Zarf’s Rise: Born From a Lie, Built on Truth, and Backed by 100K Streams

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Zarf’s Rise Born From a Lie, Built on Truth, and Backed by 100K Streams
Zarf’s Rise Born From a Lie, Built on Truth, and Backed by 100K Streams

 

Zarf’s Rise: Born From a Lie, Built on Truth, and Backed by 100K Streams
An exclusive conversation with Zarf – the band making waves in Pakistan’s rock scene.

Interview by Taaza Taren | 16 May 2025: Taaza Taren sat down with the three minds behind Zarf—Farrukh Zaidi, Mubashir Taimoor, and Mudassir Zaki—to talk about their journey, challenges, sound, and the future of their band that’s quickly gaining traction with a loyal fanbase and over 100K Spotify streams.

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Taaza Taren: Farrukh, let’s start with the origin story. How did Zarf come to be?

Farrukh: It all started with a phone call. I’d been a solo artist for over two years, struggling creatively. One day in 2017, I got a call from a brand rep looking for a band to perform. Without hesitation, I said, “I have a band,” even though I didn’t. After that, I realized I needed actual members. I posted on Facebook, and through a friend, Kumail, I met Mubashir, who introduced me to Mudassir. That’s how Zarf was born—from a little lie but built on truth and friendship.

Taaza Taren: Mubashir, Zarf’s sound is quite distinct. How do you define it?

Mubashir: It’s a blend of all our musical influences. We don’t box ourselves in—we serve the song first. Farrukh usually brings the lyrics and composition, and from there we collectively explore where it can go. We can go from bright, upbeat vibes to darker, heavier moods in one jam. That range is what defines Zarf.

Taaza Taren: Mudassir, as brothers, how do you balance personal and creative relationships within the band?

Mudassir: It’s like being on a sports team—you have to understand your role. We don’t always agree, and that’s okay. We fight, we disagree, but we always realign toward what’s best for the music. The key is realizing that every sound, silence, and contribution matters—whether you’re leading or supporting. That balance is the real magic.

Taaza Taren: Mubashir, rock music has a niche audience in Pakistan. What challenges has Zarf faced in gaining recognition?

Mubashir: Countless. From just forming the band to performing original sets where no one had heard our music—it’s been tough. Finding time for studio sessions is another challenge. But when we saw 100K streams on our first album, that pushed us to keep going. We’ve built resilience together.

Taaza Taren: And the name Zarf—what’s the story behind it?

Mubashir: “Zarf” means “capacity” in Urdu. Our songs cover a wide emotional spectrum, and we needed a name that could contain and represent that. Our audience actually helped us pick it. As we release more music, I believe Zarf will grow deeper in meaning, offering listeners something they can emotionally connect with.

Taaza Taren: Mudassir, which song from your debut work is most personal to you?

Mudassir: Right now, it’s Pardah. There’s a line in the outro—“Rota hai asmaan, ruk jaa zara”—that hits me hard. It’s a cry in the middle of chaos, a moment of grief and longing. I dedicate it to the peace we’re all seeking in the world. It carries that weight for me.

Taaza Taren: How do you deal with feedback—both positive and negative?

Mudassir: Criticism, when constructive, helps you grow. But there’s also noise—pointless negativity—that you need to filter out. The key is to focus on feedback that pushes you to improve, and ignore what doesn’t serve your journey.

Taaza Taren: Farrukh, your live performances are full of energy. How do you prepare for them?

Farrukh: We like to talk to the audience. We share stories behind songs and invite them to relate. For example, I tell them how Saazish connects to nightmares, and ask if they’ve had similar experiences. We even pass the mic around. That shared moment—that energy—is everything. Playing our own songs and hearing people sing them back… it’s surreal. Nothing compares.

Taaza Taren: What’s next for Zarf?

Farrukh: We’ve got new tracks and collaborations in the pipeline. Some are under production, others almost ready. Kabhi was our first release this year, and we’re hoping to end the year with a bang. Fans can expect fresh sounds, new vibes, and more of the emotion they connected with in Zindagi.

Zarf isn’t just a band—it’s a musical journey crafted by three artists bound by emotion, honesty, and a drive to evolve. With a growing fanbase and deeper projects in the works, their capacity—true to their name—continues to expand.

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