With Laut Aa, Salmaan Shaukat’s wait comes to an end

The music video epitomises everything about time, wait and worldly desires.

LAHORE:

Whether it’s an underground band or a dedicated singer composing tunes in his garage, when there’s talent, it speaks for itself. New kid on the block Salmaan Shaukat, who recorded his first single Raabta in 2011, has released a new track called Laut Aa earlier this week. While his first track was a rather mellow number, his latest number has more of a dark sentiment about it.

Before speaking about Laut Aa, Shaukat expresses his remorse for the current scenario in the music world. “There is so much talent here and sadly, there is no help available. You really have to fend for yourself in this industry,” says a disheartened Shaukat. “I wish there was a way for new musicians to get structure as to what to do and how to do it.” He feels it’s heartbreaking because there are “amazing underground musicians who don’t see the light of day because there’s no guidance.”

Although Shaukat’s music can be classified as alternative rock, he reveals that he has no restrictions or hesitations when he’s making music. “I don’t like characterising myself because while I make alternative rock music, I also have pop singles,” admits the singer.

Making of Laut Aa

“If I have to sum it up in one word, it would be intezaar,” says Shaukat, about the number. “It is this endless wait that has inspired me to write this song and the same theme encapsulates the essence of the video too.” Although he only recently released both his singles, Shaukat admits that music always had a special place in his life. “I always enjoyed singing and would do covers for my friends growing up,” he explains. “But I never took it up professionally. I feel there are certain moments in life that inspire you to take that leap of faith.” And Laut Aa, revolves around this very idea of waiting.

The music video does not convey a story but rather a feeling and a state of being, and elements of earth, water and fire are ultimately depicted to epitomise this desire. “In every scenario [of life], everyone is alone. They are stuck in time or a particular moment and are waiting to achieve something or for something they lost,” says Shaukat, explaining the context. In the video, a classical dancer continues to dance near a body of water — it appears that she is longing for her long wait to finally end; there’s an old woman who is pining over what her heart desires as she is no longer young; the singer himself has a snake wrapped around himself which symbolises the waiting he has endured.

“It [the video] is not a clear story with a beginning or an end but rather, it has to be viewed like it’s an abstract piece of art,” explains Shaukat, adding, “The audiences will have their own interpretations.”

When asked whether his fans should expect a new single by the end of the year, Shaukat says, “People don’t have the attention span for albums anymore,” and producing good singles is a more viable option for singers.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2013.

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