They say music has no boundaries, but that belief will be put to test on Friday as two of Asia’s most popular rock bands, Strings from Pakistan and Euphoria from India, compete in a musical face-off.
Red Bull Soundclash, at Dubai World Trade Centre, will see these bands on two different stages vying for attention and votes as they put their best tunes forward.
“But I see this as a concert for peace and unity,” said Palash Sen, Euphoria’s frontman, known for hits such as Maaeri Maaeri and Dhoom Pichak Dhoom.
“If musicians can get together in the same arena and play together, why can’t people from both countries do the same? We’re living in an era where we have to forget about petty differences; that’s the only way the world will survive,” he added. For both bands, it was the unique concept behind the gig that made them jump on board.
“I know it will be something different and an event that you will talk about for a long time even after it’s over,” said Bilal Maqsood, Strings’ vocalist and guitarist.
There will be four rounds to the Soundclash contest: The Cover, where each group will pay a rendition of the same song in their individual style; The Takeover, in which each band will perform two songs but the catch is that the songs are cut halfway through, at which point the other band immediately takes over the track, putting their own spin on it; The Clash will see each band perform three original songs in completely different genres; in Wild Card, each band will perform with a special guest, whose name will be kept a closely guarded secret until they appear onstage.
tabloid! caught up with Euphoria and Strings to discuss music, rivalry and more.
What should we expect from Strings Vs Euphoria Soundclash?
Maqsood: We will playing songs that we have never played before. This is a new challenge and a new experience for us too. The audience will be treated to a never-seen-before concert.
Palash: We are expecting a concert filled with great music. It’s all set to be the clash of titans in music.
Five reasons why we should watch?
Maqsood: Our five reasons include: You will not see this kind of show again between the two bands; we will be playing our songs in a different way; we will be picking up Euphoria songs in the middle of our songs and giving it a new twist; and isn’t the fact that Strings and Euphoria are facing each other reason enough? And lastly, if you are in the last row, you will feel like you are in the VIP row since the stages are facing each other and is not like one stage two bands facing each other.
Palash: I will give one reason: Both are legends and have been there for a long time.
What are your opposition’s biggest strength and weaknesses?
Maqsood: We have known Euphoria for the past 12 years and remain good friends. They have a lot of energy and power. Gear up to watch Palash hopping all over the stage and Faisal knows how to control the stage well. They complete and complement each other.
Palash: They are a great band and I do not think they have any weaknesses. All I see is their strength and clout they have over their music. What they produce has always been great.
Does the show fuel the rivalry between neighbours India and Pakistan or should it be taken solely as sport?
Maqsood: Music will never fuel rivalry. Agreed, we will be competing but the bigger picture is that we will be having fun and the focus will be on enjoying the music.
Palash: We are close friends and it’s a long enduring friendship that the subcontinent has ever witnessed. The message behind Soundclash is to underline an evening filled with friendship, love and fun. Just sit back and enjoy some great music.
You have worked together for Jeet Lo Dil for the cricket series and with Sanjay Gupta’s Zinda and Shootout At Lokhandwala. How did the collaboration go?
Maqsood: We readily accepted it because Euphoria was there and we were comfortable working with them. And what appealed to us is our wish that both India and Pakistan would come together, even if it’s through music.
Palash: It was the nicest song that we ever did. The result was successful because we respect each other a lot and we are fans of each other’s music.
What’s your favourite song from the opposing team and why?
Maqsood: Our favourite song from Euphoria would be Maaeri. Every time you hear that song, it transports you to a green place and evokes nostalgic feelings. You can never get bored of it.
Palash: All their songs are great. I love the way they write the songs. It’s amazing, I would not choose one, but listen to all.
Tell us about your future projects and your fondest memory of performing in Dubai?
Maqsood: Performing here would attract a mixed audience. You get to see Pakistanis and Indians under one roof enjoying some great music.
Palash: I am acting in a movie called Aisa Yeh Jahaan, which will release in February next year. Euphoria is composing the music.
