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Revival of electro-pop in Pakistan or a 'poor man's Coke Studio'? Twitter reviews Velo Sound Station

Revival of electro-pop in Pakistan or a 'poor man's Coke Studio'? Twitter reviews Velo Sound Station

Atif Aslam, Umair Jaswal and Natasha Noorani take the stage in the first episode of the Bilal Maqsood-produced music show.
Updated 24 Nov, 2020

There are some names in the music industry who everyone expects will churn out good — and only good — music. Bilal Maqsood, one half of the uber popular Strings, is one of them.

For this reason, the announcement that he had been working on a new music show for "11 months" had plenty of people's attention.

"As the executive producer of the show, I present to you Velo Sound Station!" he shared on social media last week, with a teaser.

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

"I’m really excited about this!" he said in another post. "I’d like to tell you guys a few important things about the show: 1) we will be releasing a number of songs every week; 2) this will be on digital platforms only. So subscribe to Velo Sound Station’s channel on YouTube. Follow Velo Sound Station’s page on Facebook; 3) all songs will be available on all big music streaming platforms."

"I hope you like it," he signed off.

The first episode, which came out on Friday, featured Atif Aslam, Umair Jaswal and Natasha Noorani. The tunes and wardrobe of the musicians both took inspo from retro pop — and we're here for it.

But what did people make of the show?

Atif Aslam can do no wrong

Atif Aslam is a musical powerhouse and his Kadi Te Hans rendition, which he performed in a bedazzling jacket, seems to have reinstated him as the 'King of Pop'.

Love or hate the song, Umair Jaswal has energy

Umair Jaswal took on the beloved classic Gagar and while the reviews were mixed, everyone agrees this guy has plenty of energy — and a variety of funky jackets.

Baby, baby, this song is catchy

Natasha Noorani's track Baby Baby stuck a chord with people; it's the sort that just grows on you. Also, that chic powder pink suit was our favourite ensemble of the night.

Overall, people seem happy to have new tunes

In the year of corona, anything upbeat is welcomed by most.

However, some just weren't impressed

From a "poor man's Coke Studio" to "fake", there was plenty of criticism.

And there was some unnecessary hate for the extras

Comments

Talha Nov 22, 2020 01:37pm
where is the 6 ft distance, following COVID 19 SOPs among the live audience??? i mean such a nice show, could have done it without endangering live audience
Recommend
Sami Nov 22, 2020 02:28pm
I dont think its live recording?
Recommend
Kash Nov 22, 2020 02:33pm
No SOPS
Recommend
Biryani Munda Nov 22, 2020 02:37pm
Good going ! The last one reminds me of Nazia Hassan. Love from India :)
Recommend
Bablo Nov 22, 2020 09:35pm
No match to Coke Studio.
Recommend
Ali S Nov 22, 2020 09:46pm
Poor man's Coke Studio probably describes it best. It's going to do nothing for music in Pakistan - we need original music and venues/security to perform it live. Hardly any original music is being made on any of these TV platforms - just rehashing or butchering classics. Also, infuriating to see even pampered celebrities couldn't care less about COVID-19 measures.
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Chrís Dăn Nov 22, 2020 11:21pm
A soft and refreshing song. Voila.
Recommend
Ali Toronto Nov 23, 2020 12:18am
@Ali S spot on
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Hashaam Nov 23, 2020 06:45am
@Sami it’s definitely choreographed and not live
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Chanakya Nov 23, 2020 08:45am
Overrated singer.
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Abdul Wahab Nov 23, 2020 10:11am
Somebody pls confirm if songs were recorded live?? I doubt..
Recommend
BlindOne Nov 23, 2020 01:14pm
Why rehash the old when we can go with the new. Kindly bring MCC from the 90s back, put it on a local channel between the dramas and see the magic.
Recommend
sarim alvi Nov 24, 2020 03:42pm
I am very impressed the way Bilal and of course Faisal created this concept. Love the new sound and Music created by the two for Umair Jaswal and Atif Aslam. Have definitely left COKE studio far behind
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