Time out with Farhad Humayun (Interview)
By Haya Khan
Overload is rocking the airwaves once again and their latest video Neray Aa is turning up the heat on all the tv channels and the internet with drummer and founder Syed Farhad Humayun at the helm as lead singer chalking up another winner. The departure of singer Meesha Shafi from the band not too long ago has propelled Farhad into taking quick charge and thereby steering Overload towards even greater success.The fans love him and Overload’s new direction. So how does it all shape up for the cool rock star with the “loudest band in Pakistan”? The man himself took time out recently to answer a few questions.
1.Your views on the overwhelming success of Overload’s “Live at the Apartment” sessions and your plans regarding this exciting new chapter in Overload’s story….
I’m thrilled. We only started it as a practice session. We thought we’d give our fans an insight into the rehearsal room. It got very popular and my inbox kept getting flooded with fan mail. We will be starting season 2 shortly. Just getting a few things in place and getting new artists to join hands. We will be featuring more than just music though.
2. How do you gauge the reaction to your recently released video “Neray Aa”?
We’ve had a crazy response to it. Either people love it or they hate it. We’ve always wanted things to be in black and white so the extreme reaction is great! We’ve had over 26,000 hits (and counting!) on Youtube and Vimeo combined. Its on all major channels. I think we got what we wanted from it. People find themselves addicted to it and there’s great recall value. It grows on you.
3.Your reaction to criticism from people who didn’t get it?
Its not a trick we played. Its OUR music. Its OUR art. Its not made FOR anyone. We did it because we felt like doing it. Its not a product that we are selling. If someone likes it GREAT. Those who don’t just don’t have the taste for it.
4.Does the overwhelming success of your reinvented image of Overload with you at the helm as singer limit the courage to experiment further or bolster it?
We never put any boundaries when we create music. Sheraz still plays keyboards and I play drums and guitar and sing when we are recording in the studio. We’re free! We don’t care whats going on outside the window when we’re in the process of creation. There are no limits in art.
5.Do you see your band transitioning into more than just being ‘the loudest band in Pakistan’?
We’re only the loudest band when we play the percussion set live. When you hear our recordings they’re very sophisticated pieces of music which have won the band critical acclaim all over the world. There’s no other band like Overload in the world. Point out one if you can think of it!
6.How would you respond to critics who say that Overload is over-hyped and overrated and prone to cronyistic support?
I would say critics are parasites. If we don’t create, they have nothing to write about.
Secondly I’d like to know who you call critics. We’ve received critical acclaim all over the world. Did these critics ever even study journalism?
Pakistan is the only place where everyone wants to bring other people down. Only the fittest survive – And we’re still here!Frankly we have no cronies or groupies. We are gladiators and gladiators always fight alone!
7.Is there a ying/yang balancing factor between you and member Sheraz when making music together for Overload? Do you have musical differences?
I think so. We balance each other out. I’m very enthusiastic, passionate & impulsive in my creative process. I like to build and break music. Sheraz is a thinking man. He analyses and formulates ideas in his head entirely before executing them.
We have very common musical influences. We’ve never had any differences so far.
8.Any comments on your recent falling out with ex members singer Meesha Shafi and guitarist Mahmood Rahman and the subsequent lawsuit over “Dhol Bajega“?
Who?
Since its inception only Sheraz and I have been actual band members. I don’t know who you’re talking about.
9.Your next project?
Live at the Apartment Season 2 – New songs and videos by Overload – St.Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Toronto, Sydney
10.Your parting shots for everyone out there in true Farhad Humayun fashion?
We’re out of time. Next session will be next week. Don’t call me I’ll call you!
And so here`s to Overload and Farhad Humayun ! May the force be with you!
