02 June,2015 08:25 AM IST | | Krutika Behrawala
Indie band, Filter Coffee's music video, Slow Down Kalandar, is the only Indian contender for the prestigious BalconyTV's Show Of The Year, where the winner will be announced through a worldwide Twitter poll
Swarupa Ananth and Shriram Sampath are part of the Indian u00c3u0083u00c2u00a2u00c3u0082u00c2u0080u00c3u0082u00c2u009cEthnotronicu00c3u0083u00c2u00a2u00c3u0082u00c2u0080u00c3u0082u00c2u009d (fusing ethnic with Electronic) band, Filter Coffee
Shriram Sampath's high notes on a flute pierce through a silent evening on a terrace overlooking the city skyline, as Swarupa Ananth joins in on a percussion instrument while singer Jahnvi Shrimankar belts out the lyrics, 'Laal Meri Pat Rakhiyon Bala Jhule Laalanâ¦' Sampath and Ananth, who form the Indie band, Filter Coffee, recorded this song, Slow Down Kalandar (their version of Damadam Mast Kalandar) for BalconyTV last June. For the uninitiated, BalconyTV is a popular online video series featuring bands from across the world performing on balconies all around the world.
Swarupa Ananth and Shriram Sampath are part of the Indian "Ethnotronic" (fusing ethnic with Electronic) band, Filter Coffee
Now, on the occasion of its ninth birthday that falls on June 6, the portal has nominated 10 contenders for BalconyTV Show Of The Year, and Filter Coffee is one of them. The winner will be selected through an ongoing Twitter poll that ends on June 6. Competing with other bands from London, Johannesburg, Warsaw and even the Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Emily King who has played live with the likes of Maroon 5, John Legend and Alicia Keys, this 'Ethnotronic' (fusing Indian Classical, ethnic and Electronic music) band is the only Indian name featuring on this list. "Being nominated is a huge deal for us because BalconyTV is known for doing offbeat stuff. You will find the biggest names of the industry performing for this portal," says Sampath. Ananth admits, "To be alongside Grammy Award-nominated musicians is very encouraging."
Formed three years ago, the band collaborates with various artistes to bring out a sound that is a blend of Indian Classical and Folk instruments along with Electronic grooves. "It is heartening to know that the kind of music we create has a place on a platform like this and there is an international audience for it," elaborates Sampath. Their recent collaboration includes works with producer and tabla player, Talvin Singh and Australian producers Spoonbill and Sampology.
To vote, log on to: https://twtpoll.com/npmkw7iqmacxmtn
