A for Aleph Podcast

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we sit down with Faran Khan Bhatti, a former aviator and the proprietor of an event management company, a travel and tours company, and a design agency. He is also a storyteller and an advocate of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai's writings. Faran was born to Abdul Ghaffar Tabassum, a renowned Sindhi poet whose work inspired artists like Abida Parveen, contributin...

In this episode of the A for Aleph podcast, we had the honour of welcoming Natasha Baig, a versatile Pakistani singer-songwriter from Hunza Valley, celebrated for her powerful vocals and known for her unique blend of Sufi rock and folk styles.  Despite having no formal music education, she grew up listening to mainstream artists like Abida Parveen and Michael Jackson. She began her career in 2013...

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we are in conversation with Zair Zaki, a young Pakistani musician and rhythm guitarist for the alternative rock band Kashmir, formed in 2012. The band gained fame after winning Pepsi Battle of the Bands Season 2 in 2017. Zair has been instrumental in the band's success, contributing to popular tracks like "Kaaghaz Ka Jahaaz" and albums such as &...

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we had the pleasure of having Zohaib Kazi in the studio -  a versatile producer, director and author who has gained prominence for his innovative approach to music and storytelling. Zohaib’s journey into Pakistan’s music industry started when he joined Frequency Media working under Rohail Hyatt, this production company was responsible for producing Coke Studio...

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we dive into the story of Saif Samejo, best known as the founder and lead vocalist of the sufi band The Sketches, and also as the founder and force behind the Lahooti Melo festival. He has been instrumental in promoting Sindhi culture and language through his music. He is also involved in various cultural, social initiatives and environmental preservation init...

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we dive into the story of Taha G, short for Taha Gurwara, a Pakistani singer and songwriter who has gained significant popularity amongst the Pakistani and Indian youth in recent times.   He is known for his work in the genres of pop, indie, and hip-hop. His music often revolves around the theme of his "lover boy" persona. He has released numerous hi...

In this episode of the Aleph podcast we had the pleasure of hosting Mehdi Maloof, an indie Singer/Songwriter originally from Islamabad whose pen game is undeniable. Mehdi Maloof stands as a leading figure within Pakistan's independent music landscape, renowned for his captivating and thought-provoking songs that delve into the depths of human experience. His music resonates deeply with listen...

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting the exceptionally talented Emad Rahman. With over 30 years of experience, Emad is a renowned figure in the Pakistani music industry. He has made his mark as a composer, producer, sound designer, record producer, songwriter, saxophonist, keyboard player, lyricist, background film score composer, and engineer. Emad has collaborated...

In this episode of Aleph Podcast join us in a captivating conversation as we dive into the life and music of Nabeel Nihal Chishty - best known for his role as lead guitarist and musical composer for the band Aaroh. From his early days in Saudi Arabia to his musical odyssey in Pakistan, Nabeel's story is one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. Discover how he struck the right...

In this episode of the Aleph Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Yousuf Masood a key member of the band Songs of Petrichor. He is an aspiring guitar player and also played bass on his band's music. Yousuf, along with Shaharyar Hamdani and Omair Soomro, forms the trio that creates a unique fusion of 70's prog, 90's grunge, and South Asian classical music. The band's sound is...

In this episode of Aleph Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Schumaila Rehmat Hussain, an inspiring Dubai-based singer and composer, known for her deep voice and haunting melodies. Schumaila has enriched several film soundtracks, with notable works in films like "Manto" and "Azad". Schumaila shares insights from her musical journey, her upcoming album, her creative process...

The momentous 50th episode of the A for Aleph Podcast celebrates and honours the esteemed luminary of Pakistani rock music.  Asad Ahmed, a virtuoso guitarist and a colossus within the industry, graces the podcast with his august presence. Far from a mere performer, Asad emerges as a polymathic creative dynamo, distinguished in his roles as a producer-engineer, composer, and the searing guitarist o...

In this special episode of the Aleph Podcast, we delved into the world of Schehzad Mughal—a virtuoso whose talents span across singing, songwriting, guitar playing, composing, and acting, making him a standout figure in the Pakistani music scene. Born in 1965, Schehzad's musical voyage truly began to gather momentum in the late '80s, but it is his solo career that has etched his name int...

In this Episode of Aleph Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting the multitalented Faraz Waqar Haider, also known as Faraz Haider. He was the lead singer of the band "Andher". In 2010, he began his solo career in music and released his debut album 'Andher' followed by 'Naya Jahan' in 2014. His latest album 'Playroom' came out in 2021 which is heavily influen...

In this Episode of Aleph Podcast, we had the opportunity to trace back time with Rizwan Khan - Lead guitarist from the band FINAL CUT, the leading band in Karachi’s underground scene in the late 80’s.  Rizwan was considered to be one of the best guitar players in the local circuit of Karachi and was at the forefront of the musical renaissance in Pakistan - Rizwan has worked on known tracks such as...

In this episode of the Aleph Podcast, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar sits down with Music Composer/Producer, Ahsan Bari. Bari is considered a mainstay in the musical zeitgeist for his unorthodox and contemporary style of music writing, which can be seen through the work of the ensemble he founded "Sounds Of Kolachi". Join us as we explore the journey that has led to Ahsan Bari becoming a...

In this episode of the Aleph Podcast, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar is in conversation with singer and song writer Ahmed Zawar, from the Karachi indie rock band, E-Sharp. E-Sharp were the finalists of Pepsi Battle of The Bands (2019) with two nominations on The Lux Style Awards, With Ahmed Zawar as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitar player. Notably, E-Sharp are the only Pakistani band to have pro...

In this episode of the Aleph Podcast, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar had the pleasure of inviting national sensation, songwriter and singer, Asfar Hussain from the band “Bayaan”. Asfar shot into the public eye after appearing in the first season of Nescafé Basement, 2012. The conversation is about Asfar’s journey from Chitral into the Pakistani music industry starting from his childhood to what he...

In this episode of the Aleph Podcast, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar is in conversation with Irfan Ali Taj. The conversation is about Irfan’s journey into the music industry starting from his childhood to what he is doing currently. Umair Dar gets into the details of Irfan’s musical endeavors, inspirations, achievements and how it’s been for him working on different projects recently. Irfan Ali Taj...

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar sits down with the phenomenal Sarangi virtuoso Gul Muhammad, son of Ustad Akhtar Husain, and grandson of Ustad Ghulam Muhammad of the Hoshiyaarpur Gharana; representing the seventh generation of musicians in his family, Gul carries a monumental musical heritage on his shoulders. Currently, he is among only two active professional...

In this episode of the Aleph podcast, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar hosts renowned musician and actor, Junaid Khan. During the third year of his Engineering degree from UET, Junaid was auditioned by and then recruited by the band ‘Call’, after which they  released their first song, “Nishaan”. The success of the single catapulted them to instant stardom in the music scene, making them mainstream ar...

In this Episode, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar invites award winning Filmmaker & Musician Nadir Shahzad to our podcast. He is the frontman of Sikandar ka Mandar - An indie folk rock band from Karachi known for being at the forefront of the local indie music industry. He has also been the Producer of the indie music show Lussin TV which ran for four seasons, featuring artists like Natasha Humer...

In this episode of the Aleph Podcast, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar had the pleasure of inviting the legendary, Jon J. Saville. The conversation is about Jon’s journey into the music industries starting from his childhood to what he is doing currently. A for Aleph Founder, Umair gets into the details of Jon’s musical endeavors, inspirations, achievements and how it’s been for him working on differ...

In this episode of the Aleph Podcast, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar is in conversation with the multi-talented Film-maker, Screen writer and Music Producer Jamal Rahman of True Brew Records fame. Over the past decade and a half, Jamal has worked with a number of bands, and on various films, documentaries and commercials as a music composer and producer. After shifting his focus to filmmaking, Jama...

In this episode of The Aleph Podcast, A For Aleph Founder Umair Dar invites a man that is considered one of the most important guitar players and musicians in Pakistan's History, Faraz Anwar. Faraz Anwar started his music journey at the age of six, when he saw Yngwie Malmsteen, the Swedish guitar virtuoso on the TV for the first time. This led him to pick up the guitar as his main instrument....