Strings (Pakistani Pop Band)

Strings (Pakistani Pop Band)

Strings (Urdu: سٹرنگز‎) are an internationally acclaimed Pakistani pop rock band comprising two members from Karachi, Pakistan. The band was initially formed by four college students, Bilal Maqsood (vocals and guitars), Faisal Kapadia (vocals), Rafiq Wazir Ali (synthesizer) and Kareem Bashir Bhoy (bass guitars) in 1988. In 1992, the quartet disbanded only to make a comeback with two of its members, Bilal and Faisal later in 2000. While the initial band was riding on the new wave of Pakistani pop music, the later formation ushered a new revival in the music industry of Pakistan.

The band were signed to a major record label EMI Records and afterwards released their self-titled debut album Strings in 1990. Their initial effort experimenting with synthesized sounds and rhythms was not recognized instantly although their debut album sold 20,000 copies in its first week on sale. After two years, the band released their second album 2 which included their critically acclaimed single "Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar", first aired on MTV Asia, led the band to achieve fame worldwide. After the release of their second studio album, the quartet disbanded in order to focus on their studies and careers. But it was only till 2000 when two of the band members, Bilal and Faisal, made a comeback by releasing the band's third album Duur which found renewed success and popularity for them. The band then went on to record and release its fourth album Dhaani in 2003. The album included the single "Najane Kyun" which featured as a soundtrack for the Hollywood film Spider-Man 2, this also led the band to follow the footsteps of Junoon and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and take their act across the border to India only to realize they already were a recognized band in the country as remixes of one of their earliest songs were played in clubs. In 2008, Strings came up with their fifth studio album Koi Aanay Wala Hai which included soundtrack singles "Zinda" and "Aakhri Alvida" from Bollywood movies, Zinda and Shootout at Lokhandwala. The album was a hit in both Pakistan and India having co-produced by Bollywood actor John Abraham.

Strings are acclaimed all over the world for their stringed rhythms, their songs are praised not only for being melodious but having a strong poetic sense to them. Penned by Anwar Maqsood, Bilal's father, the lyrics of their songs always carry a deep meaning with them. Anwar has been writing lyrics for the band since its re-formation where as Faisal Kapadia is the lead vocalist for the band, Bilal Maqsood acts as the composer, guitarist and at times does vocals for a few songs. To play live at concerts, both the members have hired Adeel on the lead guitar, Shakir on the bass guitar, Haider on keyboards and Qaiser on drums, an entourage ensemble that travels with them to various international concerts at times. They have sold over 25 million copies worldwide.