Unravelling Falak

The Lahori sensation who is redefining Pakistani music.

LAHORE:

Pace Shopping Center is a familiar sight for Falak, who was once a student at Hajvery University. He then took a gamble by becoming a routine salesperson, with the unlikely plan of forging a musical career. It is essential to look into Falak’s background, as it is a representation of departure from what is defined as popular music in Pakistan. The singer speaks to The Express Tribune about his ups and downs.

“Whenever I sit-down and plan I always ask, how do I move forward, what is next, and how can it be unique,” says Falak.

“I was actually kicked out of a band at Hajvery University, because there was already vocalist they had told me I could not sing and so on,” says Falak.


“But for me this was a passion, and I knew this was what I wanted from life.”

His sophomore album Judah, was released worldwide on December 27th through T-Series and was also made available online for the Pakistani market.

His music has been experimental, in the sense that he has focused on promoting a Punjabi Dubstep sound, which has both a global and local appeal. The sound also caters to his live performances. This has been part of an overall transformation he has attempted, since his first single in 2008.

“I focus on my lyrics, because you will see what I want to say as an artist, but more importantly the music has to be such that it caters to my live performances, which means that people should want to dance and have fun,” says Falak.

His focus on Punjabi is both due to comfort and understanding of its appeal. He says that it is a language that generates energy, whether you’re at wedding or a concert, dance is what drives the experience, he says.

“Punjabi music makes you want to dance, and if you were to compare overall, Punjabi songs have been more successful than Urdu one. I also believe Punjabi suits my vocal tone, so I think that’s why I sing more in Punjabi,” says Falakh.

“It also represents my growth from Pakistan, Lahore, it protects that, it protects my culture and the country’s culture, and the feeling of Punjabi people,” he adds.

Falak emanates a vibe that can only be described as genuine, which is what makes him interesting. He also marks one of the few bright spots coming out of our music industry today. From humble beginnings, he has broken through an industry known for its cliques, whether in Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad.

While other musicians have lamented the declining conditions of Pakistan’s music industry, Falak has seen an increase in concerts, ranging to over a hundred each year. His manager, DJ Mac also disclosed that Falak performs 15 – 20 concerts at a time.

“His rise may not have been possible in the nineties, but it shows how people have changed due to social media, and have developed their own tastes and individuality with regard to the music they listen to,” says his manager.

Suspiciously, there was little media coverage and hype in the country surrounding Falak. He recalls that his first singles had been overlooked by channels due to the lack of openness to new sounds and content. In many ways, he is a formidable opponent, grounded by his lahori roots, and his sound is both crafted and linked to his approach to music in general.

“I don’t socialise much, but at the same time I didn’t want to be around for only a few years and then disappear,” says Falak. “ that’s why I had to work from the roots, I’m here four years later, and in 10 years, I’ll still be here producing good work,” says Falak.

Moving forward, Falak says his focus will be on tours, and he will be regularly doing playback songs in Bollywood. He is not however, working on a new album at the moment.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2014.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.