The beat of Farhad Humayun’s drum
Farhad Humayun, the driving force behind the critically acclaimed band Overload. PHOTO: G.M. Shah
Good drummers are rare in Pakistan. Only a handful of good drummers are actually out there on the live playing circuit. Farhad Humayun happens to be one of them.
He has played sessions for a lot of famous acts and has produced good music as a sound engineer. From being an active part of the heavy duty Lahore underground scene in the 90’s to being the driving force behind the critically acclaimed band called Overload, Humayun has seen the music scene grow from garage bands to the industry it is today.
Since the release of their first self titled album, the band has inducted two new members – Mehmood Rehman and his lovely wife Meesha Shafi who blew the nation away with her smooth tone and diverse range in the latest Coke Studio. Overload recently released their second album called “Pichal Pairee.” You can download their music here.
I sat down with Farhad to discuss drumming in Pakistan, the Overload tour.
1) How has music evolved in Pakistan?
When we started the underground scene there was only PTV and then came NTM, but the music we played was not for the awaam anyway. I have never heard Alamgir or Vital Signs personally. I only heard a bit of Junoon when they came to the forefront. I was never a fan of Pakistani music and I’m so very glad! I think musicians have improved a lot and so has their sensibility. TV, radio and internet provide ample airtime to good music. As for the evolving scene, musicians have done it on their own. We don’t owe anything to any record labels or sponsors because they take advantage of musicians and never pay.
2) Why is there a dearth of good drummers in Pakistan?
Drums are expensive to buy, very loud to play so parents don’t recommend them. They’re hard to learn because you have to be strong and articulate. Basic guitar chords and 3 chord songs can impress girls easily so kids choose to play a guitar and be cool.
3) A lot of people criticize you for not playing live – how would you respond?
What do people know? We are 100 per cent live. That’s why everything from banking to art is all wrong in Pakistan because everyone thinks he’s an expert on everything!
4) How do you think people have responded to the ‘new’ Overload?
Response has been great! In concerts we still play the first album as well as four songs that Meesha sings. Overload is all about reinventing itself. You can expect something totally rebellious and radical from us because we are not working under any restrictions. We play what we like to play. There’s something for everybody in an Overload album and concert.
5) Meesha Shafi was a success in the latest Coke Studio season; do you see yourself taking Overload on that show?
We will think about it if they ask us but I don’t see it as the qualifying round for an artist. Especially after having nobodies like ADP and so many random bad folk singers I think Coke studio has lost its charm. We are very busy playing our shows overseas and we are happy with who and what we are.
6) What are overseas tours like?
We laugh, we party, we have fun doing what we love to do and we make money. What more could a band ask for?! We played for about fifty thousand people in festivals across Europe. We also recently released a video filmed in Oslo for the track Vichar Gai.
7) You have recorded and played on SYMT’s album, do you think SYMT is the next big thing?
Yes. I have produced the album. I think they are a great act and are very talented.
8) Is Overload planning to address the floods and current state of the nation in your music?
People in Pakistan are suffering as they have suffered for decades. When it’s not floods it’s electricity, joblessness, shortage of everyday basic supplies, medical care and of course terrorism. Rich people like us have trouble paying over invoiced bills the government sends us for electricity when we don’t even use it. All we can really do is keep playing music and not give up. We can contribute on an individual level but I don’t think music can do much at this point. The country has completely collapsed although most of us choose to turn a blind eye. Strings and Atif can sing ten songs but it won’t make a difference. What will make a difference is meeting the basic needs affected people and I hope individuals are doing that.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of The Express Tribune.
Gumby’s going to throw a hissy fit over this oneRecommend
I’m sorry, but playing 100% live is a complete lie as I’ve seen atleast one show when they did not play live. It was the PMC show and Farhad was barely hitting the pathetic drum set with the warped cymbal, while Mehmood’s guitar was playing without a cable plugged in! We’d appreciate it more if you were honest about how you play, than appreciating the claim that you are ’100% live’.
As far as contributing on an individual level is concerned, if you believe you cannot use your music to raise funds for flood victims, what contribution are you making? You hope other people are trying to make a difference to meet the basic need of affectees, while you continue to keep playing music.
And as for ‘rich people’ like you as you said, who get over invoiced electricity bills, please consider the fact that you HAVE electricity at all, as compared with those in rural areas who suffer up to 18 hours of load shedding daily.
Also, dissing your own colleagues in the music industry, such as ‘nobodies’ like ADP and ‘so many random bad folk singers’ – no wonder no one in the local industry wants to work with you and you only get shows abroad.Recommend
I like his attitudeRecommend
hes one of the down to earth celebs who never threw me a Tantrum….:) very nice………Recommend
Rohail Hyatt will not be pleased… damn Meesha Shafi was so close to cutting a deal with him , now this guy ruins it for her.Recommend
Thıs ıs a reply to the tıtle ‘Serıously?’
I thınk u need to do your homework first bcos the show ure talking about was a TV recorded show. They are never played live bcos our amazıng tv channels cant handle live playing. Every band that night includıng Mekal Hasan band was doing playback.
And NO I dont have electricity! Even then I get overinvoiced. Do u earn your own livelihood? If u do ud know what Im saying! And Haha! I do get a lot of shows in Pakistan! This is my opinion & I have substantial experience & knowledge to comment. Even then ure welcome to dısagree. Franly I know ure upset about the ADP comment I made. Well its true & if u or they dont like then TOO BAD!Recommend
i love the band.
but i hated the fact PAPPU SAAEN left them :(
WHY !!!!!!!!!!!!Recommend
oh lol.
i think farhad himself answered ‘Seriously’s’ comment. coolRecommend
i really like it…n i thynk ds drummer or else the cmplete band js simply rocks..:)Recommend
how extreemly arrogant! seriously such “yo” musicians should be thrown out of Pakistan. he talks as if he is something God knows what!Recommend
Its great to be successful and be blessed with talent but hey humility? good and bad both don’t stay forever! this too shall pass :-) play on cheers !Recommend
Great Article & great reply by FArhad!! keep your head high, & guys stop being judgemental to this interview, you dont know the guy, at least what ever he said he is being HONEST about it. & damn, i like the ATTITUDE too:) keep going with ur foriegn tours & do it for those who understand your stuff & not these people who listen to music, call it haram & dont give any respect to musicians.
Hypocrites AAAKH THUU!!!![Pappu Saeen style!!!]
Farhad Humayun . keep playing LOUD!! :)Recommend
Sobia but you love to keep ur talibans right!!Recommend
Overload is no doubt the loudest band in Pakistan, those saying the band doesn’t play live might never attended any “Concert” or “GIG” in their life. I have attended 2 of the band’s concerts & both went Kick-Ass. There is no other band in Pakistan who can play LIVE that much decently. These guys are best in sound producing & Playing live. Rock On Overload
Check out all Overload Recent Releases & UpdatesRecommend
hahahahhahahahhhahhahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahaRecommend
I have to admit, I never heard the name Farhad Humayun before reading this post. The only reason I found out about the band Overload was because of the Meesha Shafi’s song in the Coke Studio (I’m an overseas Pakistani)
Having said that, I can’t comment on the music of Overload or pass a judgment on Farhad for his musical chops. From my perspective, I am just reading the interview of a musician from Pakistan.
Having said all that, the last question could have been answered in a better way.Recommend
hahahaha I know from where this “seriously” is coming from lol @ farhad this was the exact conversation I had with a serious person(would not like to mention name) I think I shared it with ya lol …..hahahahahahahaha…..Recommend
thinking too highly of himself!Recommend
Arrogant fella!Recommend
If the Express Tribune was decent enough of a newspaper they would at least credit the photographer for the picture that accompanies this article, which they lifted from the article that I wrote for the Lahore based magazine Value Mag (and then featured on the Blog tkfr.com) That would be the talented and esteemed Mr G.M. Shah.
For said article I spent 3 or 4 hours with Farhad Humayun and have since worked with him again and again. For those of you who think he is arrogant then I am sure you are entitled to your convoluted opinion but I should like to point out that you are off base.
Unless, of course, you have actual working knowledge of the music industry and know it better than the musicians themselves. Don’t mistake the know-how for the know-it-all.
And for those of you who think that making an anthem for dying refugees of the floods is the only way an individual can contribute because he a professional musician then I laugh at you.
Those wannabe posers and western copycats can try to make the next waving flag, but we don’t have the infrastructure in place within the music industry to make such a venture lucrative enough to make any bit of a difference.
I am sure that money well spent would be immensely more popular among the refugees than songs out mouths of posers and wannabe celebrities.Recommend
And now you go dissing our ‘amazing’ TV channels. And please do YOUR homework first too, as I know several bands that have performed live for our channels – PTV for one is more than capable of handling live sound.
And please don’t say 100% live when you are going to contradict it yourself later. Either make the clarification between gigs and TV performances, or don’t make the claim.
Yes I earn my own livelihood, and if ‘rich people’ like you and me have trouble paying electricity bills, what do you think the poor man goes through? Do you think it is only the rich that get over invoiced?Recommend
This is in response to the previous post (Aka: Seriously) – You see people like you are the reason there is so much hatred & ill will in our country. I don’t know who u are but really comparing the likes of ADP to a band like Overload !??? Come off it – You have got to be kidding me to compare the two – Their two completely different sounds & Genre’s of music & I think Farhad is perfectly justified in calling them “nobodies” – play them simultaneously in fact & then tell me which music has more quality Overload or ADP.
I’ve made it a point to go almost all the Overload performances I possibly can BECAUSE its quality music & I don’t feel that anyone has brought that kind of energy to the stage since the likes of Junoon.
As for playing live – WHO DOES in Pakistan!????? You just wanna criticise because you can – but I’ve even been on the management teams of some of their concerts & I know their LIVE gigs are LIVE gigs ….
Lets not even get me started on Pakistani TV channels so I’ll leave it at that. As for “rich people” – On this forum you’re going on & on about how you have so much sympathy for the poor – Hardly does any of this reflect in any of our “real” lives – Atleast the man is not being two-faced & in his dialogue owning upto who he is. Unlike MOST of our musicians who don’t even know half the time what they are on about ….He’s good, He knows it & Trust me that’s GOOD!
Nonetheless I rest my case.
Peace out.Recommend
So who here thinks ‘Seriously’ is a disgruntled ADP member or ‘fan boy/girl’?Recommend
“Basic guitar chords and 3 chord songs can impress girls easily so kids choose to play a guitar and be cool.”
hahaha,bohat best hay yeh!Recommend
Nazish, I apologize for the not giving credit part, even though I had nothing to do with said picture, express should have credited the photographer. Apologies once again :)Recommend
slightly arrogant.. but still i am amazed at confidence of the interviewer.. dint he realize how obvious an answer to this particular question would be.. if overload is not live i think they might call ‘jal’ live :PRecommend
Actually the question was edited slightly, my question was regarding a couple of reviews the band got regarding them not playing live after the release of the album Pichal Pairee. I only wanted to know his views regarding that. :)Recommend
Im really loving so much reaction to this honestly! I believe the interview was MINE so I was supposed to answer in my own words and be true which ppl ın musıc medıa or any ındustry arent and that is the problem! If some of u think Im arrogant I have no problems wıth ıt. But Id lıke to say Im really affected by the way things are breaking down in the country.
By calling ADP nobodıes I dıd not mean to dısrespect them – If ALL my answers were printed maybe ud understand my thoughts better. I meant other ppl lıke Sajjad Alı maybe shouldve been on the show b4 ppl who dont even have an album or a large enough following yet. I certainly hope they do & I wish them the best.
I know my business & Im entitled to my opinion just as you all are to yours.
And agaın answering SERIOUSLY – Hahaha u think PTV can handle lıve sound? Do u know that its the only channel in the world that stıll runs in mono. Do u kow the dıfference between mono, stereo and surround? It may be able to handle a lıve speech by Rehman Malik but certainly not music – the way its meant to be done! U should try a vacation or some thing. Be happy and stuff – Chill out! :)Recommend
I’m horrified at this guy’s attitude problem.I actually respected him. The comment about Coke Studio (Nobodies like ADP & bad folk artists) just left me baffled.It’s so clear he’s miffed at not being asked to be a part of the show.I wish he had pointed out the “bad folk singers” he’s talking about coz ALL those who’ve played at Coke Studio in this and the previous seasons are fantastic singers and genuine artists who’re connected with their heritage and sing from the heart.This comment is just unforgivable, it shows serious lack of respect. It’s also sad the way he says:
“I have never heard Alamgir or Vital Signs personally. I only heard a bit of Junoon when they came to the forefront. I was never a fan of Pakistani music and I’m so very glad!”
It’s ok if you didn’t listen to our music much Farhad but the least you could do is show some respect for AT LEAST people like Alamgir. Sad.Recommend
The content is honest and no doubts about the band being the best live act bands the country has if any other at all but if one has to put honesty in a better way i like nazish’s reply the point gets home without crushing anyone.Recommend
Its really a sad sight. The Pakistani music industry is struggling as it is , we have some really good upcoming bands who eventually have no choice but to knock on bollywood music directors’ doors and now this war of words between two bands , each of whom got a fair share of exposure from the Coke Studio platform. While Farhad Humayun does have his rights to air his opinion , one wished if he had not been so quick to disparage other bands. He of all the people knows the hardships of being an upcoming band , and maybe he could have used this interview to express solidarity with his brethren and maybe thanked Rohail Hyaat & Coke studio for giving his band this opportunity. Although belittling any band is not right, the fact that Farhad speaks so low about folk singers is sad especially since Meesha Shafi’s performance in Coke studio was on folk music. Unlike ADP members & fans , just because folk singers don’t retaliate online doesn’t mean they are not worth defending. Gentlemen , use the music for harmony, we have enough dissonance in the country.Recommend
ADP is far better than you guys. I never knew about you guys before COKE STUDIO and that too because of Meesha Shafi.Recommend
@ withcfider general: seriously” is a disgruntled wannabe male…!!! was a fan but now he himself thinks that he is the rockstar! :DRecommend
I can tell how messed up Pakistan is right now because of the attitude in the feedback as well as of Farhad himself. You said it best sir, the problem with Pakistan is that everybody thinks he is an expert on everything, I respect your views in music because that is your area, but your “analysis” of the political and social situation is simply contradicting your own statement, I guess if you can’t beat them join them. Don’t get me wrong I love Overload and I have given a lot of my friends (who are not Pakistanis) a lot of rock music from Pakistan and they can’t believe something so good can be Pakistani. I understand all the “Don’t @%$# with me” rock attitude and all and I know where you are coming from, but it’s not professional to pick on other people in your profession. I mean sure metal bands in the US also put down Lady Gaga and it is all fine if you think ADP is the Lady Gaga of Pakistan, but this is my point, music is not a competition, this is not the first grade and who cares how many gold stars you get because this is not anything objective. Moreover who is to judge? For all you know people who like ADP might call you a nobody, do you have the stomach to take that kind of criticism? I sure hope so otherwise this would be a simple reflection of our national trait of intolerance, which should be in stark contradiction to your “rich” and “educated” status. Not just Farhad and not just people reading this article, but to every Pakistani, can we please just respect each others point of view? Maybe then we would not be in such deep manure.Recommend
I think Farhad makes an excellent point that we should all take note of. This interview was not printed in its entirety. It has been hacked and molested into the form it has taken now, as is the perogative of the EDITOR, and not the writer… so i am sure lots of what Farhad had to say that was relevant, and well meaning was cut out, and sensationalized to the hilt…
This is what news editors do… and as a writer I have had my work violated in the same way to say something that was never intended to say at all…
cut the guy some slack…Recommend
Yes Nazish, I do agree with you, a lot of it might be out of context as a result of the editing and that makes a big difference, Farhad might have been misquoted as well on a lot of parts and yes we should all cut him and each other some slack. I think we all are effected by the break down of things in Pakistan and I think we can play a role by taking personal responsibility and doing what we can in our respective fields and professions. Progression begins with open mindedness and tolerance. I believe that everyone reading this article and others are educated people who can make a difference because they form the major work force of our country. A difference of opinion is great and healthy for every one, but accepting each others opinions and refraining from making final judgments is what separates progression and regression. Let us all give each other a break and enjoy what our artists are doing and celebrate our diversity of thought, cognition and art of expression. Farhad, you and the others in Overload are doing a wonderful job coming up with amazing music and we are immensely proud when you represent us overseas and at home. Let’s all do what we can and live and let live and prosper together. Peace to everyone.Recommend
actually the truth is i have heard both ADP and overload live .. and ADP is way better live… the only Respect that your going to get is that you guys do play good music ..Recommend
TO the editor.. i understand that my comment needs to be edited … although.. its nice to see that you guys dont follow your own code..
FREEDOM OF SPEECH .. FAILRecommend
There was no reason to come across as such an unlikable person.Recommend
Music is NOT and should never be a Competition. Unfortunately for many,competition is the only way forward.
Appreciate music for what it is and not for what it is worse or better than.
if u wanna get along u dont have to find the similarities just respect the differences .Recommend
nah hes too cool for it!!Recommend
Basic guitar chords and 3 chord songs can impress girls easily so kids choose to play a guitar and be cool.
haha!
Especially after having nobodies like ADP and so many random bad folk singers I think Coke studio has lost its charm.
Ouch! But I think Farhad has clarified. I’d say he’s right – bigger names like Sajjad Ali should’ve come much earlier.
Yes. I have produced the album. I think they are a great act and are very talented.
The man has a very weird sense of good music. SYMT is good??!Recommend
Great to learn about new and good talents and enthusiastic person who love playing drums.Recommend
Seriously is totally spot on and like typical Paindus, the response is to attack the person. Basically, if you logically deconstruct the un-drummer’s argument: “What do people know? We are 100 per cent live. That’s why everything from banking to art is all wrong in Pakistan because everyone thinks he’s an expert on everything!” I’m wondering if he thinks he’s part of humanity or perhaps above it? That is arrogance. IF all people are wrong, then this is all totally pointless and we are just wasting time for surely he is wrong too. Secondly, wow twisted logic much? When did our art, world renowned and appreciated, become “wrong?” The ignorance of that statement coming from an NCA graduate is stupefying and his responses are clear proof that you just can’t have a battle of the wits with the witless. Please go ahead and delude yourself into think you are wonderful. Many people within the musician community refer to you as the Punjabi equivalent of faeces for a reason. Indeed, this is this person’s popular nickname within much of the music community. What a joke playing live! HAHAHAHA. Love how people lie with a straight face. And yes, many people just refuse to play with Overload and many have not been paid.
Pride always comes before an inevitable fall. However, the worst get ahead in a land like this. I’m not surprised so many sycophants have been writing baseless praise here. And I’m afraid to say that critical praise is more important to serious musicians than mainstream responses.Recommend
Ouch. So much in-fighting. Perhaps the article printed in its entirety would have made Farhad seem less obnoxious. However, it still stands that he may not be the authority on who should be on Coke Studio; that is an insult to the talent of Rohail Hyatt.
In agreeing with ‘Insider’ above, constructive criticism is helpful and lends itself to improvement. Personal attacks only show the immaturity and an insecurity, both of which need to be dealt outside of a public forum. Also in agreeing with ‘Seriously’, ADP may not be the most experienced band, but their show put some of the other, more experienced bands and performances to shame. Case in point, Zeb & Haniya’s second appearance, on which they sang a Turkish song, and then participated in a musical monstrosity with Noori, entitled Tann Dolay. I am a huge proponent of ‘girl power’, but I am a bigger proponent of good music and fair criticism.Recommend
V Nice :) Criticisms are made to make us Play Harder to WIN the Game.
Farhad Humayun is Indeed a Great Leader and founder of Overload’s!! Hats off for the efforts FH made in forming the hybrid nature of the band to make it Outstanding on National and International level .The Real Artist and a Rock Star Indeed who dedicates his life to music since he was just 14.
A unique flavor of eastern classical rhythms with the modern drum by Overload’s makes every1 liked the band. Pls. carry forward Farhad Humayun …………………. we liked Overload’s playing lively.Recommend