After Hours: Bilal Saeed

Behind the scenes with Bilal Saeed

Singer - composr Bilal Saeed, currently riding high on the success of his latest single Uchiyaan Dewaraan, seems to possess the midas touch. The song has been viewed over 13 million times in just one week on YouTube. An earlier single Baari proved a hit too clocking in over 60 million YouTube views. His body of work boasts across the border collaborations with the likes of Dharma productions and Neha Kakkar. Read on to see what Saeed has to muse about his passion success and challenges confronting the Pakistani music industry.

Which one has been your most rewarding project and why? Baari 1 or Uchiyaan Dewaraan (Baari 2)

I think between these two its Baari1 because I changed my sound and kind of reinvented myself as an artist.

Your song has hit 13 million views in just one week on YouTube. Did you anticipate such success?

To be honest I expected a good response because I had strong content and storyline but was also a little scared since people loved the first part so much that I didn’t want to disappoint them. However, part ll has created history by trending worldwide

You release your work without any corporate backing. Nevertheless, you are successfull every time. What’s your secret?

I don’t have anything against the corporate involvement in my music scene. I just have a direct connection with my audience and never felt the need to stop or wait for any support.

An accomplishment you take great pride in?

The accomplishment I take pride in has to be the fact that I came from a small city and was a shy boy. But ultimately I ended up achieving my musical dream despite all the hurdles an average Pakistani boy could face and more. I think not giving up was my achievement.

Why do you direct all your music videos why not opt for a professional?

I have worked with so many different directors in my videos it’s only recent that I started directing them as it’s easier for my to express what I write and I am always open to work with directors.

Share your most memorable experience while making a song.

I think there’s always something special in each song and it’s creation. But our shoot for Baari 2 lasted up to a consecutive 24 hours. It was an experience that started with sleepy eyes went to laughter, tears, anger and finally relief once we saw what a beauty we had created.

Name an artist whose work has inspired you?

There are so many artists not just from the older generation like Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Reshma G. But also the ideals who I grew up listening to like Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ahmed Jahanzeb and the list goes on.

What do you find more gratifying, singing or composing?

I think composing is very close to my heart and it gives me the opportunity to express more of my emotions but singing has always been favourite.

The best and worst part of music industry?

There is no music industry we all are making individual efforts to make music so everything about that is great nothing bad or worst about it.

Name something related to music you always wanted to try but haven’t?

I want to sing in different languages.

A change you would like the Pakistani music industry to witness?

I think it would be great to witness the industry becoming accepting of different sounds, styles and genres and only then we can grow artistically and spread beyond borders.

The biggest challenge that accompanies one’s decision to become a musician?

The biggest challenge is always to convince people in your family and to make yourself understand that it’s a journey not a destination.

What’s the most fascinating thing about music for you?

Everything about music is very fascinating, it’s a language to communicate with your inner self and it’s a way to describe emotions. I find peace in music.