Noori’ is a rock band from Lahore formed in 1996. The group was created by songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist.....
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Noori’ is a rock band from Lahore formed in 1996. The group was created by songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist, Ali Noor, along with his younger brother Ali Hamza. The band produced songs such as ‘Suno Ke Mein Hoon Jawaan’ and the epic ‘Manwa Re’, which are hummed by fans to date. According to Ali, music runs into the Noor clan. “My mother Madam Noor Zehra Kazim is a world famous musician.
My father is also a singer. Needless to say, there was strong family support for us Noori brothers to join the music industry. Initially, I was part of this band called Co-Ven for a while. Co-Ven released an EP called ‘Not In your World’ with me on lead vocals,” says the crooner.
Fast forward, Noori’s latest album was launched in 2015, titled as ‘Begum Gul Bakaoli Sarfarosh’. Like all their previous albums, this album also has a whole set of thought provoking concept behind the songs. Apart from this, the band has also directed music for Coke Studio 9. Ali has recently come up with his new song ‘Billo’. Let’s see what are the likes & dislikes of this amazing singer...
You! What is your genre for singing?
Pop rock, always.
You! What is your most memorable concert to-date?
Our most memorable concert was the ‘IM Super New Jawan’ concert at the Marina Club from which we made the video for ‘Dil ki Qasam’.
You! Tell us about your latest wedding track ‘Billo’...
‘Billo’ was a complex track to compose and compile together, I’m not going to lie. It was honestly one of the most challenging and best tracks to work on. It’s fun, it’s got variations in beats and sounds, and we’ve got great powerful vocals with an empowering message being sent across.
You! Is it challenging making an Acapella track? What was the most difficult part of bringing Billo to life?
Bringing a new genre to an established music industry is no easy feat and while it’s too early to judge the outcome of this project, it is no doubt going to be welcomed gladly. Along with the assembled team, comprising regulars and are experienced musicians, we know we can at least expect something new and fun. What I am more excited about is the chance to produce original music for this project; no more covers!
You! How was it working in a professional capacity alongside your wife, Mandana?
Like any other day. I am super proud of her and how exceptionally talented she is and how she delivers what she promises. Never short on performance.
You! Your favourite book:
‘Dastak Na Dou’.
You! What is your favourite tune nowadays?
‘Billo’.
You! What is your favourite holiday destination?
My favourite holiday spot is our very own Abbottabad and I try to squeeze in a visit whenever I can.
You! You get super uncomfortable when...
When people are late, I just can’t stand it.
You! If you had access to a time machine which era would you revisit?
Childhood.
You! When I am not working I am usually...
Chilling with my family.
You! What do you think this country needs the most?
As an artist, bringing a new genre/fresh breed of musicians to an established music industry.
You! Your favourite hangout spot:
Hanging out with my kids and watching a movie with them at home.
You! The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far...
You can be a socialite but you can only have a handful of friends because relationships require an investment of time, effort and consistency; whether family, friends or work accomplices.
You! Who do you look up to in the industry?
BIY, Believe in Yourself, is a platform where artists go through a journey that will enable them to become a true musician. BIY Music intends to become the pioneering force in bringing back the narrative content/original music in Pakistan. I believe in pushing forward new talent what I learnt from my global inspirations.
You! What are your future plans?
We continue to surprise the audience with Acappella-driven original music, experimenting with new genres and engaging with our music-loving audience. Alongside Strepsils Stereo, my own company BIY is what I am really focusing on. I hope, within a few years, I can see BIY become a strong pillar in promoting new talent across the country, and supportive of all the passionate music innovators and listeners.
You! Something very few people know about you as a person....
Let that be with the few who know.
