Jal was formed in Lahore in 2002 when Gohar Mumtaz composed his first song "Aadat" and began his search for likeminded musicians to complete his band. He saw Atif Aslam performing in college function and was impressed by his voice and offered him to join the band and later he met Shazi(Aamir) had few jamming sessions with him and invited him to join the band.
Jal's first song "Aadat" was released in December, 2003. Before the release of its video "Aadat" was released of the internet through local Pakistani web portals. The song enjoyed the status of the most downloaded Pakistani song on the internet for quite some time and was very popular by the time the video was released.
Directed by Umer Anwar which took Pakistani music scene by storm. Receiving an amazing amount of air time by all the music channels and entering music charts. The video was rated 4th best video of the year 2003 by ARY The Muzik within days of its release. The success of the "Aadat" can partly be gauged by the countless concert offerers the band received immediately after the release of the song and partly by its rating to date on music channels.
However, by the end of December, 2003 due to musical differences, Atif Aslam parted ways with the band while Gohar Mumtaz once again searched for a vocalist. It was then that Sultan Raja, Bassist of Call, introduced Farhan Saeed Butt to Gohar and thus Jal found a new voice. By the time Jal came up with their new line-up "Aadat's" video was already doing rounds on the local music channels with the former singer Atif Aslam's vocals. The song was thus re-done for the official release in their debut album Aadat.
Music style
Jal is fond of Junoon, and is influenced by singers like Hamid Ali Khan and Mehdi Hassan. Jal's sound primarily falls in the Pop/Rock genre. Playing along the lines of Latin-Acoustic guitars, the main emphasis of their music is on the melodies and the lyrical content. Keeping their songs melodious and catchy at the same time the band believes that music is truly the world's universal language capable of bringing our hearts and souls together. A well composed song, personified with honest and heartfelt lyrics and spirited rhythms, will eventually be heard by manifestation of emotions expressed in an energetic and harmonious manner. Fueled by the desire to freshen up the Pop/Rock genre in Pakistan these qualities give Jal's music a very high degree of accessibility both in terms of composition and lyrics.
Band members
Current
Farhan Saeed- Vocals ,lyrics.
Goher Mumtaz - Lead guitars, vocals, lyrics.
Aamir Sheraz - Bass guitar, backing vocals.
Salman Albert - drums
Gumby – drums
Former
Atif Aslam - vocals, backing vocals
Sessional
Saad Sultan - rhythm guitar
Awards
Within days after release Aadat's video was declared the 4th best video. It remained on the top of the charts for over two weeks since its video release.
Jal's single Woh Lamhey broke through to the charts instantly and stayed on the top for two continuous months.
Jal's video Ik Din Aye Ga was declared the 2nd best video among the top 100 videos selected by The Musik channel.
Jal's debut album Aadat was declared the best selling album of 2004 on Geo TV by Mr. Khalid Sadaf (Owner of Sadaf Stereo).
Jal also received a special award by Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital in recognition of their support and efforts to raise funds for fighting cancer in Pakistan.
In 2006, Jal won an award at MTV Asia Awards 2006, following an award Indus Music Awards for best rock band in Pakistan.
In 2008 Jal won a best song Musik Award for the song Chalte Chalte.
In 2008 Jal won a best song award, the best video and the best album of the year at the Lux Style Awards.
