By Shahzeb Shaikh
Dawn : January 26, 2016
Sanam Marvi, QB, Zoe Viccaji and Komal Rizvi talk about the year that was and share plans for their music in 2016
Komal Rizvi, Sanam Marvi and Quratulain Baloch
The year 2015 was particularly fruitful for music in terms of performances, concerts, song launches etc. One event which remained visible throughout the year was Unplugged by Hasan Rizvi. The idea behind it is simple — to revive the culture of live music in the City of Lights.
After signing off 2015 with Unplugged Grand Finale featuring four versatile female artistes in live performances, Images on Sunday caught up with the foursome of Sanam Marvi, Zoe Viccaji, Quratulain Baloch and Komal Rizvi for a chit chat.
The Unplugged Grand Finale performance
Sanam Marvi: It was great to perform for such an energetic audience. The idea of having all female vocal artists was just wonderful.
Zoe Viccaji: It definitely felt like a finale because it was bigger than all the other events, and just the energy of the crowd was amazing. We had had our own show a week before so the band was in great form and we had a fantastic time.
Quratulain Baloch: Quite interesting. Having peerless female voices under one roof is rare. It was quite a bit of fun.
Komal Rizvi: Unplugged is very dear to me not only because of my brother (Hasan Rizvi) but also because after such a huge lull in the live music arena (concerts) it’s a welcome and exclusive breath of fresh air. Performing for it is an honour and bucket-loads of high energy and fun.
What’s on next
SM: I’ve done some national and international gigs. Now I’m busy with some new projects which you will hear about soon enough.
ZV: I just released the first song of my upcoming mini-album and am now working on the music video for the next. I’m working on some other songs as well with various artists around the country. Right now, I’m on a break post the heavy end of 2015, basically taking a step back and re-evaluating everything.
QB: A lot, actually. Bunch of assignments in the pipeline and can’t wait to share my debut album with all of you.
KR: I just finished touring the US and Dubai. I covered a unique set of corporations like Yahoo! Oracle, Microsoft etc. It’s been exciting yet exhausting, motivating yet draining. I did lots of new mash ups and songs from my own album are sounding tighter than ever.
The tough side of being a female vocalist
SM: I have never thought about it. Generally, I feel it depends upon the listeners. As long as they are there we will keep our hopes high.
ZV: I don’t think being male or female makes a difference really … or at least I’ve never related such things to gender. We all have our challenges and I can only hope for the best for myself.
QB: When it comes to me, I think I’m able to bring a unique sound to our music. There’s a lot of margin so I’m excited about exploring what I’m capable of.
KR: I’m very lucky as I have never really had to struggle too hard. I love music, I love Pakistan and I owe all my success and respect to Pakistanis. The scope for female vocalists is awesome so long as one believes in oneself … and puts in that extra effort.