When it comes to the underground music scene in Pakistan, there are many talented bands that are creating some soothing music. One of the supremely talented and insane bands is Those Retards. Recently, the band has released their debut song "Lots of Calcium" that is creating waves of success with its spellbinding essence over the internet and making people wonder where the band was hiding all this time.
Comprising of 4 band members, Hassaan Bin Akhtar on Keyboards; also the vocalist of the band, Abubakar Zahid on Lead Guitars, Shahzeb Khan on Drums, and Waleed Attique on the Bass, Those Retards have performed at numerous events and venues. After the successful release of their debut song, we sat down with the band for a quick chat-session and talked about music and their future projects. Here's the conversation we had with the band's vocalist Hassaan:
1. You have just released your new song, how are you guys feeling about it?
We couldn’t be happier! Some of our songs, including this one, are more than 5 years old. So you can imagine the kind of troubles we had to face to get to this point and finally release a song with a proper music video. It feels great.
2. How many more songs are in the pipeline and when do you intend to release them?
We’re releasing a 4 song E.P called “Foot Fingers” on 25th of August. Which includes “Lots of Calcium”, the one we just debuted with. And we’re already working on another 5 track E.P to release afterward soon. In fact, there’s already drafts for songs that we plan to release as part of our first album (after the next E.P) so lots of music in the store.
3. Who is/are your icon(s) in the music industry? (Name one Pakistani and Others, if any)
We’re fans of indie bands such as Poor Rich Boy. Their work has always been impressive.
4. How difficult it is for young musicians to survive and make a name for themselves in these times?
As we mentioned before, it took us years to finally release our first song. The music industry is having a tough time surviving. We didn’t want to present a sub-standard product. We like our songs and wanted them to get a release they deserve. So we had to wait a long long time in order to make things work. And since our songs are in English, it’s even harder to find an audience here in Pakistan.
5. What genre of music do you prefer to make?
We like making all kinds of song. In fact, we have a very hard time fitting into one genre.
6. Those Retards, as a band, has had a long journey. How would you describe your journey as a learning experience?
This band was and probably will remain our best source of learning and growth, not only as musicians but as friends as well.
7. Do you think releasing an album these days is still a good decision?
We think someone needs to bring the album culture back to Pakistan. Unfortunately, it’s not a good decision right now but someone has to do it and get the rusty gears grinding.
8. How is the response you have received so far for your new song?
The response has been great! We’re really happy with our debut. It’s a bit overwhelming but it’ll probably help us churn out a better song/video next time.
9. Do you think corporates can help revive the music industry?
In a way, yes. Musicians are stereotypically broke and in need of cash. Corporate sponsors can help artists grow and hence establish a healthy music industry.
10. Your most memorable concert to date:
Our performance in UCP is the most memorable. The audience was crazy loud!
11. Your band member has been a part of Nescafe Basement. How would you people rate the quality of music that Nescafe Basement produces in comparison to Coke Studio?
We’re fans of both Nescafe Basement and Coke Studio. Nescafe Basement is known for promoting new talent, which we really appreciate since we ourselves are an underground band.
12. Why did you name the song Lots of Calcium?
Lots of calcium was once a lyric at the end of the song but it didn't fit well, so we removed that lyric but kept it as the songs name. In the verses, the song talks about bones breaking (figuratively speaking, a person is hurt so much by someone that the pain they feel is like bones breaking) and so lot's of calcium is metaphor for the energy they need to help with the breaking bones
13. Please give a short message for your fans and our readers.
Foot Fingers releases 25th of August, there’s also another music video on the way so spread the word and the love.
We wish Those Retards a very best of luck for their upcoming E.P releasing on 25th of August. Here's the video of their debut song "Lots of Calcium". Enjoy, but beware, you might get calcium overdose *wink*:
1. You have just released your new song, how are you guys feeling about it?
We couldn’t be happier! Some of our songs, including this one, are more than 5 years old. So you can imagine the kind of troubles we had to face to get to this point and finally release a song with a proper music video. It feels great.
2. How many more songs are in the pipeline and when do you intend to release them?
We’re releasing a 4 song E.P called “Foot Fingers” on 25th of August. Which includes “Lots of Calcium”, the one we just debuted with. And we’re already working on another 5 track E.P to release afterward soon. In fact, there’s already drafts for songs that we plan to release as part of our first album (after the next E.P) so lots of music in the store.
3. Who is/are your icon(s) in the music industry? (Name one Pakistani and Others, if any)
We’re fans of indie bands such as Poor Rich Boy. Their work has always been impressive.
4. How difficult it is for young musicians to survive and make a name for themselves in these times?
As we mentioned before, it took us years to finally release our first song. The music industry is having a tough time surviving. We didn’t want to present a sub-standard product. We like our songs and wanted them to get a release they deserve. So we had to wait a long long time in order to make things work. And since our songs are in English, it’s even harder to find an audience here in Pakistan.
5. What genre of music do you prefer to make?
We like making all kinds of song. In fact, we have a very hard time fitting into one genre.
6. Those Retards, as a band, has had a long journey. How would you describe your journey as a learning experience?
This band was and probably will remain our best source of learning and growth, not only as musicians but as friends as well.
7. Do you think releasing an album these days is still a good decision?
We think someone needs to bring the album culture back to Pakistan. Unfortunately, it’s not a good decision right now but someone has to do it and get the rusty gears grinding.
8. How is the response you have received so far for your new song?
The response has been great! We’re really happy with our debut. It’s a bit overwhelming but it’ll probably help us churn out a better song/video next time.
9. Do you think corporates can help revive the music industry?
In a way, yes. Musicians are stereotypically broke and in need of cash. Corporate sponsors can help artists grow and hence establish a healthy music industry.
10. Your most memorable concert to date:
Our performance in UCP is the most memorable. The audience was crazy loud!
11. Your band member has been a part of Nescafe Basement. How would you people rate the quality of music that Nescafe Basement produces in comparison to Coke Studio?
We’re fans of both Nescafe Basement and Coke Studio. Nescafe Basement is known for promoting new talent, which we really appreciate since we ourselves are an underground band.
12. Why did you name the song Lots of Calcium?
Lots of calcium was once a lyric at the end of the song but it didn't fit well, so we removed that lyric but kept it as the songs name. In the verses, the song talks about bones breaking (figuratively speaking, a person is hurt so much by someone that the pain they feel is like bones breaking) and so lot's of calcium is metaphor for the energy they need to help with the breaking bones
13. Please give a short message for your fans and our readers.
Foot Fingers releases 25th of August, there’s also another music video on the way so spread the word and the love.
We wish Those Retards a very best of luck for their upcoming E.P releasing on 25th of August. Here's the video of their debut song "Lots of Calcium". Enjoy, but beware, you might get calcium overdose *wink*:
I have seen them live at OLO junction and liked them a lot. The singer needs to improve a bit. Overall, the sound of the band is attractive
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