Musician Mekaal Hasan has broadened his horizons by adding Indian artistes to the line-up of his eponymous band, Mekaal Hasan Band. He holds that this ‘unique band’ includes some of the best talent from Pakistan and across the border. The band, which recently released their new album titled Andholan, has become more adventurous in its writing style, said Mekaal.
Recent inductees in the band are vocalist Sharmista Chatterjee, bassist Sheldon D’Silva and drummer Gino Banks from India. Mekaal, who met Banks and D’Silva almost seven years ago in Mumbai, became friends with the duo after hearing them play during his visits to India. “I would marvel at their talent and eventually, Gino and I started discussing how we could carry on the idea of the band with an Indian contingent involved,” said Mekaal. “And so started our journey of how to make this unique band, which, I believe, has the best contemporary talent from both sides playing as one unit,” he added.
Mekaal shared, “I have been touring in India for over a decade and I felt there was so much that we shared in common through our music, poetry and culture. Both countries understand that our true strengths are our people and their ideas, our collective ability to innovate and overcome even under trying circumstances.” He feels that this is why there was every reason for the band “to [churn out music] with the finest musicians on the Indian circuit.”
Talking about his latest album Andholan, he said, “The album features a progressive writing style that I think came off well. The challenge now is to make it sound even better live.” The band aims at performing both internationally and locally, and is already slated to perform in various cities across India.
The musician believes that the incarnation of the band is its finest and reflects the band’s wide range of sound and dynamic, stating that the response the band has received so far has been “overwhelming”. “In Pakistan, many fellow musicians have called and messaged and were all praises for the band’s invigorated sound and presentation,” he said.
According to the lead guitarist, the band has been embraced with open arms by the Indian music industry. “I am truly moved by how nice everyone has been and how much respect and love they have all shown. At the end of the day, if we play music of value, we also appreciate and yearn for the love and respect of our peers,” he stated. Adding, “For me, such gestures of warmth say so much about the love we all share for quality music and musicians.”
Mekaal, who also works as a producer and engineers records and singles at his Digital Fidelity Studios, is open to Bollywood projects. “If there is something that my music can complement or work with, then yes, but my primary intent is to play music with my band,” said the 41-year-old. Known for its Sufi-rock music, Mekaal Hasan Band was formed in 2001 and has seen a host of changes in its formation since its initial years. The only remaining members from the original line-up are lead guitarist and founder Mekaal Hasan and flute player Mohammad Ahsan Papu.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2014.
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