Qayaas- The revolution in underground music

Qayaas- The revolution in underground music

Just when the quality Underground Music was on the brink of extension in Islamabad, a talented band comprising of one of the best musicians in Pakistan jumped into rescue- Qayyas. In a span of three years, Qayyas has established itself not only as the most powerful bands in the capital but in Pakistan too.

The band is the brainchild of Khurram Waqqar, an experienced musician who has previously been affiliated to the successful bands Entity Paradigm and Knumb.

It all started when he heard Umair Jaswal, the leading vocalist of the band now, at a studio in a show that involved the promotion of upcoming underground bands in Islamabad.

Umair, who according to me is one of the most gifted vocalists in Pakistan was already in band “Silversmoke” known for its song “Zakham” at that time. Khurram could not resist the temptation to approach him after hearing his exceptional vocals and because of the fact that Khurram’s own band Knumb at that time was not progressing partly due to unavailability of a band member also keeping the recording of their debut album on hold.

They both conversed and were pretty thrilled at the prospect of working together, however in order to complete a band, they needed other guys. That is when Sarmad Ghafoor, guitarist from a well known band Rungg, and Sherry and Fifu from the band Surge made an entry to fill the missing slots in the band. Fifu is the drummer whereas Sherry is the bass guitarist of current Qayyas.

They started jamming together in 2008, usually covering songs of the renowned rock bands initially. Umair then contributed a melody, which aided them in making their first song “Pal” However, it was their song “Tanha”, an instrumental song that helped them in gaining reputation.

I remember the first time I heard the song in a Sweetleaf Jam, it gave me Goosebumps the whole time. I immediately had a feeling this band was going to be something big in future. It was a powerful hard rock song and months later, when the band launched the video, it was an instant hit nationwide.

Tanha was just the start. Qayyas went on to record a whole album titled as “Us Paar” that would change the landscape of Rock music industry in Pakistan. Brilliant compositions, meaningful lyrics complimented well with the heavenly voice, every song of the album has something special about it.

I was fortunate enough to attend their album launch that took place in the Rock Musicarium, Islamabad earlier this summer. Their performance was just breathtaking and throughout the concert the whole crowd was seen animated, shouting at the top of their lungs.

Qayyas is not an underground band anymore. I won’t be even surprised if they go on to become one of the best rock bands in the history of Pakistan. Having won the best band award in Jack Daniels Rock awards 2010 that took place in India, which I think is an outstanding achievement, Qayaas already is on the way to international recognition.

 

 

 

Posted by Farhan Khalid on Oct 17 2011. Filed under Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry