RAW

Noreen Nusrat

THE MAGAZINE

Interview with
Noreen Nusrat
by Rameez Asif (rameez@raw.com.pk)

Noreen Nusrat a hardcore Classic Rock and Metal music lover and
the pioneer to introduce proper Music Journalism in Pakistan . She
was the editor of Diffusion Music Magazine.
Here is no holds barred interview with Noreen Nusrat and her
views on Pakistani music.
What is Music in your opinion? Is it just for enjoyment or is it
having something serious in it?
Well for me personally, it has meant so much throughout my life. I
listen to the kind of music which I can relate to. Music has helped
me heal; even vent out anger at times and has given me a better
insight. It has kept me alive and going.
Lets talk about Diffusion Music Magazine shall we? I know it
hurts but still I want to talk about it.
Sure. Go ahead.
How it all started? And how did you get involved in it?
Basically, Diffusion Music was my brainchild. I wanted to launch a nationwide English music magazine in this country. I used to think that if we could
have music channels in this country, why not a Music Magazine!
I mean couldnt we have music journalism in Pakistan . Through this idea, not only did I want to promote the local music scene and in particular the
underground bands, but also encourage young people to get into music journalism.
Although, the focus was on promoting upcoming bands by interviewing them and covering the local gigs, we also covered a few mainstream
musicians in every issue.
Diffusion Music Magazine wanted to promote Underground Musicians and I think it was the first Music Magazine promoting Underground
Acts? Why UG artists?
At that time, the local media was covering all the mainstream musicians and no one knew about these underground bands. The bands which were
playing at small gigs, some original, some doing covers. I felt there was a need to bring these bands under the spotlight.
Actually I got interested in the whole idea when I started attending underground gigs in Lahore . It was an entirely new experience for me in Pakistan
, a culture I wanted people to know about.
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Interview with Noreen Nusrat

You also did a documentary on the Underground Music Scene of Lahore Sound from the Underground which was premiered on the launch
of Diffusion Music Magazine. What was the main reason behind the documentary?
The reason was that it was a topic not covered before. I thought it would make a really interesting documentary and sending it to a festival abroad
would be of interest, revealing a completely different culture in Pakistani music.
I mean we get to see pop and qawalis and folk music on television, but this was a genre completely undiscovered by electronic media.
The documentary involved a few bands/artists but dont you think you didnt do justice to the musicians who were supposed to be interviewed? I
mean why your decision to interview EP because this band was never underground.
EP was not covered as an Underground band, if you listen to the narration, it was covered as a transition band which comprised of two separate
underground bands, Entity and Paradigm which had merged to come up on the mainstream music scenario. EP was given coverage with that
particular angle in mind on how underground bands transit to the mainstream.
There is another music magazine World of Music which is Karachi based. Have you come across it?
No I havent as yet, would love to see what its like.
Your views on the present Pakistani music scene? Is it going in the right direction?
Frankly, I have been out of touch.
I did recently hear this one particular band from Islamabad , called Fatsumas. I like Imran Maliks music. Its original, he doesnt play covers, the
thought and the lyrics are original. I believe that originality is the most important factor in being called a musician!
Break up of bands is becoming a fashion these days. Noori, eP, Jal, Call, Aaroh, Junoon, Vital Signs and couple of other bands. These bands
didnt do well musically but cashed a lot of fame through breakups what do you say?
No, I disagree. I think a lot of these bands had come in a vacuum.
Vital Signs in the late 80s, Junoon in the mid 90s etc, the younger Pakistani generation in every era needed musicians they could relate to and these
bands were the ones who filled this vacuum for them. They just did the right thing at the right time. You and I might not like their music, but they
managed to capture the right audience for themselves.
Do you differentiate music in terms of commercial and non-commercial music?
Yes, I definitely do. A lot of bands that I listen to were not and are not commercially successful because the masses in general would never
understand the kind of music they play. For example, I listen to a lot of feminist musicians, they are not commercially successfully. Tthey are not rock
stars, just little women doing their thing for a small audience who can relate to what they sing about.
Your favourite band(s)/artist(s) from Pakistan ?
Munni Begum. Love her!
You must have read many music critics writing in different newspapers in Pakistan . Are you satisfied with their piece of work? Do you
think they are musically trained?
Most of them are not musicians themselves, they maybe avid listeners but lack the technical know-how to critically comment and analyze music. But
then again, I dont think that music journalism has reached that stage in Pakistan when a critics review can really impact the sale of an album. Most
of it is just amateur writing for now. It is just the start, evolutionary phase for music journalism; hopefully we shall see some good writers in a few
years.
Do you think a critic should have ample knowledge on the technical aspects of a track/music/album?
Yes and no! Its not that simple to define. Depends on the piece you are writing and the angle being covered.
You favourite Music Critic (Pakistani)?
I think Vetch writes really well, amazing writer. Pick up Diffusion to read his articles!

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Interview with Noreen Nusrat

Noreen this is an open hand question you can talk about anything you like or dislike. If you want to bash someone a VJ, a critic or an
artist/band then this is the best chance, JUST DO IT. I want to see your anger.
(Says with obvious laughter) For f*** sake be original guys! I am sick of seeing wannabes everywhere.
Nooris new album was released this year. A lot of so called critics went crazy and praised the album by calling it a mature album even
though the album is not different from the last album. I am sure you remember the review of Nooris album by an amateur/mediocre
writer in The News on Sundays?
I did not like the album; it was termed PUNK by many. People need a crash course in punk music I guess!
I seriously havent seen a lot of girls listening to Classic Rock or Metal, the ones who do are just posers these days. But I have seen you listening to
musicians like Janis Joplin How did it all start and how did you developed your taste for Classic Rock/Metal.
I think I owe a lot to my Khala (aunt). I grew up listening to her music collection; she has brilliant taste in music. For the past five years, I think Ani
Difranco says it all for me. Amazing, amazing musician!
Noreen it was nice talking to you. You are one of those people in media I really admire because of the hard work and sincerity. Thank you
for your time. Any thing you would like to say in the end to the people writing in different newspapers without any proper knowledge of
music?
Be opinionated but listen more and read more.

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