With Mauj front-man and ace guitarist Omran Shafique and Pakistan’s finest drummer Gumby at the helm of the show as producers and Zeeshan Parwez shooting the show, the first episode of Uth Records was thrilling. For those who thought that Uth Records may have some similarities to another musical TV show, Coke Studio, are mistaken. Sure, some of the players maybe the same but that’s about it.
The format of the show is simple. Young, upcoming musicians are given a chance to send their demos to the producers and if they get selected, they get to work with professional musicians. It’s a platform aimed at showcasing raw talent.
For the first episode, Karachi-based band Jumbo Jutt got picked up.
Featuring Mohammad Ali Suhail on vocals, Syed Saad Shams on bass, Adeel Hussain on drums and Omar Kapadia on guitars, the band plays some serious rock-metal melodies.
Speaking about their work with Jumbo Jutt, producers of the project, Gumby and Omran Shafique said, “The band’s performance was a lot of fun, especially since this genre of music is what Omran and I both started out with ourselves. They (Jumbo Jutt) walked in quite confident with the right attitude and approach. We really appreciated the arrangements and lyrical content for the song. Their performance was high energy and we think that both the song and performance will speak for itself.” In the first episode, our introduction begins, first to the producers, who are both the driving force behind this show. Gumby’s real-life pranks and his skills both shine while Omran “Momo” Shafique’s chilled-out, carefree demeanour makes it all the more charming.
And then we get to meet the band. And throughout the episode, it’s clear that Jumbo Jutt are having a great time, recording with pros. But even as they enjoy the process, they also struggle, trying to get the notes right. And that’s what most musicians go through as they strive to create that perfect song. Through the show, one discovers this new band that’s been together for over a year now.
 Zeeshan Parwez, behind the camera, asks fun questions.
“So, who’s the leader of the band?”, he asks Jumbo Jutt.
“Ali, but he’s lazy. There is one thing common in the band, laziness.”
Come towards the song recording and that truly makes the most interesting part of the show. After hearing the tune, also called, ‘Jumbo Jutt’ for perhaps the first time, producer Omran Shafique said, “It’s a little rough but hojayega”
Speaking about their music, Jumbo Jutt said, “Our songs are about social issues, political issues, stuff people don’t talk about. The song’s called ‘Jumbo Jutt’ and it’s about political unrest going on, social norms that we’ve accepted.”
After creative sessions, we come to the recording. Guitars, bass, drums, everything is recorded in parts,
Then guitar virtuoso Faraz Anwar walks in as a guest player for Jumbo Jutt. And of course, some of his guitar tricks had the band fascinated. “Some of the stuff he does is mind boggling,” said Ali, the vocalist.
The show moves at a rapid pace. Zeeshan Parwez keeps the shots tight. And he gets input from everyone.
Faraz Anwar liked Jumbo Jutt and compares their sound to a mesh of Audioslave and Silverchair. But it was Faraz describing the music scene or lack thereof that was perhaps the most sober part of this otherwise loud and fun episode.
“Recording is a different experience but playing in front of an audience is also important. You need the feedback, motivation which comes through the audience.”
After bringing on Faraz Anwar and with the guidance of the producers, Jumbo Jutt finally gave shape to their metallic number ‘Jumbo Jutt’.
On the first episode, Uth Records lived up to the hype and promise.
– Photos by Biya Shadab |
