[ STRINGS ARTICLE - POPULAR BAND ]

Eight years ago, the entire sub-continent was buzzing to the sound of a song Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar. Very soon, India will get hooked, once again, to the songs of the band that delivered that melodious and lilting hit. Strings, the band from across the border, are in India to launch their new album Duur releasing through Magnasound. And eight years down the line, many things have changed for this Karachi-based band; most important of all the number of members have come down from four to two. Currently comprising Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia, Strings was formed way back in 1989, when both these young musicians met in college. And they never realised that while casually jamming together they would become popular as a band to whom everyone wanted to lend an ear. Two more members joined up and Strings was formally formed. From merely singing in class to beat the boredom, the boys now meant business. They went on to release two eponymous albums; each one firmly established them in the field of Asian Pop. "More so, it was the single Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar that established us in the music scene since it was the first time we got exposure all over Asia. All of us were on a high when we heard that not only in our country, but even in India and other Asian countries was the song creating a storm," says Bilal, who started composing music on keyboards at the age of 12. While at the peak of their music, the band members unfortunately decided to call it a day, in order to pursue their studies. "All of us believed that studies were important, and we needed to concentrate on it. So in 1992 we decided to part ways for three years, giving ourselves ample time to get on with our studies. But three years were never to end, as all of us got deeply entangled in our daily affairs," informs singer Faisal, adding that when he and Bilal came together last year, the two other members decided to stay away, due to personal commitments. And thus Strings was left with only two young individuals who had the will, and the determination, to recreate the magic of Pop-Rock _ a new genre that they created with their albums, early in the decade. So what's this Pop-Rock segment all about? "We would say that it is rock music that has a populist appeal. We heavily focus on melodies involving different genres of music _ rap, rock 'n' roll, jazz, pop, folk, etc. Even our lyrics are close to reality and we sing about what we see around us. All in all, our music is something that comes naturally, it is pure and not purposely done just for the heck of it," explains Faisal who started singing at the age of nine, and has been trained in Hindustani Classical vocals. The album Duur contains the ingredients that made their earlier albums successes. The lyrics are simple, and the tunes are melodious. In fact, the band has matured a lot in the last eight years. "I feel now we have become more professional and thorough with our work, unlike in the past when we were into music because we were young, energetic, and in college; and like every other youth were more inclined towards pop music. At that stage we were not determined to make it our career, whereas now we know that music is an important part of our lives. From the music angle also, our music has improved and Faisal's voice has grown," informs Bilal, adding that even though they have involved a lot of ragas on the album, the music does not feature a lot of classical instruments. The band believes that today music is not restricted to a particular country and it has helped the message of friendship and peace spread. "Today people love and respect Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan or Junoon in India as much as in Pakistan. Similarly we over there equally love listening to Lucky Ali, Hariharan, Shanker Mahadevan and Euphoria as much as the Indians do. So where is the difference? Music has no boundaries, and a good sound knows no barriers and spreads all around. I feel music can be a strong medium to bring people closer to each other; developing respect in their minds for each other, which is most important," feels Faisal. Strings, who have already received rave reviews for Duur in their home country, say that releasing the album in India would certainly help them reach the world, as India has a strong media, reaching most nooks and corners of the world. And they are desperate to see their album break through into the Indian markets, and more so in the hearts of every music lover here. "We will be more than happy if we receive a great response here so that we could return home with more exposure in this country," wishes the band in chorus!