What’s happening in music…

As we settle into 2019, music continues to remain a constant, whether it is in the form of releases or events, music videos or music series, the regularity remains an auspicious sign that should alleviate the long formed assumption that music is dead beyond the corporate platforms or because of it. It’s neither.Therefore, our story begins with the super-cool FDVM show that is being presented by Salt Arts, today. After the sold-out Zoe Viccaji show late last month, they are back with another banger. FDVM, a two-man outfit that has been travelling the world and who play music together as well as separately - with one focusing on the US and other in Europe - will begin their musical foray in this region by playing a Salt Arts show, later today in Karachi. The opening act for this sold-out gig is Hussain Dossa. Since collaborating with Salt Arts, FDVM have gone on to announce their Southasia tour. After the Salt Arts show in Karachi, FDVM are heading to Islamabad to play at Solis Festival. They will return to Sindh and perform at Lahooti Melo 2019 – whose beauty we’ll get to in a minute - on February 10th in Jamshoro before heading to Delhi, Mumbai and finally Bengaluru in India. This is Salt Arts’s second collaboration with international artists in as many weeks with singer-songwriter Layla Kardan being the last one. Lahooti Melo 2019 that is also coming up this month, now in its fourth edition, is turning into a festival that should not be missed – not only because of the artists who are performing but also because of the well thought out panel sessions and its theme of being dedicated to women. It caters to thousands of people and is an amalgamation of poetry, dance, music, and various forms of arts. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that it is evolving into Pakistan’s finest arts festival – thanks to the vision of its creator Saif Samejo. Moving on, at least two Pakistani electronic music producers, Rudoh (Bilal Nasir Khan) and Alien Panda Jury (Daniel Arthur Panjwaneey) are all set to plat at Jai Thep Festival in Thailand this week. Both artists are representing Soundistan, who have chosen a mix from Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand and Maldives for the festival. Apart from playing music, Rudoh has also unveiled his new electronic EP called Saudade on January 31 – truly living up to his promise that 2019 will be the year of Rudoh. In more curious music projects is Kamal Khan’s upcoming film Laal Kabootar that has a lot going for it. Having unveiled a slick new poster as well as the film’s release date, which is March 22, with artwork by Abdullah Harris Films, the film has employed Taha Malik – who produced the debut album of Mauj – as music director; the score is being designed by Danial Hyatt, who plays music under the alias Nawksh, has some exceptional EPs to his credit and is a polymath of sorts. Hence, we can’t wait to see what he conjures for this crime-thriller as score and what Taha Malik makes as music director for a film that is coming from one of Pakistan’s most promising emerging directors. In other news, Nescafe Basement is definitely in the pipeline with the shoot of season 5 having coming to an end. Set to drop soon, the new season will feature Haroon, which is certainly a surprise apart from a slew of young, aspiring names. The new season will also showcase some well-known names such as Bilawal Lahooti (drummer), Sherry Khattak (guitarist) and Zain Peerzada (guitarist) and provide them with some good exposure as well. The incredible Leo Twins will also feature in Nescafe Basement 5 so do watch out for this season. Strings and Shafqat Amanat Ali are heading to Dubai, UAE later this month to perform a concert. Presented by Bollywood Parks, Dubai, the gig titled ‘All for Love’ will feature both artists and will be held on February 15th. Here’s to spreading love. 

from The News International - Instep Today http://bit.ly/2Sqt334