Let me begin this listicle with a very cliched phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. That is exactly what I did while lying on a hospital bed – listened again and again to all the lovely tracks from Coke Studio Pakistan Season 8. It was also the first time that I followed an entire season of coke studio. Unlike, Coke Studio India, the Pakistan version is much more mature and tasteful in terms of music production. The reason being that entire season is produced by one artist, thus maintaining sanctity across all the episodes of the season. Season 8 was produced by a band called Strings, who also produced season 7. They have a done a marvelous job of bringing together fresh talent and experienced artistes together on one platform. With calculated risks of recreating the classics and also creating new music, they have given us 28 songs in all. Here are my top picks from the season which I am sure to listen over and over again until next season. Continue reading

When in the mountains, we are constantly surrounded by nature’s music – rumble of the river, rustle of the leaves crushing under feet, howl of the winds, tweet of birds or buzz of the insects. These sounds give immense joy. We even crave them often on those dull Thursdays in the office. However, the wretched species that we humans are, we simply need to plug in our headphones and listen to our favourite artists, even while attending Mother Earth’s musical concert. Without any further introduction, here is my “mountain playlist”. From Ladakh to Sikkim, these songs have always been a great company. And to be honest, just one article is an injustice to them. Continue reading