‘Pepsi Battle of the Bands’ launches two new albums for Kashmir and Badnaam

Thursday night saw bands Kashmir and Badnaam release their debuts, after making it big via musical reality show


Rahul Aijaz May 11, 2018
PHOTO:FILE

KARACHI: In 2017, Pepsi Battle of the Bands (BoB) returned after 15 years to offer a platform for budding musicians of Pakistan. It breathed new life into the local music industry by thinking about and working to shape its future. Kashmir won the contest ahead of the equally talented band Badnaam.

Strings replace Atif Aslam in upcoming season of 'Pepsi Battle of the Bands'

This Thursday, Pepsi held the debut album launch of the two bands. The night was a mixed affair at Avari Towers in Karachi, the hot May weather only cooled down by the music.

PHOTO:FILE PHOTO:FILE

The video packages for each band played, taking everyone through the journey they have had so far. Badnaam formed in 2009, and released a music video around the same time. Since then, they had been waiting for a platform to give an opportunity to emerging talents like them. The band’s vocalist Ahmed Jilani said Battle of the Bands became a dream come true for them.

In the video, he talked about the band’s unusual name, saying when he suggested it, everyone was against it. “Badnaam is a state of mind which signifies ‘I don’t care what you think of my actions or words.’ You may like it or you may not, but we will continue to do what do. Even sufi’a akraam used to consider themselves badnaam,” said Jilani.

PHOTO:FILE PHOTO:FILE

Kashmir front man Bilal Ali said the show definitely gave them a big boost and a wide fan following. Talking about their inspiration, the band’s rhythm guitarist Zair Zaki said, “Life inspires us to create music. Life in general, things we encounter in everyday life, and the things/content we watch.”

In the sit-down session, the fact that the host Anusheh Shahid didn’t ask either of the bands a single question related to their music was surprising and confusing. The session mostly presented a relatively personal look at the people behind the music, without revealing much at all, thanks to the particularly uninteresting questions. And an absence of question-and-answer session meant even the audience couldn’t actively inquire anything.

PHOTO:FILE PHOTO:FILE

Each band’s album will consist of six original tracks, three produced by one of the show’s judge Shahi Hassan and three by Xulfi. Speaking with The Express Tribune, Jilani said they intend to release a couple of singles soon and then more after Ramazan, up until August.

“The debut album is a big deal and it’s what sets the tone for the future so we have put in our best in it,” he said. “There is some innovation but we haven’t deviated much from our style and kept the essence of what makes Badnaam what it is.”

Happy birthday Atif Aslam! 6 times the singer proved he is a true gentleman

The night ended with the two bands performing three tracks each. Badnaam performed Zindagi, a relatively mellow track compared to their usual grunge style, Ek Nukte and Aflaaq. Kashmir performed Pareshanian, Dhoop and Dhokaybaaz.

The night ended on a high note, thanks in particular to the quality of music. If the live performances are anything to go by, the upcoming albums are something to watch out for.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below. 

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ