Music has always been a universal language, a medium that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Today, we are fortunate to live in a digital age where music is more accessible and influential than ever before. Faisal Kapadia, a renowned Pakistani musician and former member of the pop band Strings, shares his insights on how the digital age influences music and its impact on the modern generation.
Faisal Kapadia: A Music Icon
For over three decades, Faisal Kapadia has been an integral part of the music industry. As a vital member of the band Strings, he not only defined but revolutionized pop music in Pakistan and beyond. His collaboration with bandmate Bilal Maqsood resonated with audiences worldwide, earning them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
After the band’s disbandment, Kapadia embarked on a solo journey with his album “Zindagi Jahan Le Jaaye,” marking a new era in his illustrious music career. In a recent interview with Khaleej Times conducted by Sadiq Saleem, the music icon shared his journey and the inspiration behind his solo venture.
The Impact of Digital Engagement Metrics
When asked about the influence of digital engagement metrics such as downloads, likes, and shares on defining success, Kapadia emphasized the evolving nature of success metrics. He acknowledged the importance of these metrics in providing a glimpse into a song’s immediate impact. However, he expressed his belief that they do not fully capture the slow organic success that music can achieve over time.
For Kapadia, success is not just about digital popularity but the emotional connection his music forms with listeners. “If my music touches the lives of those who listen to it; if my work can find a special place in someone’s heart or become a part of their life’s soundtrack, then I’ve succeeded,” he said.
Inspiration and Creativity in Music
Discussing the concept of inspiration and dealing with creative blocks, Kapadia revealed that he rarely experiences these blocks. He attributes this to the continuous inspiration he draws from both internal ideas and external observations. In the vibrant world of today, he believes that there is always something to fuel creativity for those who are keen observers.
Kapadia’s music creation process is also a fascinating subject. “It’s the magic of being a composer,” he shared. Choosing which tunes to develop further is a challenging yet beautiful part of music creation. It’s not about right or wrong but about being true to oneself and pouring your heart into the melody.
The Issue of Song Credit in the Digital Age
Kapadia also addressed the issue of Pakistani songs being used without proper credit. He noted that in the past, there were numerous instances of songs being used without proper attribution. However, with the advent of digital platforms and their detection software, it has become much harder to use a song without giving due credit.
The Power of Silence in a Noisy World
When asked about his inclination towards silence amidst the noise, Kapadia expressed his belief in the power of silence. He stated, “We all crave [silence], don’t we? In the midst of noise, finding clarity and focus becomes a challenge. Silence offers us the space to disconnect from immediate distractions and to dive deeper and reflect.”
The Album and Collaborations
Kapadia’s solo album features various collaborations. He particularly highlighted “Dheema Dheema,” describing it as a personal favorite and the highlight of the album. He also mentioned his enjoyable experience working with co-artists Zohan and Amna Rai on “Aankh Mori,” and his collaboration with Krystel Dib from Lebanon on “La Takhoun” and with Zoha Zuberi on “Hum Na Rahay.”
Nurturing Music Skills in the Digital Age
Faisal Kapadia believes that the current generation is benefitting far more than previous ones in terms of nurturing their music skills. He points out that, unlike in the past when there were only a few musical mentors available, today’s generation has unlimited online resources.
Living and Creating Music in Dubai
Living in Dubai, which Kapadia compares to being in Lahore or Islamabad, does not hinder his music creation process. He emphasized that in today’s digital era, distance hardly feels like a barrier.