A new Soch towards Pakistani film music

The IIFA nominated Pakistan band and director Asadul haq discuss the process of revamping the classics

LAHORE:

Just one listen is all it takes for one to become captivated by the aural experience that is the soundtrack of Dekh Magar Pyar Say (DMPS). In fact, the very trailer of this upcoming romantic comedy contains the complete formula to make one get up and take notice.

The album offers a whole variety of genres; including a remake of the Punjabi classic Kaala Doriya to an electronic spin on one of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s most celebrated numbers Tumhe Dillagi. Add to this a touch of Talal Qureshi’s eclectic beats, Asrar’s strong vocals and the great Anwar Maqsood’s lyrical genius and you have one, wholesome musical package. “I have travelled across Pakistan, chosen what I liked and used it to my advantage,” shared director Asad-ul-Haq of the inspiration behind such a diverse soundtrack. “You will not hear just one sound but an amalgamation of different beats coming together beautifully,” he added.

Keeping this in mind, it is commendable how Pakistani rock band Soch has managed to hold their own, having recorded four of the ten tracks themselves. The band burst into the limelight with their hit Awari, featured in last year’s Bollywood drama Ek Villain, which won a Life OK Screen Award and even nailed an IIFA nomination for the ‘Best Music Direction’ category. So when it came to remixing Kaala Doriya, Asad simply had to get in touch. “Soch did a demo that I loved,” shared Asad. “We began discussing Tumhe Dillagi for which I wanted a down-tempo, contemporary feel that could become an anthem.” Every time the director and band met, they would end up composing one more song. “At one point, I remember I had to tell Soch that four is enough; let’s leave the rest for others.”



Therefore, it is no surprise that Soch-members Adnan Dhool and Rabi Ahmed were all smiles at the music launch of DMPS held in Lahore this week. “We tried our best to make the songs Pakistani although most musicians opt for the Bollywood touch,” informed Adnan whike speaking to The Express Tribune. “We hope to create an exclusive Pakistani essence that the  Bollywood producers seek when they invite our artists over. There are no item numbers. There is, instead, qawalli amidst hip-hop.” Aside from the covers, Soch has introduced two original tracks entitled Kabhi Kabhi and Nairrhe Nairrhe Vuss. Singers Mehek Ali and Alina Anjum have also lent their talents to the album.

“I wanted a simple love anthem to make people fall in love, over and over again and Soch did it beautifully,” said Asad regarding the making of Kabhi Kabhi. The band, who are renowned for their haunting melodies, have consciously deviated from their signature style to make the DMPS soundtrack what it is. “Not to mention, composing for a film is very different and much lengthier a process than recording an independent album,” added Adnan. “We had constant discussions with Asad as well as our producer and manager Murtaza from PMR Studios which helped us deliver.” Rabi furthered Adnan’s claim, admitting that Kaala Doriya was restructured 17 times before the final product was made. “There are constant alterations when making songs for a film,” he said.

The band is eagerly awaiting August 14, when DMPS is scheduled to hit the theatres. In the meantime, Adnan and Rabi have their hands full with a music video as well as talks with Indian composers for more music opportunities. “We are happy making any kind of music, wherever that might be,” added Adnan. “That can be jingles, songs for film or our own albums.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2015.

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