From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jal (band)
Jal (band)
Jal followed with the release of their debut studio album, Aa-
dat, in 2004. The album was declared as the best selling
album of 2004 on Geo TV by the record label Sadaf Stereo.
Soon after wards, the band recorded and released their
second studio album Boondh in 2007, which topped sev-
eral music charts in South Asia. The success of both the
albums has led the band to achieve several awards, most
notably winning the MTV Asia Award for Favorite Artist
India in 2006. Jal are currently working on their third stu-
dio album which is expected to be released in mid 2011 in
both Pakistan and India.
Jal are one of the most commercially successful and
Jal at MTV Asia Awards 2006, in Bangkok, Thailand. From
left to right; Goher Mumtaz, Farhan Saeed and Aamir
influential rock music groups of all time in Pakistan. Also,
Sheraz. the band is well known for being one of the few contem-
porary Pakistani music bands to have fused Urdu musical
Background information
vocals with modern pop music.
Origin Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Genres Pop rock, Alternative rock History
Years active 2002-present
Early years (1998-2001)
Labels Sadaf Stereo, Fire Records, Tips Music
Goher Mumtaz and Atif Aslam met each other while the
Associated acts QB latter was studying at the PAF College in Lahore, Punjab,
Website www.jaltheband.com
Pakistan, in 1998.[3] Together the pair started to practice
and doing small gigs for their friends. The duo used to
Members perform cover songs of famous local rock bands, such as
Goher Mumtaz Junoon and Strings at their concerts. The band then soon
Aamir Sheraz started to perform at larger audiences such as in schools,
colleges and local restaurants. Thus, this began the origi-
Past members
nal line up of Jal to form.
Atif Aslam
Farhan Saeed Formation (2002-2003)
Omer Nadeem
Jal was formed in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan in 2002 by vo-
Jal (Urdu: ,جلliteral English translation: "water") is a pop calist, lead guitarist and songwriter Goher Mumtaz and
rock band from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.[1] The band vocalist Atif Aslam. The band then went on recording
originally consisted of song writer, vocalist and lead gui- their first song "Aadat" at Mekaal Hasan’s Digital Fidelity
tarist, Goher Mumtaz and vocalist, Atif Aslam.[2] Founded Studios in Lahore. The song was released and was made
in 2002, they first became popular playing in Lahore’s available for download on the internet through many
underground music scene with the release of their song musical websites in Pakistan. The song became very pop-
"Aadat", which was a massive hit in Pakistan topping all ular on these musical websites and enjoyed the status of
local music charts.[2] being one of most downloaded Pakistani song on the in-
The band initially achieved critical and commercial ternet for quiet some time due to its extensive popular-
success with the release of their music video "Aadat", ity. This was followed by the song garnering consistent
directed by Umer Anwar, in 2003. After the success of airplay on many local radio stations.
the single, lead vocalist, Atif Aslam due to musical dif- Soon after wards, the band started to gain popularity
ferences with lead guitarist Goher Mumtaz, parted ways in Lahore’s underground music scene and gained a large
with the band to pursue a career as a solo artist. This led cult following due to the success of their song "Aadat".
Mumtaz recruit musicians Farhan Saeed on vocals and The band then went on releasing the music video for the
Aamir Sheraz on bass guitar.[2] The band’s new lineup song, directed by Umer Anwar, through ARY Digital and
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jal (band)
The Musik, in December 2003.[1] This saw the single top Jal about who owned the rights to the songs as Goher
all local music charts, receiving an amazing amount of took the dispute to court.[6] However, the final statement
air time by all the music channels.[1] The video was soon from the court went in favour of both the artists as the
rated as the 4th best video of the year 2003 by ARY The songs which were included in both the artist albums were
Muzik, within days of its release. The success of the song compositions of both Atif and Goher. Thus, the dispute
immediately led the band to receive many concert offers, ended between the two musicians.
which was also partly due to the song’s rating to date on On February 2, 2005, Jal performed a charity concert
music channels.[2] for the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami victims at
However, by the end of December, in 2003, Atif parted Alhamra Auditorium in Lahore. In the same year, the ti-
ways with the band due musical differences, with lead tle track "Aadat", from their debut album, was remade
guitarist Goher Mumtaz, to pursue a career as a solo for the Bollywood movie Kalyug, directed by Mohit Suri
artist. This led Goher recruit musicians Farhan Saeed on and produced by Mahesh Bhatt.[3][7] Also, Jal band mem-
vocals and Aamir Sheraz on bass guitar. Farhan was sug- bers established themselves as one of the most popular
gested by Sultan Raja, bassist of Call, who introduced him and commercially successful band in Pakistan, as their
to Goher and thus joining the band as its vocalist. By this debut album continued to top the music charts locally,
time the band, with a new line-up, re-did the song "Aa- and the release of their single "Lamhay" turned out to be
dat" as it’s video was already being aired on local mu- another successful single by the band in 2004, and even
sic channels with the former lead vocalist, Atif Aslam, a year after its release. The song created controversy as
voice.[1][2] a remix version of the song later appeared in the Bol-
lywood movie Zeher, released in March 2005. Jal accused
Ushering a new revival (2004-2006) the film producers of stealing their song, "Lamhay". In
Following the release of the band’s first single, Jal soon response to this accusation, the music director for the
entered the recording studios to work on their debut stu- movie, Anu Malik, credited himself for only "re-creating"
dio album release. The band had recruited bassist Aamir the song on the album, but there was still a heavily no-
Sheraz along with vocalist Farhan Saeed, and started to ticeable resemblance.[8] Roop Kumar Rathod is credited
work on their first album. The album was composed by as the "composer" for the song, while the original com-
Goher and was produced by well known musicians Zul- poser of the song is vocalist, lead guitarist, Goher Mum-
fiqar Jabbar Khan and Mekaal Hasan, previously pro- taz, of the band. However, Atif Aslam, who sang the song
duced the band’s debut single "Aadat" which was a major for the movie, faced legal problems over the band name
hit in both India and Pakistan. Jal then went on recording "Jal" with the existing members.[3]
and releasing their debut studio album, Aadat, through
the record label Sadaf Stereo, on September 27, 2004.
Mostly all singles from the album did really well at the
local music charts, most notably "Aadat" which topped
the charts and stayed at the top for two weeks. Where
as, five other songs from the album received Top 40 air-
play on radio and music channels in Pakistan. Sales of
the album were such that it remained at the top of the
Pakistani music charts for several weeks after its release.
The album was declared as the best selling album of 2004
on Geo TV by the record label Sadaf Stereo. This was
followed by the album being released in India by HOM
Records, where it did really well in the market and was
highly acclaimed due to its success in the country as well.
Live at Tundikhel, Kathmandu, Nepal, on December 15, 2006:
In October, Jal released their second single "Lamhay" mu-
bassist Aamir Sheraz (left) and singer Farhan Saeed.
sic video, from their album, directed by Zulfiqar Jabbar
Khan.[4] On November 11, Jal went on performing at La-
On April 30, Jal due to the success of their debut stu-
hore Grammar School 55-Main branch along with Call.
dio album won four awards and received two nomina-
In December, Jal received a special award by Shaukat
tions at the Indus Music Awards. The band won the "Best
Khanum Cancer Hospital in recognition of their support
Lyrics", "Best Composition" and "Best Song" awards, for
and efforts to raise funds for fighting cancer in Pakis-
their song "Aadat", along with the "Best Band" award at
tan.[5]
the music awards. Also, the band were nominated for the
Atif Aslam, released his debut solo album Jal Pari, after
"Best Music Album", for their debut album and also the
he left the band, which included few songs from Jal’s
"Best Composition", for the song "Lamhay", award.[9][10]
first studio album. This led to a dispute between Atif and
On September 24, Jal received a nomination for the "Best
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jal (band)
Song" and "Best Lyrics" award for their song "Lamhay" ing their second studio album Boondh, through the record
and also received an award for the "Best Pop Group", for label Fire Records, sponsored by Warid Telecom. Farhan
their debut album Aadat, at the Sahara Sangeet Awards, Saeed, the lead vocalist of the band, explained the title of
held at Oakland Arena in Oakland, California, United the album Boondh is not the name of any song in the al-
States.[11][12] bum, but is basically the theme of the album and covers
In 2006, Jal’s music video for the song "Ik Din Ayega" all the songs in it. The name suggests that we as a band
was declared as the second best video among the top are just like a small droplet of water in the sea of music,
100 videos selected by ARY Musik channel. On March 31, which covers Pakistan, Asia and the entire world where
2006, Jal once again went on performing at Alhamra Au- our music is heard. It is our small contribution to the sea
ditorium in Lahore. The following day, the band went of music," said Farhan. This was followed by a live tour,
on performing at Nawabshah District, for the first time. mainly in South Asia, with concerts all over Pakistan, and
Soon after wards, the band then went on performing a few places in India. The following day, Jal released their
across border in neighbouring country, India, at Modern first music video of the single "Sajni" from their second
School, New Delhi on April 7. On May 6, Jal won the album, directed by Bilal Lashari. The single was a major
MTV Asia Award for Favorite Artist India at MTV Asia hit all over Pakistan, topping all of the charts in the coun-
Awards 2006 held at the Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Thai- try, just after a month of its release.[21]
land.[13][14][15] The band also performed their song "Aa- In 2008, Jal were signed to Unilever as they became
dat" live at the music awards.[16] After a month, on June the brand ambassadors for Wall’s ice cream.[22] On Febru-
10, Jal went on performing live at Defence Club and Arts ary 19, Jal released the video of their new single "Chal-
Council Karachi, in Karachi. Followed by performing live tay Chaltay" featuring Bollywood actress Amrita Rao.[19]
in the capital city of the state Andhra Pradesh, in Hy- The single later appeared as a bonus track on the band’s
derabad, India. On December 15, Jal performed live in second album, when re-released on February 26 in Pak-
front of a crowd of 15, 000 audiences at Tundikhel for istan and March 26, internationally.[19] Jal’s second al-
the first time in Kathmandu, Nepal. The band opened bum Boondh became an instantaneous hit, winning the
their act by performing "Teri Yaad", followed by the mas- Lux Style Award for "Album of the Year". The song "Sa-
sive hit "Lamhay" and also performing many cover songs jni" from this album also won the Best Song and Video of
like "Lal Meri Pat".[17] On December 23, Jal released a the Year awards at the same ceremony.[23] On June 14, Jal
video album Woh Lamhay, which included music videos won the "Best Song" award for the song "Chaltay Chal-
released by the band and remixes of the songs "Aadat" tay" at The Musik Awards. This was followed by Jal trav-
and "Lamhay" by Dr. Zeus, through the record label HOM eling to Toronto, Canada, performing at Markham Fair
Records.[18] Grounds in South Asian Mela, on June 15. Then going to
performing live at Corianthas in Pune, India. On July 13,
Success (2007-2009) the band once again traveled to Canada this time per-
In 2007, Jal struck a deal with Gibson Guitar Corporation, forming at the Wonder Land in Toronto. Followed by a
becoming the first South Asian band in history (along number of concerts in Pakistan and India and then trav-
with the Pakistani pop rock band Strings) to create a eling to perform at Rådhusplassen in Oslo, Norway, on
working relationship with the famed guitar manufactur- August 24.[24] Jal’s video "Sajni", directed by Bilal Lashari,
ers.[19] It was reported that according to the deal, Jal went on winning the ’Best Pop Video Award’ at MTV
will exclusively use Gibson guitars during concerts, stu- Video Awards 2008.[25] In November, Jal released the mu-
dio recordings and music videos. Furthermore, Jal will act sic video of their fourth single "Moré Piya", from Boondh.
as brand ambassadors to Gibson. In return, Gibson will On April 9, 2009, Jal went on performing at Qurum
sponsor the varied endeavours of the band and also pro- City Amphitheatre in Muscat, Oman, for the first time.
vide concert halls and equipment as and when required. In May, Jal won the ’Best Ballad’ award for their single
Following this, Jal also became the brand ambassadors "Moré Piya" and were nominated for the ’Best Band’
for the Abu Dhabi based mobile telecommunication com- award at the first MTV Pakistan Video Awards.[26] The
pany, Warid Telecom.[20] In the same year, Jal entered band continued to go to new heights. From performing at
the recording studios to work on their second studio al- the Club Elegnate in Dubai, to performing at Exposition
bum release. The mixing and engineering of the album Park in Los Angeles. The band also performed at various
was done by Mekaal Hasan and Goher Mumtaz. The al- famous educational institutions, including places like Ge-
bum was recorded at Digital Fidelity Studios in Lahore, orge Mason University. In November, Jal released the
where the band also recorded their debut album Aadat in music video of "Humain Itna Pyaar". This was followed
2004. All songs on the album were composed and written by the band performing at various concerts throughout
by Goher Mumtaz with the exception of one track, which Pakistan and neighbouring India, as well as performing at
is written by Farhan Saeed and the album was produced Wonderland in Dubai.
by Mekaal Hasan. On December 14, Jal went on releas-
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jal (band)
Continued success (2010-present) Band members
On March 5, 2011, Jal released the single "Uraan", written
• Goher Mumtaz – vocals, lead guitar(2002–present)
by Sabir Zafar, along with its music video, directed by
• Aamir "Shazi" Sheraz – bass guitar (2003–present)
Shahid Hassan. The song was sponsored by LG and was
Former members
dedicated to the Pakistan cricket team playing at the
• Atif Aslam – vocals, backing vocals (2002–2003)
2011 Cricket World Cup.
• Farhan Saeed – vocals, backing vocals (2003–2011)
On May 11, it was confirmed that Jal will be perform-
• Omer Nadeem – bass guitars, backing vocals
ing at Coke Studio season four first episode, which will be
(2002–2003)
aired on May 22, through a Coke Studio television pro-
mo of the first episode.[27] On May 14, in a behind the
scenes video of Jal performing at a Coke Studio session, Awards
Goher Mumtaz discussed about performing a new song, • Jal’s video Ik Din Aye Ga was declared the 2nd best
"Ik Aarzu", at Coke Studio as it would be more challeng- video among the top 100 videos selected by The Musik
ing for the band.[28] On May 22, Coke Studio fourth sea- channel.
son first episode aired in which Jal performed "Ik Aarzu", • Jal’s debut album Aadat was declared the best selling
added with classical sufi poetry of Bulleh Shah infusion album of 2004 on Geo TV by Mr. Khalid Sadaf (Owner
into the band’s song lyrics, featuring with backing vocals of Sadaf Stereo).
by Zoe Viccaji and Rachel Viccaji.[29][30] On May 24, in a • Jal also received a special award by Shaukat Khanum
review of the Coke Studio fourth season, first episode, The Cancer Hospital in recognition of their support and
Express Tribune newspaper gave Jal’s performance for the efforts to raise funds for fighting cancer in Pakistan.
song "Ik Aarzu" a 7/10 rating.[31] On June 19, the third • In 2006, Jal won an award at MTV Asia Awards 2006,
episode of Coke Studio fourth season aired saw the band following an award Indus Music Awards for best rock
sung their hit song "Panchi", from Aadat, with singer Qu- band in Pakistan.
ratulain Baloch, who came in with her rendition of the • In 2008, Jal won a best song Musik Award for the song
Mohammad Ali Sheikhi and Allan Fakir’s hit song "Tere Chalte Chalte.
Ishq Mae Jo Bhi Doob Gaya". The Express Tribune newspa- • In 2008, Jal won a best song award for "Sajni", The
per also gave this performance by the band a 7/10 rat- Best video for "Sajni" and the best album of the year
ing.[32] for "Boondh" at the Lux Style Awards.
On August 22, the band’s lead vocalist Farhan Saeed • In 2009, Jal won a best ballad song award for their
released a solo single cover of "Halka Halka Suroor" pay- song "More Piya" at MTV Asia Awards.
ing tribute to late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.[33] The release • In 2010, Jal Won a Best Video Song award For their
of the song led to spreading rumours that the vocalist has song "Sajni" at Ptv Award.In June-2010.
parted ways with Jal. On September 3, Saeed in an inter-
view to The Express Tribune finally confirmed these specu-
lations, disclosing his departure from the band to pursue References
a solo career. Saeed claimed that he disclosed his decision [1] ^ Artist: Jal Retrieved on August 3, 2009.
to Mumtaz and Aamir around the first week of Ramazan, [2] ^ Profile: Jal Retrieved on August 3, 2009.
saying "I invited them over to my cafe and explained my [3] ^ Jal the band Retrieved on June 23, 2011
reasons for leaving the band. Goher offered that I could [4] Woh Lamhey: Video Review Retrieved on June 23,
pursue my solo career while being a part of the band, but 2011
for me it’s always been black or white as Jal would be my [5] Jal Awarded By Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital
priority if I stay with the band."[34] Retrieved on June 24, 2011.
[6] Jal Pari - Review Retrieved on June 23, 2011
Music style [7] Mukesh Bhatt: ’I don’t need Pakistan to give me
hits’ Retrieved on June 23, 2011
Jal’s Goher Mumtaz has shown fondness for Junoon [8] "Zeher" Music Copied from "Pakistani" Albums
(band), and is influenced by singers such as Hamid Ali Retrieved on June 23, 2011
Khan and Mehdi Hassan, although their sound primarily [9] The 2nd Indus Music Awards Retrieved on April 1,
falls in the Pop/Rock genre. 2011
[10] "IM Awards 2005?". GupShup. April 4, 2004.
Discography http://www.paklinks.com/gs/
printthread.php?t=179977. Retrieved 2007-05-09.
• Aadat (2004)
[11] Sahara One Sangeet Awards in US on 24 September
• Boondh (2007)
Retrieved on June 23, 2011
4
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jal (band)
[12] Jal won Best Pop Group award at Sahara One [25] Waar: Pakistan’s next blockbuster? Retrieved on
Sangeet Awards Retrieved on June 23, 2011 July 19, 2011.
[13] MTV Asia Awards 2006 - Awards Room Retrieved [26] First MTV Pakistan music awards in May Retrieved
on June 23, 2011 on July 19, 2011
[14] India is ’second home’ for Pakistani band Jal [27] Coke Studio Season 4: Episode 1 promo Retrieved
Retrieved on June 23, 2011 on May 11, 2011
[15] MTV Asia Awards 2006 Results Retrieved on June [28] Ik Aarzu, Jal - Preview, Episode 1, Coke Studio
23, 2011 Season 4, Retrieved on May 15, 2011.
[16] Jal - Aadat live at MTV Awards 2006 Retrieved on [29] Ik Aarzu, Jal, Coke Studio, Season 4, Retrieved on
June 23, 2011 May 22, 2011.
[17] Time for Music and Masti in Nepal: Shake Your [30] Ik Aarzu, Jal - BTS, Coke Studio, Season 4, Retrieved
Bum! Retrieved on June 23, 2011. on May 22, 2011.
[18] Jal - Woh Lamhay Retrieved on June 23, 2011 [31] Coke Studio Episode 1: Maestros and mishaps,
[19] ^ ""Our music will make its way wherever it goes" - Retrieved on May 24, 2011.
Jal". One India. http://entertainment.oneindia.in/ [32] ‘Coke Studio’ Season 4 Episode 3: Great discoveries
music/indian/2008/jal-interview-140408.html. and wasted talent Retrieved on July 19, 2011.
Retrieved 2008-04-14. [33] Farhan Saeed covers ‘Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor
[20] Warid Telecom sponsors musical band ’Jal’ Hai’ Retrieved on September 6, 2011
Retrieved on June 23, 2011. [34] Farhan leaves Jal Retrieved on September 6, 2011
[21] Pakipop.com, Boondh - Review Retrieved on
August 3, 2009
[22] [1]
External links
[23] Drum roll please! Retrieved on March 20, 2011 • Official website
[24] Pakistansk superstjerne besøker Oslo (in • Jal at MySpace
Norwegian) Retrieved on July 2, 2011. • Jal at Facebook
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jal_(band)&oldid=458863554"
Categories:
• Musical groups established in 2002
• Musical trios
• Pakistani musical groups
• Pakistani rock music groups
• People from Lahore
• Coke Studio artists
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