Coke Studio Season 14

‘The show has to appeal to Gen-Z, don’t worry about the millennials and the ones that came before them. And yeah, try to not make it exactly like Nescafe Basement’, the brief said. 
‘Opex budgets have been increased for set design, that means budgets for everything else are reduced’. 

What would you do if you had this situation? Get skilled people who aren’t seasoned enough to make do for the monetary constraints to execute the project.

By eliminating most of the previous teams, gone is the overall experience that Coke Studio was able to carry with the key house band members.

Coke Studio Season 14 Website

As of writing this post, which is 2 weeks into the official release of Coke studio 14, the website still remains empty.
The artist line-up lists artists for only released songs so far, and descriptions for those artists isn’t yet uploaded. The backing vocals, house bad and even the producer sections are self-quarantining from the website.

This lack of consideration shows up in different elements of the overall show as well.

Video Quality:
Despite having so much potential with set options, the videos uploaded onto Youtube are still 1080p resolution, yes, forget the devices which the catered for audience, GEN-Z, have access to. While the world thinks immersive, and Metaverse, Cokestudio which stayed pretty much with the curve, has been left far behind.

Performance Videos vs. Music Videos
By making the song videos look like a music video rather than a studio setting, the whole element of the visible representation and foreplanning required for executing a one-take recording, seems to be thrown out of the window. I don’t know anymore if the recordings (audio/video) are the same one-take set-up as they’ve always been. I don’t get an impression that they are.

Coke Studio 2020 – Sanam Marvi

Sound Quality:
Now, I don’t have a musical ear and hence no knowledge of scales, beats or even tuning, but to my untrained ear, the sound design also isn’t as intricate as it has been over the years. It isn’t a major issue of course but sometimes, it’s those little details that make something excel.

Instagram @coke_studio:
There is a lack of a brand voice on the channel due to the constant reposts appearing from one particular account @ghazitaimoor, so it is appearing a bit of a promotion campaign for Ghazi as it is not just the reposts but in-addtion he keeps passing up on the Coke_studio account as he is also the host of the Coke Studio Season 14 artist interviews.

Coke Studio Season 14 -Release schedule:

Coke studio always used to follow a schedule of releasing teasers, BTS and the songs, which created anticipation and we knew that come Sunday, we’d have fresh content to watch. This time around, being edgy (as in not trying to do the same things as previous seasons) doesn’t seem to be following any structure with releases being odd days. This makes me think, is this even Coke Studio 14 or is this the pre-season releases, similar to when they released Coke Studio Explorer in 2018.

Coke Studio 14 -Overall Verdict:

Don’t take it as a critiquing Xulfi or any of the people involved but Coke Studio 14 gives an overall feeling of rawness, which is quite unusual for a show that’s 14 seasons in. Sure it’s been re-invented, and I do like the songs so far but what I miss is the finesse that I’ve come to expect out of Coke Studio. The songs released have a virality to them but don’t have the calming spiritual wholesomeness.
Or maybe 2022 is finally the year that I lost touch with what’s current and now belong to a generation that’s no longer relevant.

Weird Thought

Say hello to the the bald hani, no relation to the bald eagle though.

On another note, do you think someone will not like an artist because his songs speak of what that person is or plans to be like in a relationship?

From Under The Bleachers to Winning Over

She Had a smile
That Stayed A while
Every Night with Her
Brought Me Sunshine

If you hear the above the opening lines to a song, I am sure, you would want to hear the rest of the song too. These lines have been taken from the song First Love, from the album From Under The Bleachers. (too many “froms” in one sentence)
An interesting thing about of the albums name is that it appears in 3 songs in the name, putting the listener in a doubt about which track is the title track, or it could be that the reason for the naming the album are the tracks.

Back to the song, First Love, it also has a complete-r fuller Urdu version (not on the album) called Yaad
which you can watch here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaWNx0yp4Ko .

Story based song, Where The Sun Don’t Shine, also talks about the mystery of women, that even after a long period MR. Singer still hasn’t completely learnt about his love” TELL ME WHY DON’T YOU GO WHERE THE SUN DON’T SHINE NO MORE”, somehow this lyric doesn’t make me think straight, and with the singing being in a naughty voice, it’s only natural that thoughts wander.

“With you” is the second video to be released for the album and this track is just marvelous, shows the beauty of being in love being narrated in stages in a story form (again). Soft bass lines and an over infectious chorus line gets you to LOVE the track at the first listen. Very much proves, that even when love at first sight doesn’t happen, love at first sound is possible.

You Lied To Me: as the name of song suggests is about betrayal but also that of the writer to still forgive the mistakes of his love, and “wants her back” even what she has put him through with her betrayals and lies.

It’s easy to be filled with hatred for Zameer after hearing Mind Over Muder, because the lyrics are so blasphemous that you wish he is stoned to death for writing this song. But once the initial hatred dies out and you begin to think logically about the concept of the song, written from the head of a brain washed conscious terrorist lamenting against God and questioning HIS way but still hell bent to carrying out his acts. Beware though because the song has an immense amount of soul, the melody may make you start thinking with the mind of a terrorist.

The debut single Win or Defeat is written with the philosophy  in Zameers own words is that “ When defining success for yourself, don’t worry about winning or losing as defined by societal perceptions but to just follow your own dream”, with such a theme, the lyrics have an uplifting tone and an upside tempo .

This is a good album and an excellent way to promote Pakistani talent globally, if anybody understands English and you need to showcase Pakistani music to them, just present this album and watch them sing praises for what our country has. As good Zameer is on his album he is just a tad better in his LIVE performances.

If you haven’t gotten the album, what are you waiting for ? Go ahead and buy it straight away .
It’s available from amazon.com too.

Mauj Chronicles

Artist Name : Mauj
Album Name: Now in Technicolor (I still doubt that this name is actually the album name, though)
Reason for mentioning the above: Album Review, Of Course.

Since there are no online music stores valid for Qatar, I had to use the services of my brother to download the album, burn it and send it across to me along with “Zameer :From Under The Bleachers”, both of which have yet to be released in Pakistan, my usual resource for attaining
the music which I do.

Anyhow, I had heard most of the tracks prior to the album release ( that does not mean I have personal connections with any of the band members), I had managed to listen to the tracks because of Tv Performances which Mauj had done for AAG Tv and Play Tv. But me being an ardent Pakistani music fan ( which all of you must know by now),  I had to include the album into my collection of Pakistani Music ( that’s the only “COLLECTION” of music that I have anyway.)

Let me share a few track reviews from the album.
Pyaar Ka Jadoo (Cover): primarily the same tune as the original ( Zohaibs track).O.Shafique sings the song in the voice that had been screaming the lungs out, the night before, in a concert, the night before the recording ( that’s too many commas for my own good in one sentence).
Although I feel the guitars should have been less muffled but I guess that is to give an old sound to the song, the ending has a Caribbean feel to it, which is SO MAUJ. Love it.

Paheliyan: “taint tainreiun reiun tannanow tannanow” Funky tune, the guitars are slashy and cool, I’ve currently kept the track as a ringtone on my cellphone. Sharp Start and Sharp Ending, this track I am sure has been heard by a lot of people as it was also performed by Omran in Coke Studio Season 1, other than having its video out which further helped in growing the reach of the track.

Aaye Na Aaye: A completely new track for me but surely lit out a flame, the track has a mood of its own and has visuals attached to it ,very fresh sounding and can be easily be an awesome background score for a movie.

Hasratein: The track which I had before was all instrumental, it had a finer chords less impure riffs than the “on album” version, the album version is more raw sounding for sure, to compensate for Omrans pleasant sounding vocals.

Overall the album is pretty good , with lyrics that range from playful to mature , guitars that are heavy, groovy and structured . A professional album , with Omran that’s the least we can expect.

Tthe album differentiates between a good act (Mauj) and mediocre ones ( Aplently)!

Lyrics (minor)

I’ve gotten my hands on Maujs Album, although I am not doing a review of it at this moment, I would like to share a thought about just one of the point which came to my mind after hearing the track “Awaz” which further strenghtened an already established belief.

“Aye Parindo Kisi Shaam Urtey Huey, Raastey mein agar woh nazar aaye to, Geet Baarish ka koi sunana ussey;
Aye Sitaron Younhein Jhilmilatey huey, Uska Chehra Dareechay mein aajaye to, Baadlon to Bula kar, Dikhana Ussey” -Mauj

All those veteran musicians and lyricists who critisize the current lot of musicians for not being able to write meaningful lyrics must be doubting their own future, (hence the bitter resentment) when they hear the stuff being made these days.

Coke Studio Season 2: epsiode 3 Equality

Episode 3 was worth watching ( as any other Coke Studio Episode is). Take my synopsis for it below:

Yaar Daadi:Ali Zafar ( Highlight Mr.Baqirs flute)
This fun track brought fun into Ali Zafars performance in this season, somewhat like Atif, who always seemed to be enjoying what he was doing, singing the song although seemingly easy was quite difficult which is evident from Alis expressions in the track.

Waasta-e-Pyar : Atif Aslam (Highlight Mr.Javeds Violin & English infusion)
Most surprising track of the episode, with Atif singing in English and uniquely blending in with Punjabi, this is certainly the very same Atif that created a revolution in the Pakistani music scene. I just love how his voice fills up the song in this one and absolutely the ending.

Bari Bari Barsi :Josh ( Highlight:Babar & Gang & Mr.Javeds Violin)
Babar comes into action from the beginning of the song onwards and Mr. Javed sound reproduction of a woodwind instrument using a stringed one is great.

Chal Diyay : Zeb & Haniya featuring . Javed Bashir
When we talk about featuring anyone, we should expect that the featured person should be able to bring to the song the reason of being featured, and when the featured person is a classical vocalist, we can only expect melody and tune to be adhered to .The track with the slowest tempo yet Javeds technique of matching the raag takes away the slow pace right at the end.

Jo Meray:Noori ( Highlight: Rakaes Sitar & Hamzas vocals)
Talking about a rock song with a Sitaar in it is wonderful enough when one just talks about it. I always have considered Ali Noors vocals (which are angst filled) to bear the right kind of effect on their tracks. Hamza’s braking (mind you ,NOT breaking) vocals are a must listen in this one. {( and Rakae looks like the elder brother of Mekal Hasan ( the model)}

This is what Pakistani music is all about ,excellent music with looks that make you say marry me!

Coke Studio Episode 2 and 3

I think episode 3 of Coke Studio Season 2 is really going to rock inside out.
Stellar performances are going to come out.
After Episode 2 I’ve come to terms with at least one thing, that the focus of this season is to make music which is
more deeper in it’s nuances rather than being in your face, like the first episode, no major guitar or drum solos , no
Gumby- Zeeshan sorta drum -turntable magic. When the realization of the fusion aspect absorbed into me in CS2
I have re-instated my love that grew from the first season.

I just loved the infectious ending to Zindagi by Atif and his style throughout the song, was fun to watch.
The violin, flute and the bass were awesome in Ali Zafars track Dastaan.

Here is to CS2 Episode 3 ! Next Sunday

Individuality

Individuality : The first episode from Coke Studio season 2.
After watching the first episode there were a few things which came to the forefront and I ‘ve decided to share these with you.

Songs:
The songs were ok, none up to the experience of the first seasons’ first episode.
The most major work was done on “Jal Pari ” which was completely renovated and put out as almost en entirely new song.
“Khamaaj” couldn’t have been more complacent with its treatment and with the lacklustre of shallums missing solo,things seemed to have been taken quite easily.

Missed Shots:
Other than the vocalists no one came to prominence, maybe that’s how the episode was set up
to be more vocal based, Javed , Shafqat, Atif, Ali Noor, simply can’t go wrong when it come to delivering vocals. All musicians had taken a backseat and played subduedly.
Gumby’s drumming did come out in Javeds “Aj Latha Naeeo” and the Rubab in Paimona.
Ali Hamzas Banjo did give Aik Alif a dimension but that too in a very hushy manner.

ASAD AHMED: A Decoration piece.
What purpose has he been included for in the house band, is still yet to show. From the first episode , I don’t think there was any requirement in a track which Omran couldn’t have handled alone.

Foreign Inclusion: No self-confidence.
CokeStudio is supposed to be a show where Pakistani musicians are to be highlighted and presented to the world but this time around a few non-Pakistanis have also been shamelessly
included in the show. Why, during this time, when Pakistani artists contracts are being cancelled by non-Pakistanis for no obvious reasons are we still inviting other people to work with us especially in a field where we are the best? (paagal hain na, hum qoum?)

Episode 2 :
Well, from the ads, Aankhon kay Saagar has been played with , Josh looks good
and finally Mr.Ustaad is not content with Atif being in the same track as him.

Coke Studio 2

Oh My God!!

Coke Studio 2 is here, the dates are out , first episode on June 14th and I am mega excited, Atif and Noori will rock ( and I know the people who harbor envy for Atif will envy him more after the performance), I am writing this post just to let you that my dingle days will be delayed a little bit but still probably within the first week of next month, for all of those who are added on to my face book list, my status message will let you know when Dingle Days is up again.

Thanks for patronizing my blog despite of my irregular posts.

Music & Pakistan

Although I’ve been addicted to Pakistani music since the age of Vital Signs but in those days, acts were limited and the frequency of outstanding tracks were few and the least an artist would do was to release an album. Come the new age, where the younger breed started to enter the music in hordes and came to the forefront were a few talented people
whom started to breakthrough & started refreshing the music scene. What really keeps me hooked up Pakistani music day after day is (apart from the established artists or artists who no longer need to prove their mettle, these one hit wonders who release tracks with such good melodies /lyrics that stick to your head and
you’d be impressed too; someone who isn’t known at all can come out with such a track?

My Love for Music: Pakistani Artists To Thank.

If I take names Zuj,Faiza,Miraage , very few people would know them but these along with lots of other artists have come out with tracks which confuse one into thinking that they have been made by established artists, and these tracks have been made in such a way that they couldn’t have been ever made by anyone in the west. Why do I say that Pakistani musicians are the best in the world? Because not only are they masters of their own game but also they make music which equals or betters the western rock music.
Let me see that day when a Westerner is able to sing “Khamaj”,let alone make a “Khamaj”.

And through this browsing I found Dye Corduroy too , a facade for Adil Salik, that defies typical songwriting and guitar playing .

For me , i don’t think I ever need to go out the boundaries of Pakistani Music to satisfy my desire to listen to a vast range of musical styles because my musicians play it all.

p.s :This is my last post before May 31st , on which I’ll be finally updating with a fresh release of “Dingle Days” ,but will be frequenting this blog in between too.