With
their debut album Green, released perhaps a little too late, Rungg
finally called it a day towards the end of February, 2007. With Noori
reduced to a duo without drummer extraordinaire Gumby and Fuzon reforming
without Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, break ups seem to be endemic in the
music world. Each parting of ways has its own story.
Instep caught up with all of Rungg's members who spoke of the reasons
behind the disbandment and each individual's future plans.
Ifu
Rungg was actually a duo, which was founded by Sarmad and myself.
When I reflect, the greatest aspect was that we ended up becoming
really good friends and that was one of the major sources of motivation
to do
|
 |
music
and work together. The experience was great but over the years because
of living in two different cities, a communication gap was created
which was then followed by personal differences as Sarmad began getting
involved in other projects. Priorities changed I guess and I suppose
this is why there was a tinge of bitterness that crept into the relationship
because on the work front, there weren't any artistic differences,
rather, they were of a personal nature.
I think we put up a great album irrespective of what people thought
or not and above all, I had a great time working with Sarmad, and
if it were anyone other than him, I believe it wouldn't have been
the same. I'd also like to add that Xulfi and Wasim really stood by
us through thick and thin and even through periods of frustration
and disappointments, they were always around.
Ever since the disbandment I've currently decided to work on my solo
album which I'm extremely excited about. The songs I've written so
far are a totally different sound from Rungg so I'm looking forward
as to how it turns out.
Sarmad
Concerning the current circumstances, it was expected. I had a lot
of hope for the band to be honest and it was very painful when it
came to an end because I had a lot of fond memories attached with
Rungg.
Since Ifu was sponsoring the whole thing - being the main investor
- resources eventually had to get exhausted. Also, our record label
never paid us any royalties for our album... it's been a year now
and still we haven't been paid a single penny. It wasn't in our control
but maybe the timings, with regard to the album launch, were. But
we weren't getting any business. Right now I'm running my own studio
and playing for Atif Aslam. I might just venture out into a solo project
but let's see. I wish the others a lot of success though and I hope
they do great at whatever they set out to. Xulfi
There were a lot of issues mainly due to the distance factor. For
a band to function as a unit, its members have to be accessible.
Of course I was upset about the disbandment but frankly I think
all of us saw it coming. We really were hopeful after the debut
album came out but were dragged down by the label due to it not
promoting us effectively, and apart from the usual TV promotion
there was nothing else.
I must admit we did have high expectations and enjoyed playing our
music very much, but nothing really materialized. Currently though
I'm working towards going abroad for my MA in Broadcast Design &
Motion Graphics which will also give me a chance to explore music.
Wasim
The trouble was that no band member was available on a regular basis
due to the distance factor (as both Sarmad and I live in Islamabad
whereas Ifu and Xulfi reside in Lahore). Due to having jobs alongside
the band, no one could commit to it full-time. Yes I would agree
that after the album launch we were extremely hopeful but then again
we weren't jamming enough.
After the disbandment I started my own event management company
by the name of 'RAM' (Rock Align Movement). The difference is that
we're not a typical event management company - we only promote serious
musicians and target serious listeners. Alongside that, I'm session
playing with Zeejah and Lahu but would really love to work with
Ifu on his solo project.
Rungg's calling
the final shot and packing up was extremely predictable. Perhaps
they weren't too 'on the ball' with regard to a speedy album release
following the release of three singles. Whatever the reasons for
Rungg's disbandment, the lukewarm response from their record company
and the fact that it did not honour the band's contract was perhaps
the final curtain call for the band to finally dissolve. Unlike
E.P, where each band member complemented the 'structure', Rungg's
members seem better off going solo. Maybe the creative input from
each member didn't mesh well as a final product. But with Ifu's
vocal skills and Sarmad's proficient musical deliverance (along
with an extremely sound technical know-how), each of them (along
with Xulfi and Wasim) will perhaps succeed as solo artistes. But
it it won't be Rungg any more. |
