Loadshedding: Sweat, write and sing

LAHORE:

Who knew that elongated power cuts could have a bright side? Songwriter Akash, who gained popularity after his single “WAPDA”, claims he recorded the track on a whim. He was sitting with his friends and the electricity kept fluctuating when one person screamed out “WAPDA!” in frustration. He knew instantly that this would be the next song he would record. He says the reason for its popularity is that everyone can relate to it on a personal level.

“Pakistan has a lot of talent, but in order to cash in on that talent and create good music, one needs peace of mind. Doing so with no electricity, is making it impossible for musicians,” says Akash.

Usman Bin Sohail of the progressive rock band Moen Jo Daro confesses he once texted his friend while sitting idle, saying, “Garmi on Hai” when the power was out. This turned out to be a great idea for a new track which later became a major underground hit in 2010. He says the power outage problem has become so bad that he may just write more intense songs on the subject.

Adnan Dhool, the vocalist and songwriter of Soch, says power outages and electricity fluctuations have resulted in lowering musicians’ morale and destroying their equipment.

When asked whether power outages and the scorching heat could inspire a new musical attitude, Dhool’s response was rather pessimistic despite gaining popularity from their single “Uth Jawana”.

“When I wrote “Uth Jawana”, it was insanity… there were the Moon Market blasts and when I was at home, the electricity was gone. It meant something,” says Dhool. “But today, there is a trend where musicians pick on these social issues. I have taken a break from writing on them, because these songs were written just to be famous.”

On the contrary, many musicians have been inspired in such situations. Several tracks such as “Bijli Aye Na Aye” by Meesha Shafi and “Batti” by Overload, became instant hits due to their resonance with the youth.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2012.