As we keep saying, Pakistan may be behind India in terms of its film industry, but as far as our music industry goes, we have unending talent.

This week's Rendezvous is with Iftikhar Habib (Ifu), founder and lead vocalist of a new, upcoming band "Rung" (which means 'color').

Rung released its debut album "Green" in April 2006, and is quickly catching on to audiences. Rung's first video for their single 'Hum Na' debuted in 2003.   The song was an instant success and became No. 1 on Indus Music's Ericsson Top Ten Charts, in head on competition with songs by strong bands like Strings and Junoon. The band had over 3.5 million hits at their website and more than 210,000 audio/video downloads.  The band has received coverage on all major T.V and Radio channels in Pakistan, as well as media in Australia, U.S, U.K, Canada and U.A.E.

Rung's debut album, Green, was launched in April 2006.  According to Ifu, the album "has done very well so far.  Album sales are showing a good response."

What genre of music does Rung play the most and why?

"Rung is basically a pop-rock band. We play this genre because it is what we do best and it appeals to our musical sensibility. No other band in Pakistan is playing this genre at the moment and we feel we have introduced it into the industry as a fresh sound."

How many concerts and shows have you done so far and which has been the best?

"We have done quite a few concerts in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad and the most memorable one would have to be the one we organized ourselves at Nando’s (an international food chain) in Lahore. The environment was cozy and the energy was good."

Are you planning to tour the US or Canada in the near future?

"Yes, we are definitely going to work on touring the US and Canada in the near future. There is nothing like performing on an international stage."

Where can fans go to find your latest music and news?

Our fans can simply log onto our official website www.rungg.com for all latest news about the band. Our album can be bought in stores all across Pakistan.

Born on October 3rd, Ifu has been into singing for many years.  "I knew I wanted to sing professionally ever since I was a young boy. Singing has always been my passion."  Ifu is currently single, but plans to "settle down and get married some day."  For now, Ifu's favorite things in life are: "My microphones," he adds with a smile.

Is Rung your first band or have you sung solo or with any other band before?

Prior to founding Rung I was in a band with my childhood friend Zahid-ur-Rehman. The band was called ONCE and we produced an album in English called ‘Words Unspoken’.

Do you come from a musical family, or have you received any professional vocal training?

I do not come from a musical family but I follow a routine whereby I start my day early and have a two hour vocal session with my guru or ustaad. Such sessions mainly focus on the development of my vocal technique, voice culturing methods within the parameters of eastern classical music and vocal improvisation to develop expression in my singing. I also am a staunch believer of practicing the western vocalizing techniques. I have a couple of good books to help me with that plus my vast experience of listening to great British and American singers since I was a kid. Listening to good artists is a great way to learn and improve.

What type of songs do you enjoy singing the most…ballads or faster tempo songs?

I enjoy singing both types but at times I enjoy singing ballads more. From the album, singing slow numbers such as HUM NA and BIN KAHE is the most enjoyable for me.

Who are your favorite singers and do you ever find yourself emulating their style in your own songs?

Personally I have grown up listening to the infamous glam-rock scene from Los Angeles. I was really into Guns’n’Roses, Aerosmith, Extreme, Dream Theatre and a bit of Bon Jovi. As my musical taste evolved I was listening to almost and everything that sounded good to me. Sting is an all time favorite. So is George Michael in the latter stages of his career. I have been a huge fan of Chris Cornel and Pearl Jam. I have been into Nelly Fertardo, Matchbox 20, Tori Amos, Incubus, John Mayor, and Coldplay. Lately I have been listening to Korn. I am also a huge fan of Ustaad Salamat Ali Khan and Mehdi Hasan and I keep listening to these legendary maestros all the time. I am inspired by all these artist’s styles when on stage but I have my own vocal style at the end of the day.

How does it feel to be famous and what is the one thing you would like to say to your fans?

I thank God for the fan following that we have and although I don’t feel we are famous as yet, it is a wonderful feeling to be recognized for the music we produce. I would like to thank all the people who have gone out and bought our album and loved our music. Thank you for your support and keep listening!