Mubashir Admani, Alycia Dias release debut single

Mubashir Admani, Alycia Dias release debut single, talk plans of releasing an album

KARACHI: The relatively new pair of Mubashir Admani and Alycia Dias joined hands more than a year ago and has been belting out music compositions ever since. While Admani, a keyboardist and a music producer, has previously worked in Coke Studio, Dias kicked off her career as a participant in LG Awaaz Banaye Star, later serving as a vocalist for various TV serial OSTs. The team, called Ally & Moby, recently released their debut single Sahara. Talking to The Express Tribune, the dynamic duo speaks about the experience of working with each other on the song and taking the plunge internationally.

“I drew inspiration from the American Musical Begin Again which really left an impact on me and that is how Sahara came about,” says Admani. While the melody was already composed before he met Dias, Admani felt there was no one more suitable than her to sing the song. “She ensured that my role as the producer was complemented and molded herself according to the requirements of the song.” The duo has previously worked together on a project in late 2014.

Dias, however, feels working on Sahara was no easy feat. “It was tough as it required the right kind of expression,” she says. Dias was not satisfied until the song was completed. Having sung for drama serials Noor and Dil-e-Muztar, Dias feels working on Sahara was a different ballgame altogether. “OSTs are good but I have to sing them according to the client’s requirement. In our own songs, we get to step out of the box and try new things. An artist requires a certain amount of space and liberation to evolve, and I got both while working with Mubashir,” she adds.

Confirming the release of a few more singles before finally releasing an album, Dias states the idea has always intrigued her. Concurring with her, Admani too mentions that more songs are in the pipeline. “A bit of disco and funk is coming your way,” he states.

While Admani has been wanting to establish a band, his vision was always more inclined towards a female voice and he found the versatility in Dias. “The voice texture and her capacity to sing in a variety of expressions is remarkable. From then on, we have interacted multiple times and decided to work formally as a unit.”

A fan of Celine Dion, Dias looks forward to their music being showcased across Pakistan, as well as internationally. In regards to Pakistani music, the singer believes that artists should be valued and respected more and must take their profession seriously. “They must establish themselves on sound footings and constantly explore new skills and techniques, upgrade themselves to adapt to newer and better standards,” says Dias. On a similar note, Admani emphasised on the importance of experimentation and original music as the way to move forward.  “I am very hopeful and positive about our band and its music, a feeling which springs from the satisfaction that whatever we create is original,” he concludes.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 27^th, 2016.

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