Jal (band)

This article is about the band. For other uses, see JAL.
Jal
Background information
Origin Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Genres Pop rock
Alternative rock
Years active 2002–present
Labels Sadaf Stereo
Fire Records
Tips Music
Universal Music
Associated acts QB
Farhan Saeed
Website www.jaltheband.com
Members Goher Mumtaz - Vocals/Guitar
Saad Sultan - Lead guitar
Aamir Azhar - Bass guitar
Keneth Zeerak - Drums
Past members Atif Aslam
Farhan Saeed
Aamir Sheraz
Omer Nadeem

Jal (Urdu: جل, English: water[1][2]) is a pop rock band from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.[3] The band originally consisted of songwriter, vocalist and lead guitarist, Goher Mumtaz and vocalist, Atif Aslam and later joined by bass guitarist Omer Nadeem.[4] Founded in 2002, they first became popular playing in Lahore's underground music scene with the release of their song "Aadat".

The band initially achieved commercial success with the release of their music video "Aadat", directed by Umer Anwar, in 2003. After the success of the single, lead vocalist Atif Aslam parted ways with the band, due to differences with lead guitarist Goher Mumtaz, to pursue a career as a solo artist. This led to Mumtaz recruiting musicians Farhan Saeed on vocals and Aamir Sheraz on bass guitar.[4] The band's new line-up followed with the release of their début studio album, Aadat, in 2004. The album was declared as the best selling album of 2004 on Geo TV by the record label Sadaf Stereo. Soon afterwards, the band recorded and released their second studio album Boondh in 2007, which topped several music charts in South Asia. The band went on to win the MTV Asia Award for Favorite Artist India in 2006. In 2011, Farhan Saeed also left the band to pursue a solo career, with Goher Mumtaz taking over as the lead vocalist of the band. Jal came out with their third studio album 'Pyaas' which was released to the fans delight on 11 March 2013 in both Pakistan (by Hum Network, M Records) and India (Universal Music). But even after that, On 23 December 2013, Aamir Sheraz officially left the band.[5]

Jal performed songs from their album Pyaas, apart from their old hits, in London's O2 Arena in June 2013.

History

Early years (1998–2001)

Goher Mumtaz and Atif Aslam met each other while the latter was studying at the PAF College in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, in 1998.[6]

Formation (2001–2003)

Soon afterwards, the band started to gain popularity in Lahore's underground music scene and gained a large cult following due to the success of their song "Aadat". The band then went on to release the music video for the song, directed by Umer Anwar, through ARY Digital and The Musik, in December 2003.[3] The video was soon rated as the fourth best video of the year 2003 by ARY The Muzik, within days of its release.[4]

However, by the end of December, in 2003, Atif parted ways with the band due musical differences, with lead guitarist Goher Mumtaz, to pursue a career as a solo artist. This led Goher recruit musicians Farhan Saeed on vocals and Aamir Sheraz on bass guitar. Farhan was suggested by Sultan Raja, bassist of Call, who introduced him to Goher and thus joining the band as its vocalist. By this time the band, with a new line-up, re-did the song "Aadat" as its video was already being aired on local music channels with the former lead vocalist, Atif Aslam, voice.[3][4]

Revival (2004–2006)

Lamhay
Lamhay, Jal's single from their debut studio album, Aadat.

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Following the release of the band's first single, Jal soon entered the recording studios to work on their début studio album release. The band had recruited bassist Aamir Sheraz along with vocalist Farhan Saeed, and started to work on their first album. The album was composed by Goher and was produced by Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan and Mekaal Hasan, previously produced the band's début single "Aadat" which was a major hit in both India and Pakistan. Jal then went on recording and releasing their début studio album, Aadat, through the record label Sadaf Stereo, on 27 September 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. Whereas, five other songs from the album received Top 40 airplay 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. In October, Jal released their second single "Lamhay" music video, from their album, directed by Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan.[7] On 11 November, Jal went on performing at Lahore Grammar School 55-Main branch along with Call. In December, Jal received a special award by Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital in recognition of their support and efforts to raise funds for fighting cancer in Pakistan.[8]

Atif Aslam, released his debut solo album Jal Pari, after he left the band, which included few songs from Jal's first studio album. This led to a dispute between Atif and Jal about who owned the rights to the songs as Goher took the dispute to court.[9] However, the final statement from the court went in favour of both the artists as the songs which were included in both the artist albums were compositions of both Atif and Goher. Thus, the dispute ended between the two musicians.

On 2 February 2005, Jal performed a charity concert for the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami victims at Alhamra Auditorium in Lahore. In the same year, the title track "Aadat", from their debut album, was remade for the Bollywood movie Kalyug, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mahesh Bhatt.[6][10] Also, Jal band members established themselves as a popular and commercially successful band in Pakistan, as their début album continued to top the music charts locally, and the release of their single "Lamhay" turned out to be another successful single by the band in 2004, and even a year after its release. The song created controversy as a remix version of the song later appeared in the Bollywood movie Zeher, released in March 2005. Jal accused the film producers of stealing their song, "Lamhay". In response to this accusation, the music director for the movie, Anu Malik, credited himself for only "re-creating" the song on the album, but there was still a heavily noticeable resemblance.[11] Roop Kumar Rathod is credited as the "composer" for the song, while the original composer of the song is vocalist, lead guitarist, Goher Mumtaz, of the band. However, Atif Aslam, who sang the song for the movie, faced legal problems over the band name "Jal" with the existing members.[6]

Jal performing live at Tundikhel, Kathmandu, Nepal, on 15 December 2006: bassist Aamir Tufail (left) and singer Farhan Saeed.

On 30 April, Jal due to the success of their debut studio album won four awards and received two nominations at the Indus Music Awards. The band won the "Best Lyrics", "Best Composition" and "Best Song" awards, for their song "Aadat", along with the "Best Band" award at the music awards. Also, the band were nominated for the "Best Music Album", for their debut album and also the "Best Composition", for the song "Lamhay", award.[12][13] On 24 September, Jal received a nomination for the "Best Song" and "Best Lyrics" award for their song "Lamhay" and also received an award for the "Best Pop Group", for their debut album Aadat, at the Sahara Sangeet Awards, held at Oakland Arena in Oakland, California, United States.[14][15]

Jal has been invited by the colleges of Pakistan and India as well to perform in the fests. In November 2009 they were received at IIT, Roorkie with a crowd of students from across India. Similar concerts across various top colleges keep taking place. For a list of Jal's upcoming concerts one can refer to their.[16]

In 2006, Jal's music video for the song "Ik Din Aayega" was declared as the second best video among the top 100 videos selected by ARY Musik channel. On 31 March 2006, Jal once again went on performing at Alhamra Auditorium in Lahore. The following day, the band went on performing at Nawabshah District, for the first time. Soon afterwards, the band then went on performing across border in neighbouring country, India, at Modern School, New Delhi on 7 April. On 6 May, Jal won the MTV Asia Award for Favorite Artist India at MTV Asia Awards 2006 held at the Siam Paragon in Bangkok, Thailand.[17][18][19] The band also performed their song "Aadat" live at the music awards.[20] After a month, on 10 June, Jal went on performing live at Defence Club and Arts Council Karachi, in Karachi. Followed by performing live in the capital city of the state Andhra Pradesh, in Hyderabad, India. On 15 December, Jal performed live in front of a crowd of 15, 000 audiences at Tundikhel for the first time in Kathmandu, Nepal. The band opened their act by performing "Teri Yaad", followed by the massive hit "Lamhay" and also performing many cover songs like "Lal Meri Pat".[21] On 23 December, Jal released a video album Woh Lamhay, which included music videos released by the band and remixes of the songs "Aadat" and "Lamhay" by Dr. Zeus, through the record label HOM Records.[22]

Success (2007–2009)

In 2007, Jal struck a deal with Gibson Guitar Corporation, becoming the first South Asian band in history (along with the Pakistani pop rock band Strings) to create a working relationship with the famed guitar manufacturers.[23] It was reported that according to the deal, Jal will exclusively use Gibson guitars during concerts, studio recordings and music videos. Furthermore, Jal will act as brand ambassadors to Gibson. In return, Gibson will sponsor the varied endeavours of the band and also provide concert halls and equipment as and when required. Following this, Jal also became the brand ambassadors for the Abu Dhabi based mobile telecommunication company, Warid Telecom.[24] In the same year, Jal entered the recording studios to work on their second studio album release. The mixing and engineering of the album was done by Mekaal Hasan and Goher Mumtaz. The album was recorded at Digital Fidelity Studios in Lahore, where the band also recorded their debut album Aadat in 2004. All songs on the album were composed and written by Goher Mumtaz with the exception of one track, which is written by Farhan Saeed and the album was produced by Mekaal Hasan. On 14 December, Jal went on releasing their second studio album Boondh, through the record label Fire Records, sponsored by Warid Telecom. Farhan Saeed, the lead vocalist of the band, explained the title of the album Boondh is not the name of any song in the album, but is basically the theme of the album and covers all the songs in it. The name suggests that we as a band are just like a small droplet of water in the sea of music, which covers Pakistan, Asia and the entire world where our music is heard. It is our small contribution to the sea of music," said Farhan. This was followed by a live tour, mainly in South Asia, with concerts all over Pakistan, and a few places in India. The following day, Jal released their first music video of the single "Sajni" from their second album, directed by Bilal Lashari. The single was a major hit all over Pakistan, topping all of the charts in the country, just after a month of its release.[25]

In 2008, Jal were signed to Unilever as they became the brand ambassadors for Wall's ice cream.[26] On 19 February, Jal released the video of their new single "Chaltay Chaltay" featuring Bollywood actress Amrita Rao.[23] The single later appeared as a bonus track on the band's second album, when re-released on 26 February in Pakistan and 26 March, internationally.[23] Jal's second album Boondh became an instantaneous hit, winning the Lux Style Award for "Album of the Year". The song "Sajni" from this album also won the Best Song and Video of the Year awards at the same ceremony.[27] On 14 June, Jal won the "Best Song" award for the song "Chaltay Chaltay" at The Musik Awards. This was followed by Jal travelling to Toronto, Canada, performing at Markham Fair Grounds in South Asian Mela, on 15 June. Then going to performing live at Corianthas in Pune, India. On 13 July, the band once again travelled to Canada this time performing at the Wonder Land in Toronto. Followed by a number of concerts in Pakistan and India and then travelling to perform at Rådhusplassen in Oslo, Norway, on 24 August.[28] Jal's video "Sajni", directed by Bilal Lashari, went on winning the 'Best Pop Video Award' at MTV Video Awards 2008.[29]

On 9 April 2009, Jal went on performing at Qurum City Amphitheatre in Muscat, Oman, for the first time. In May, Jal won the 'Best Ballad' award for their single "Moré Piya" and were nominated for the 'Best Band' award at the first MTV Pakistan Video Awards.[30]

2010–2011

On 11 May, it was confirmed that Jal will be performing at Coke Studio season four first episode, which will be aired on 22 May, through a Coke Studio television promo of the first episode.[31] On 14 May, in a behind the scenes video of Jal performing at a Coke Studio session, Goher Mumtaz discussed about performing a new song, "Ik Aarzu", at Coke Studio as it would be more challenging for the band.[32] On 22 May, Coke Studio fourth season first episode aired in which Jal performed "Ik Aarzu", added with classical sufi poetry of Bulleh Shah infusion into the band's song lyrics, featuring with backing vocals by Zoe Viccaji and Rachel Viccaji.[33][34] On 24 May, in a review of the Coke Studio fourth season, first episode, The Express Tribune newspaper gave Jal's performance for the song "Ik Aarzu" a 7/10 rating.[35] On 19 June, the third episode of Coke Studio fourth season aired saw the band sung their hit song "Panchi", from Aadat, with singer QB, who came in with her rendition of the Mohammad Ali Sheikhi and Allan Fakir's hit song "Tere Ishq Mae Jo Bhi Doob Gaya". The Express Tribune newspaper also gave this performance by the band a 7/10 rating.[36]

On 22 August, the band's lead vocalist Farhan Saeed released a solo single cover of "Halka Halka Suroor" paying tribute to late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.[37] The release of the song led to spreading rumours that the vocalist has parted ways with Jal. On 3 September, Saeed in an interview to The Express Tribune finally confirmed these speculations, disclosing his departure from the band to pursue a solo career. Saeed claimed that he disclosed his decision to Mumtaz and Aamir around the first week of Ramazan, saying "I invited them over to my café and explained my reasons for leaving the band. Goher offered that I could pursue my solo career while being a part of the band, but for me it's always been black or white as Jal would be my priority if I stay with the band."[38]

Change (2012–2013)

On 8 Sep 2012, lead vocalist and lead guitarist, Goher Mumtaz in an interview with Rj Syed Ali confirmed that the band's third album, Pyaas, which was originally slated for a March 2012 release date, was delayed to be released on end of the year.[39][40] Gohar, inspired from success of Fawad Khan; former member of band EP, took up acting as a side project in a Pakistani serials. Unlike Fawad, critics found his acting weaker than his vocals. JAL released their 3rd Album "Pyaas" on 11 March 2013.

On Feb 13, JAL released the video of their song Tanhai which became the OST of Drama Serial Tanhai for HumTV. On 9 April 2013, JAL released the video of their song "Dil Haari" Song from their 3rd Album Pyaas. on 16 June, JAL performed at O2 London. JAL is the First Pakistani Band to perform at O2, the most prestigious venue of world. On 1 September 2013, JAL released their 3rd Video Song "Pyaas" from their 3rd Album Pyaas.

Disintegration (2014)

On 23 December 2013, Aamir Sheraz officially left the band.

2014 to Present

On 6 January 2014, JAL released the video of their song Lao Guitar from their 3rd Album Pyaas. While the shooting of Lao Guitar Video, Goher Mumtaz had an accident. In May 2014, JAL Performed for Ary Musik series The Floor. JAL performed Laiyan Laiyan & Panchi, Dil Haari, Aadat & Tanhai, Ik Aarzu, Woh Lamhay, Dil Haaray Pukaray, Udd Jaana in The Floor Live Sessions for ARY Musik.

On 17 January 2015, JAL released the video song "Tu Qadam Barhaye Ja" for Pakistan Armed Forces.

On 21 April 2015, JAL released their music video song "Teray Baajon". The song top the charts. On 6 September 2015, JAL released the video song "Ooncha" for The official PAF 50th Anniversary of 1965 war. On 7 November 2015, JAL released Khel Sajna for Drama Serial Neelam Kinaray For Hum Sitaray. The new Single Khel sejna became #1 on taazi charts in just 10 days. On 14 November 2015, JAL released the music video of Their First ever Medley from all 3 albums (signature Mix) which includes these songs Chup Chup, Kash Yeh Pal, Woh Lamhay, Mahiya.

Now JAL is working on their new Music Video for their upcoming song title Bhanwray. JAL promise to give good music in future.

Discography

Albums

Year Title Label
2004 Aadat Sadaf Stereo
2005 Woh Lamhey Envy Hi-Tech Music Ltd
2007 Boondh Fire Records
2013 Pyaas M Records

Singles

Year Title Detail(s)
2008 Sajni (Reprise) Lux Style Awards
2010 Uraan Worldcup Song
2011 Dam Hai Toh Samnay International Boxing Championship
2012 Ik Aarzu – Unplugged Single (not included in Album Pyaas)
2015 Tu Qadam Berhaye Ja Pakistan Armed Forces
Teray Baajon Single
Ooncha Pakistan Defence Day Song
3 Albums Medley JAL's 1st Official Medley (Songs: Chup Chup,
Kash Yeh Pal, Woh Lamhay, Mahia)
2016 Bhanwray Single (Coming Soon)

Coke Studio Pakistan

Year Title Co-Singer
2011 Ik Aarzu
Panchi (Reprise) Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch

Pakistani Drama Soundtrack

Year Song Drama Serial
2014 Laiyan Laiyan (Cover) Uff Yeh Muhabbat
Dil Jhoomay
Pyar Hai
Rona Nahi
2015 Khel Sajna Neelum Kinaray

Official Videos

Title Album Detail(s)
Aadat Aadat Official Music Video with Atif Aslam
Lamhay Aadat Official Music Video
Dil Haray Pukaray Aadat Official Music Video
Ik Din Ayega Aadat Official Music Video
Teri Yaad Aadat Official Music Video
Bikhra Hoon Mein Aadat Official Music Video
Panchi Aadat Official Music Video
Sajni Boondh Official Music Video
Chaltay Chaltay Boondh Official Music Video
Mein Mast Hoon Boondh Official Music Video
Moray Piya Boondh Official Music Video
Yeh Tera Pakistan Boondh WorldCup Official Video
Hamein Itna Pyar Boondh Official Music Video
Ik Aarzu Coke Studio Pakistan (Season 4) Coke Studio Season 4
Panchi - Reprised Coke Studio Pakistan (Season 4) Coke Studio Season 4
Uraan Single WorldCup Official Video
Dam Hai Tou Samnay Single International Boxing Championship
Mahia Boondh Official Music Video
Dil Haari Pyaas Official Music Video
Tanhai Pyaas Music Video (Tanhai Serial For HUM TV)
Pyaas Pyaas Official Music Video
Tou Lao Guitar Pyaas Official Music Video
Tu Qadam Barhaye Ja Single Pakistan Armed Forces
Teray Baajon Single Official Music Video
Ooncha Single Pakistan Defence Day Song
JAL's 3 Albums Madley Single JAL's 1st Official Medley (Songs: Chup Chup,

Kash Yeh Pal, Woh Lamhay, Mahia)

Laiyan Laiyan Cover Official Music Video

Band members

Current members
Former members

Awards

Year Category Song/Nomination Result
Indus Music Awards
2005 Best Lyrics Aadat combined awards with Atif Aslam Won
Best Song Won
Best Composition Won
2006 Best Rock Band Won
MTV Asia Awards
2006 Favorite Artist India Won
2009 Best Ballad Song Moray Piya Won
Lux Style Awards
2005 Best Album Aadat Nominated
2008 Best Album Boondh Won
Best Song Sajni Won
Best Video Director Sajni – Bilal Lashari Won
2014 Best Music Album Pyaas Nominated
The Musik Awards
2008 Best Song Chalte Chalte Won
PTV Awards
2010 Best Video Sajni – Bilal Lashari Won
Hum Awards
2014 Best Music Album Pyaas Nominated
2016 Best Music Single Teray Baajon Won

References

  1. Āgama Aura Tripiṭaka, Eka Anuśilana: Language and Literature
  2. Mastering sadhana: on retreat with Anthony De Mello
  3. 1 2 3 Artist: Jal Retrieved on 3 August 2009.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Profile: Jal Retrieved on 3 August 2009.
  5. Shazi speaks on Jal and future plans retrieved on 2 February 2014
  6. 1 2 3 Jal the band Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  7. Woh Lamhey: Video Review Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  8. Jal Awarded By Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital Retrieved on 24 June 2011.
  9. Jal Pari – Review Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  10. Mukesh Bhatt: 'I don't need Pakistan to give me hits' Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  11. "Zeher" Music Copied from "Pakistani" Albums Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  12. The 2nd Indus Music Awards Retrieved on 1 April 2011
  13. "IM Awards 2005?". GupShup. 4 April 2004. Retrieved 9 May 2007.
  14. Sahara One Sangeet Awards in US on 24 September Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  15. Jal won Best Pop Group award at Sahara One Sangeet Awards Retrieved on 23 June 2011.
  16. Jal The Band – Official Website website
  17. MTV Asia Awards 2006 – Awards Room Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  18. India is 'second home' for Pakistani band Jal Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  19. MTV Asia Awards 2006 Results Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  20. Jal – Aadat live at MTV Awards 2006 Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  21. Time for Music and Masti in Nepal: Shake Your Bum! Retrieved on 23 June 2011.
  22. Jal – Woh Lamhay Retrieved on 23 June 2011
  23. 1 2 3 ""Our music will make its way wherever it goes" – Jal". One India. Retrieved 14 April 2008.
  24. Warid Telecom sponsors musical band 'Jal' Retrieved on 23 June 2011.
  25. Pakipop.com, Boondh – Review Retrieved on 3 August 2009
  26. "Cornetto | Food brands | Unilever". Unilever.pk. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  27. Drum roll please! Retrieved on 20 March 2011
  28. Pakistansk superstjerne besøker Oslo (in Norwegian) Retrieved on 2 July 2011.
  29. Waar: Pakistan’s next blockbuster? Retrieved on 19 July 2011.
  30. First MTV Pakistan music awards in May Retrieved on 19 July 2011
  31. Coke Studio Season 4: Episode 1 promo Retrieved on 11 May 2011
  32. Ik Aarzu, Jal – Preview, Episode 1, Coke Studio Season 4, Retrieved on 15 May 2011.
  33. Ik Aarzu, Jal, Coke Studio, Season 4, Retrieved on 22 May 2011.
  34. Ik Aarzu, Jal – BTS, Coke Studio, Season 4, Retrieved on 22 May 2011.
  35. Coke Studio Episode 1: Maestros and mishaps, Retrieved on 24 May 2011.
  36. ‘Coke Studio’ Season 4 Episode 3: Great discoveries and wasted talent Retrieved on 19 July 2011.Jal also performed in NSIT college in Dwarka,New Delhi,Wherein they performed with a Delhi based vocalist Ajay Gosain.
  37. Farhan Saeed covers ‘Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai’ Retrieved on 6 September 2011
  38. Farhan leaves Jal Retrieved on 6 September 2011
  39. Candid confessions of Goher Mumtaz Retrieved on 27 July 2012
  40. The Making of Legends Retrieved on 27 July 2012.
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