With changing trends and accelerated westernization of our youth, there has been a definite boost in interest in EDM. EDM for those of you, who don’t know stands for Electronic Dance Music branching from production methods of disco, techno, house, trance and is the very thing that has aunties going like:
The rise of EDM
That being said, the rise of EDM and related artists in Pakistan signals just the huge amount of change that is taking place in the genres of creativity and innovation.
EDM as touted by the very name was intended to be played in dance clubs and the like. Nonetheless, it rapidly made a place for itself in mainstream music, and judging by its popularity, it’s here to stay!
While Pakistan is definitely stepping up in terms of recognizing that music goes beyond the basic ballay ballay, bhangra and bolay choriyan types; the amount of skill and work that actually goes into this particular art is for now beyond their powers of interpretation!
With that stated, DJs are looked upon as mere people playing playlists on repeat on weddings!
The Culprits
However, some DJs have despite all this managed to make a mark for themselves. One such name is Faisal Baig, who despite all the hurdles has managed to make a name for himself in the industry.
In case you’re wondering what he looks like, here’s a visual:
Faisal claims that the industry was affected by the dangerous living conditions of Pakistan, about a decade back, just like every other industry. With conditions becoming far too hazardous, especially in Karachi which was the hub of every progressive art skill, the whole scenario of EDM rising to the top frizzled out.
The ‘party scene’ so to call it, also subsided due to a large number of substance abusers frequenting such occasions.
EDM artists are in kind of a sticky situation if you consider the fact that while some artists might spend hours honing his talent, the market for his/her services is virtually non-existent.
I for one in all my years have never seen an EDM artist be gainfully employed actually DJ-ing.
Nonetheless, many have now surfaced such as Anthony Pappa, Bilal Brohi, Fuzzy Nocturnal, Salim Ahmad, Getafix. What’s even more encouraging is the fact that a woman too has made her place in the mix!
Hira Tareen, a prominent female in the Pakistani DJ community has taken positive steps to nurture the DJ community of Pakistan, thus attempting to open up more venues for potential DJs to see a light at the end of the tunnel for their talents and skills.
Spreading the Music
Hira Tareen has formed a forum under the name of Pakistan DJ Network (PDN) in order to provide DJs with a venue where they are able to collaborate and display their talents.
One such event hosted by Hira Tareen and Ali Safina has already been held where many artists were able to collect under one roof and hold discussions regarding the goals, plans and challenges faced by DJs all over the country.
Worth mentioning in this mix are the Pakistani-American sisters duo who have taken the music world by storm by their unique style and stunning voices. Going by the name of Krewella, the sisters have also recently performed in the esteemed Coke Studio rendition of Runaway.
Yasmin and Jehan Yusuf’s bold style has made its way into the American Music Industry, and have truly left a mark proclaiming Pakistanis, and Pakistani women can excel in any field that they set their sights on!
