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 chords in both his professional career and his musical pursuits, including his remarkable work with Aaroh that left an indelible mark on Pakistan's music scene. This is a conversation that resonates with the soul, inspiring the pursuit of dreams.
Nabeel Nihal Chishty, a guitar maestro, was born on May 9, 1976, in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. His journey into the world of music started in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, where he, along with childhood friends Farooq Rauf, Ashraf Ansari, and Shehzad Hussain, formed the band "Arena." Their humble beginnings involved composing music and recording it on cassette recorders.
Nabeel's pursuit of music led him to Karachi, where he honed his guitar skills under the mentorship of Faraz Anwar. Despite his family's emphasis on education, Nabeel managed to balance his academic and musical passions.
Further educational pursuits took him to the United States, where he explored Western classical music and continued to nurture his musical talents. Returning to Karachi in 1998, he crossed paths with Kami, a prominent music producer, who recognized Nabeel's talent and encouraged him to pursue a professional music career in Pakistan.
Nabeel's collaboration with Kami led to various musical projects, solidifying his reputation as a gifted musician. He also recorded guitars for Junaid Jamshed's album, "Dil Ki Baat," marking a departure from his rock roots.
His partnership with vocalist Farooq led to the formation of 'Raag,' and the two quickly found musical synergy. Their collaboration ultimately birthed the band "Aaroh."
Aaroh entered 2002’s inaugural Pepsi's Battle of the Bands competition, emerging as winners after a thrilling showdown with Entity Paradigm.
The release of Aaroh's debut album, "Sawaal," in 2003, propelled them to stardom, selling over a million copies nationwide. Nabeel's journey is a testament to his remarkable musical talents, determination, and unwavering passion for music. Today, he resides in Dubai, balancing a successful career in IT with his musical pursuits under the name 'Nabeel Nihal Project.' His story continues to inspire the Pakistani music scene.
FOLLOW NABEEL CHISHTY:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nabeel-nihal-chishty/1446187077
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4U8EEqtqyvTVZuKHj499Dp?si=Qd89K1MwSpaaFNFN6k8IFg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nabeelnihalchishty/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NabeelNihalProject/?locale=en_GB
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nerve9ine
Chapters :
0:00 - Musical Intro
1:46 - Introduction
21:20 - Coming Back To Pakistan And Joining The Industry
28:28 - What Kind Of Gear Was Being Used
37:00 - Memorable Session Playing And Working Experiences
41:25 - Working With Strings
44:05 - Starting AAROH And Pepsi Battle Of The Bands
1:06:40 - The Fall Of AAROH
1:16:00 - Legal/Contractual Pitfalls
1:23:40 - Journey To Album Release
1:31:15 - Post Album Release
1:40:40 - Leaving The Music Industry
1:48:40 - Experiences As A Producer
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Shot and Directed by Aly Muhammad
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Shot and Directed by Aly Muhammad
More about A for Aleph: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph