Strings

Strings are an internationally acclaimed pop rock band comprising two members from Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. The band was initially formed by four college students, Bilal Maqsood (vocals and guitars), Faisal Kapadia (vocals), Rafiq Wazir Ali (synthesizer) and Kareem Bashir Bhoy (bass guitars) in 1988. In 1992, the quartet disbanded only to make a comeback with two of its members, Bilal and Faisal, later in 2000. While the initial band was riding on the new wave of Pakistani pop music, the later formation ushered a new revival in the music industry of Pakistan.

When the band were signed on to EMI Records, they released their self-titled debut album Strings in 1990. Their initial effort experimenting with synthesised sounds and rhythms was not recognised instantly even though their debut album sold 20,000 copies in its first week. After two years, the band released their second album 2 which included their critically acclaimed single ‘Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar’, first aired on MTV Asia, which led the band to achieve fame worldwide. After its release, the quartet disbanded in order to focus on their studies and careers. But in 2000 Bilal and Faisal made a comeback by releasing the band's third album Duur which brought them renewed success and popularity. The band then went on to release their fourth album Dhaani in 2003. The album included the single ‘Najane Kyun’ which featured as part of a soundtrack to the Hollywood film Spider-Man 2, and also led the band to follow in the footsteps of Junoon and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and take their act across the border to India only to realise they already were a recognized act in the country. In 2008, Strings released their fifth studio album 'Koi Aanay Wala Hai' which included soundtrack singles ‘Zinda’ and ‘Aakhri Alvida’ from Bollywood movies Zinda and Shootout at Lokhandwala. The album was a hit in both Pakistan and India having been co-produced by actor John Abraham.

Strings’ songs are penned by Anwar Maqsood, Bilal's father, and the words bear a deep meaning. However, since its reformation, Anwar has been writing the lyrics and Faisal has taken on lead vocal duties. Bilal Maqsood is the chief composer, guitarist and at times even does vocals.