Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: February 08, 2021 | 
| 中文
Mehdi Maloof Recording for Coke Studio
Mehdi Maloof is a name well-known and deeply respected in the Pakistani independent music scene. With simple guitar melodies complemented by lyrics about old buildings, open windows and unexplored paths, Maloof has won over the hearts of many with his charming and down-to-earth compositions. Fans are elated to see his profile steadily rise from his humble social media beginnings to his recent single with Coke Studio. In an interview with Youlin Magazine, he talks about his journey, his artistic style and what music means to him.
Maloof (who is also affectionately known as ‘Kobra’ among his musical contemporaries) explained that music has always been a part of life for him. “Music and songwriting is something I’ve been doing from a young age. I started playing the piano, and my brother and I would write funny songs in Grade 1 or 2, so I’ve always been interested in songwriting.”
Mehdi Maloof at a Live Performance in 2016
However, despite his passion for music, his professional career has also been equally important to him. After getting a degree in Business Administration from IBA Karachi, he cleared the Central Superior Service Exam (CSS) in 2015. “Music was more like a hobby during university, so while studying for the it I never considered how music and CSS would go hand in hand. For me, music is something which I would keep doing no matter what my career. As far as the combination of the two, it is nice because I see situations in society that one may not see in everyday life [because of my job]. So, it’s good that I get a lot of unique material to write about.”
For instance, ‘Gandi Si Building’ (A Dirty Building) examines the precarious housing situation of many Pakistanis, as Maloof pokes fun at strange neighbors and shoddy construction. While he joined the Pakistani independent music scene in 2012 with his heart wrenching “1947”, it was his 2016 single ‘Do Hi Rastay Hain’ (There Are Two Paths) which garnered a massive cult following. The simple melody blends with lyrics that capture and celebrate the reckless uncertainty of life as well as the connections people make with each other that help them persevere through hardship.
A Stll from the Music Video for 'Gandi Si Building'
Maloof’s signature technique is using funny or quirky situations to delve into deep philosophical and existential questions about life, emotions and society. He admits to seeking inspiration for his unconventional poetry from Greek and Islamic philosophy as well as Urdu literature. Through his songs, he compels the listener to not only delve into their inner workings but also question society and the issues which remain prevalent in them. This makes his songs both immediate and profound enough to resonate with audiences in all sections of society.
When asked about his songwriting process, Maloof answered, “Sometimes when I’m walking around, a line will come to me and I keep writing the lines down. This has nothing to do with me, it’s just the inspiration that strikes me and I can only write it down. Occasionally, the chord or melody comes first and the lyrics come later, or it happens the other way around.”
Mehdi Maloof's Debut EP
However, despite working on his music for almost a decade, Maloof has only recently been introduced to mainstream audiences. His song ‘Dil Khirki’ (Window to the Heart), which he sang for the latest iteration of Coke Studio, has amassed almost 3 million views on YouTube. “Coke Studio has been different in terms of the outreach, being on it was a big thing for me, even though I don’t think I’m Coke Studio material because my music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But it’s different from performing at musical festivals and smaller venues, because there the fan base for indie music is small but quite strong.”
The musical landscape in Pakistan has changed significantly since Maloof joined it, and one wonders if such a phenomenon can be replicated with upcoming musicians. When contemplating whether the future of Pakistani music lay with the underground music scene or major platforms like Coke Studio, Maloof explained, “The future of Pakistan doesn’t lie with independent artists, social media or huge platforms. When people make music, the end product is its own reward. For instance, if I write about something difficult in my life and make it seem funny, then the hardship becomes manageable, and that makes the song a success. In my opinion, the future of Pakistani music lies with the musicians who put in the work, everything else is secondary to that.”
Artwork for the Single 'Peero'
In 2021, Maloof is set to release a new full-feature album, featuring collaborations with other independent artists. He is still a permanent fixture in the Pakistani independent music scene; he even joined forces with the diametrically opposite electronic artist Talal Qureshi to create ‘Peero’, a haunting and psychedelic single that combines the best of both. In the meantime, Maloof’s fans will eagerly wait for more of his earnest, witty and unconventional songs that will inspire and move them to dig deeper within themselves.
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