A Band Called ‘The Sketches’ (Interview)
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Tell a bit about your background – your education and childhood.
Saif: I was born in an educated family. Up to secondary education I did all, what a kid can do but onward I felt myself a little bit reserved since childhood then and always attracted towards nature. I was an average student. I did my graduation in English literature and masters in business administration.
Naeem: Born in a simple but educated family. Since childhood my family especially father supported me a lot. I was an average student and was closer to nature. I studied fine arts (sculpture) and learnt guitar too.
Tell about your inspiration and music training.
We have never been part of any formal training. We preferred to learn from nature and from my own experiences instead of any patterned culture. Though, we pay visits to different Sufi saints DARGAH’s and listen to Sufi singing. It comes from that.
Give a brief intro of the band members.
Saif is the vocalist/lyricist/composer and Naeem as lead guitarist/lyricist/composer, make The Sketches.
To what extent you think that music these days need to reflect message of peace?
Sindhi society is subjugated by great Sufis and mystics. It has always been the land of peace, love, romance, and great cultural and pure artistic values. We believe that a great number of Sufi saints were born in Sub Continent. There were the great Sufi poets like Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, who was the cherisher of truth and spent all his life in its promulgation, pursuit and quest. Bhitai was also a brilliant musician. The surs that he has written in his harmonious and rapturous poetry bear a witness to his enduring love for music. He invented a new type of musical instrument, Tambura which till today, is a primary source of music in rural Sindh. The beauty of Shah’s verses is enhanced by his blending of traditional Indian rag with the Sindhi folk songs and music. They inspired people with their mystic poetry and spread the message of tolerance and love. We simply believe that one cannot win heart through sword, but through soul touching music. These days, we need to create music that reflects the message of peace and harmony.
What was the first instrument you learnt playing and at what age?
Saif: I tried playing Piano and flute but failed. I can play little Guitar.
Naeem: I started learning guitar at the age of 18.
Where does the influence come from?
We draw our influences from the great Sufi and folks singers like ALLAN FAQEER, SUFI SOHRAB FAQEER and Abida Parveen. Misri Khan, Khamiso Khan and Sarmad Sindhi also inspire us.
The influence list has bands and artists like VITAL SIGNS, JUNOON, CREED, GUNS AND ROSES, ALTER BRIDGE, METALICA, STAIND, PINKFLOYED, LEDZEPLLIN, BEATLES, JOE SATRIAN, BRYAN ADAMS, S.O.A.D and some others as well.
Share a few lines on your album Dastkari. What were your expectations from fans and how did they come out to be true?
We never expected anything as such. We put our maximum effort into everything and our album is just a debut one. We were very hopeful when it first came in the market. Quality cannot be proved without reality. We worked really hard on this album for about seven years.
To what extent you think is social media is important for musicians?
This is an era that is called the world of media and we think that social media is really important for all three stakes, music, musicians and listeners. Social media is really important.
What is the importance of cover songs for you?
The song became identity to sketches was a cover song ‘ MAUJOOD ‘ originally sung by ALAN FAKIR and now RAAT is another cover which was sung by SARMAD SINDHI. So in that sense we do covers, but we prefer to perform our own songs when we are on stage.
What is your source of learning and motivation?
Nature, mystic poets and Sufi saints act as our source of learning. Anything beautiful like windy evening can inspire us. The beautiful city of Jamshoro can inspire us too. At times, our seniors teach and inspire us a lot.
How do you define music in your words?
We believe that music is the food for inner soul. It serves as a connection between mind and soul.
Artists in Pakistan complain a lot about monopoly of record companies. Did you go through the same? What were the initial difficulties that your band faced?
The answer is a bit diplomatic kind. 🙂 Of course we did face some problems. But in the end, one overcomes such things, if he or she is really talented. We went through all the hardships that newcomers usually go through. At times, we used to get fed up with some frauds, but we never gave up. There were people who tried to explain unnecessary things to us, while targeting our pockets. (Laugh) But now, we have are mature enough to laugh at them. It was a part of this industry.
To what extent you think can music help to shape up the society and people?
Of course! We believe in it firmly; music can shape up the society and people at maximum. It can be used to spread a message of love and peace, as we stated above.
What language do you enjoy singing the most?
We enjoy singing in all the languages we know.
How would you define power of a language and literature for music? (E.g. Sindhi (Sufi) Literature)
We think that music doesn’t need language but languages do need music which makes them powerful. Sindh is known as land of Sufis, Sindhi Literature and deep cultural heritage. The richness and depth of that deep rooted culture can be seen even today.
How do you take criticism?
Sometimes we take it positively and sometimes it drives us mad.
There is so much competition in music industry, where do you see yourself after some years? Also, what would act as your niche?
Well! Its true there is so much competition in music industry. What we are today this will be much before to say. We actually look forward to a difficult path, we have to go on!!
From album Dastkari, which song is your personal favorite and why?
Saif: Maujood, because it has a message of peace and harmony which is also a message of SHAH ABDUL LATIF BHITTAI. I also love another song ‘SUBHA’ from our album. This song reflects a ray of hope when you are lost in darkness. It depicts a positive message.
Naeem: Maujood is my favorite song too because it was made to promote peace, harmony and reconciliation.
What do you think about the future of Pakistani music industry?
We are optimistic about it. It will flourish.
What are the three things that you like about music industry and three things that you dislike?
The like list has:
Music serves as a way to spiritual development. It has ups and downs. It does reflect a message.
The dislike list has:
Policies at times don’t match with our morals, but we have to follow them. The commercial music and money temptation is something that ruins this industry.
What do you think should be the first quality of good/soul touching music?
It should be able to touch your deeper inner side.
What would the world have been like if there were no music?
It would have been like a color blind person.
The most memorable moment for The Sketches:
It came when we saw our poster on the wall of a music store.
Is there any message to your fans and new musicians?
Be original.
