. Even Mekaal himself was very generous to play on one of the tracks. That was quite a big deal for me,” he added.



Sibti was quick to acknowledge the role of his producer — famous for his temperamental and mercurial demeanour in the recording studio in the entire process and termed the collaboration as a great learning experience.

With the advent of online music streaming platforms such as Patari and Taazi, things are starting to look up for the industry. Having himself spent years playing in the underground circuit, Sibti is hopeful that this may revive the local music scene once again.



“I hope it improves because as of now, only the popular musicians are performing shows on a regular basis. With the music industry experiencing a revival of sorts right now, maybe emerging musicians would also get to play more concerts,” he stated.



While he may be occupied with work on his debut album, he has not stopped releasing new music. Only a few weeks back, his latest single Chotay Ko Chain Nahi Hai came out. Sibti said the track was partly inspired by his own childhood experiences. “The song was basically inspired from my own childhood. I used to be quite a handful; a real troublemaker and the clown of the class,” he said. By his own admission, the singer had the “tendency of getting into trouble” and this is precisely the central idea of the song.

As for what the future holds for him, Sibti, like many of his contemporaries, is mulling the possibility of venturing into film music across the border. “I do intend to release music videos for some of my other tracks but I am also looking at Bollywood films as an alternative.”



The musician said his tracks would be an ideal fit for independent cinema and even mainstream films like Delhi Belly. “Not only are the tracks fresh but their quality also meets the prevalent standards.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2016.

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