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Coke Studio 11

Baalkada, Lucky, Naghma & Jimmy Khan, Coke Studio Season 11, Episode 1.

 
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Runaway, Krewella, Riaz Qadri and Ghulam Ali Qadri, Coke Studio Season 11, Episode 2.





Krewella Performs 'Broken Record' at MTV Fandom Awards 2016

 
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‘Aatish’ by Shuja Haider and Aima Baig



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6 Coke Studio songs we have on repeat

If you don't know what's been up with Coke Studio this season, we're here to help you catch up

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If you don't know what's been up with Coke Studio this season, we're here to help you catch up


A few episodes into Coke Studio and we have a bunch of new faves.

From reimaginings of classics like 'Piya Ghar Aya' to fresh compositions like Shuja Haider's 'Aatish', Coke Studio has something to tickle everyone's musical fancy.

If you don't know what's been up with Coke Studio this season, we're here to help you catch up:

1) Krewella's 'Runaway'
'Runaway' uses the talents of American EDM act Krewella in an unexpected way. The sarangi and dholak ease us into Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf's gentle vocals who serenade us with a love song that segues into a ghazal performed by Riaz and Ghulam Qadri. The song grows on you with every listen.


2) Ataullah Esakhelvi and Sanwal Esakhelvi's 'Allah Karesi'
The talented father/son duo come together to fuse their different aural sensibilities, combining classic folk and EDM to bridge a massive musical divide. Ataullah sahab brings his powerful vocals to the Siraiki composition (also one of his iconic tracks) while son Sanwal demonstrates his mastery over EDM, turning the song up a notch while keeping the soft melodic notes of the original track. It brings out the vocals of his father even more.



3) Chand Tara Orchestra's 'Nami Danam'
Chand Tara Orchestra made its debut on Coke Studio last weekend with 'Nami Danam'. The Farsi track presents the verses of Khwaja Usmani Haroon against a post-rock musical backdrop that is enhanced by the flourishes of American blues (love that harmonica!).

As the standout track of Episode 4, 'Nami Danam' has the potential to propel CTO to well-deserved fame.



4) Aima Baig and Shuja Haider's 'Aatish'
Shuja Haider’s 'Aatish' is a fun number about the highs and lows of love. He's joined by Aima Baig who's the perfect vocalist to enact the playful banter featured in the song. We won't be surprised to see this track snapped up for a movie soundtrack.


5) Asim Azhar and Momina Mustehsan's 'Mahi Aja'
According to Coke Studio, 'Mahi Aja' "stirs the bittersweet memories of our first heartbreak."

We can imagine this electro pop track as the romantic (slightly sad) number in an upcoming feature film. Asim Azhar is in his element in this track as he vocalises the emotions behind the track. Fun fact: Asim Azhar penned this track at the age of 17.

Momina partners well with Asim, backing his vocals while holding her own in the track, hitting some impressive notes and making us reminisce about their earlier Coke Studio love song!



6) Fareed Ayaz, Abu Muhammad Qawwal and Brothers' 'Piya Ghar Aya'
Fareed Ayaz, Muhammad Qawwal and Brothers prove that a simple qawwali holds power. The group does a rendition of 'Piya Ghar Aaya', which is one of the most well known qawwali tracks, and we can't help but move to the beat. The rhythm and tablas bring out the joy behind the song and melodic vocals add to the energy of 'Piya Ghar Aaya'.

Looks like this season is all about energy and we can't wait to watch all the episodes CS has in store for us!
 
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Malang, Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig, Coke Studio Season 11, Episode 5


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Dastaan-e-Moomal Rano, The Sketches, Coke Studio Season 11, Episode 5


 
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Dil Hai Pakistani, Ali Azmat, Mangal, Darehan and Shayan, Coke Studio Season 11, Episode 5

 
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Coke Studio' 11, episode 5: Something for everyone


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PHOTO: COKE STUDIO

KARACHI: The fifth episode of Coke Studio 11 features three new songs: Malang, Daastaan-e-Moomal Rano and Dil Hai Pakistani – all of which proved to be very different from each other. With variances in language, instruments and genre, episode five (just about) managed to impress.

1. ‘Malang’ by Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig

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PHOTO: COKE STUDIO

Sahir Ali Bagga and Aima Baig’s Malang began with an abrupt but playful introduction comprising of a fusion of the dhol, flute, electric guitar and drums. After the fun orchestral build up, impactful vocals quickly come in, backed with dramatic drumming.

The melody features much variation when it comes to the stanzas and although the chorus is not my cup of tea, it’s not to say that others won’t like it.

Overall, Malang celebrates the power of the differing instruments used within the melody, yet manages to keep the vocals in the spotlight. Nonetheless, the song, for me, lacked excitement and is borderline commercial.

2. ‘Daastaan-e-Moomal Rano’ by The Sketches

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PHOTO: COKE STUDIO

This song’s introduction is theatrical, but soothing with the narr (flute) in domination, and slowly transitions into the mellow strumming of the guitar.

Then comes the soulful, Sindhi singing by Saif Samejo from The Sketches, followed by the vocals of a traditional folk singer; encapsulating the tragic tale of Moomal Rano’s love story through the art of Sufi folk.

The limelight is kept on the vocalists throughout the song, but that’s not to say the instrumental backing wasn’t eloquent in its own way. This melody demonstrates a beautiful amalgamation of traditional and modern instruments and forms an orchestration with just the right amount of mellowness so as to enhance the vocals rather than overpower them. Now, that’s an art!

Not one part of the song is the same as the others, except the chorus, – thus keeping one engaged. It ends the same way it began, with the dramatisation of the narr. Daastaan-e-Moomal Rano isn’t just a song. It’s an experience.

3. ‘Dil Hai Pakistani’ by Ali Azmat, Mangal, Darehan and Shayan

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PHOTO: COKE STUDIO

Dil Hai Pakistani’s commencement comes as a surprise since it opens with the unique sounds of Nar Sur. The low, cyclic vocals by throat singer Mangal are sure to capture your attention but the nearly three-minute spread of such impactful sounds may prove to be a bit too much. And the backing of dambora really doesn’t help. Less is more, especially in this case.

Once the long introduction comes to an end, the melody features a pause, during which a power-packed formation of drums, electric guitars and various other instruments is pieced. Ali Azmat’s vocals make an appearance at the four-minute mark, mimicking a similar sound and tune to that of Mangal’s. However, they are much more pleasant to the ears and undoubtedly fun.

Azmat really plays with the depths of his voice, providing variations throughout. Although it is quite repetitive, the nature and arrangement of the song does not bore. Moreover, the lyrics are quite relatable.

The bridge sees a shift in tune, demonstrating a more touching melody and softer vocals. Azmat ends Dil Hai Pakistani on a high, with a powerful voice mixed in with a magnificent orchestration of the electric guitar and drums.
 
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Coke Studio 11’ episode 6: Debut, nostalgia and resurrection of the rock star

September 29, 2018


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KARACHI: Coke Studio Season 11 returned with its sixth episode following a two-week Muharram break. While mid-season disruptions usually throw one off, it did the latest season some good, making us forget the travesties in the first few episodes.

And, after last episode’s Daastan-e-Moomal Rano, this week’s performances almost reset our taste buds. The offerings arrived with a debuting ensemble, an act commemorating the past and Ali Azmat’s return to the form.

1. ‘Illalah’ by Sounds of Kolachi

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SCREENGRAB

The band finally made its Coke Studio debut. And we are relieved because won’t have to stand awkwardly in silence anymore, every time someone says, “These guys are so good. Why haven’t they featured on Coke Studio yet?” While the experimental indie ensemble had high expectations from their large fan following, it didn’t disappoint.

We are glad Sounds of Kolachi didn’t make its debut with Allah Hi Dega Dega Because the song is almost overdone now. Illalah offered a somewhat similar but fresh alternative. While the band’s music director and lead vocalist Ahsan Bari took center stage in Illalah, he didn’t take the spotlight away from the rest of the team. The track was arranged such that the other members shone in their parts too.



2. ‘Hawa Hawa’ by Hassan Jahangir and Gul Panrra



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SCREENGRAB

Jahangir’s song Hawa Hawa (inspired by Iranian guitarist Koroush Yaghmaei’s Havar Havar) was first released in 1987 and became a super hit across South Asia. Last year, a remixed version was featured in a Bollywood film too. It merely goes on to show that even after three decades, the song is still ridiculously catchy and very much part of our pop culture.

However, for a stage such as Coke Studio, Jahangir’s rendition merely came off as a nostalgic act. But we’re not saying nostalgic acts are not welcome (once in a while) because this one did its job well. While Panrra served little purpose being there, the veteran pop star appeared overexcited to finally be featured on Coke Studio.



3. ‘Tere Liye’ by Ali Azmat, Riaz and Ghulam Ali Qadri



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The episode ended on a pleasant note with Tere Liye. What made this track work for us was that most collaborations this season have comprised two completely different songs performed separately with no sonic connection. Tere Liye is a collaboration done right.

Another reason is that Azmat has featured in three tracks this season but the latest one seems to be the only one where he sounds less uninspired. We don’t know if it’s the ennui of a lackluster Junoon reunion or his dissatisfaction with the parts he’s been made to sing (perhaps, it’s both) but Azmat has never sounded this unexciting.



However, after two songs he should ideally have never been a part of, Tere Liye somewhat brings back the rock star we all love to listen to. Riaz and Qadri added a wonderful qawwali touch to the song. Unlike some of their previous collaborations in season 11, they gelled well with Azmat to create a soothing track.
 
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YaQurban is the perfect reflection of Pakhtun music by Khumariyaan.
Farhan’s Rubab synced to Shiraz’s percussion creates a harmonious beat that soothes the audience.



 
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Sounds of Kolachi are epic, been thinking for years why these guys aren't invited to CS.
 
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Jind Mahiya, Shuja Haider, Coke Studio Season 11, Episode 7


 
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