They follow the beat of their own drum(s)

Six-member Band Shaastriya Sonic will perform at the Indian fusion music concert Samanvaya, this evening. The Guide spoke to band-member, and grandson to tabla maestro Alla Rakha, Faizan Hussain, about the band's efforts to incorporate music influences from around the world

"We move from African to Cuban, and Indian classical to Hip-Hop. It's the equivalent of exploring music without restraints," says Faizan Hussain, commenting on the band's music style. The grandson of tabla maestro Alla Rakha had his training in the Indian percussion instrument from an early age. Faizan says that his grandfather had a deep impact on him, despite him having taken only a few lessons from the legendary tabla player.


Shaashtriya Sonic band

"He would be reciting tabla bols, each time I saw him. I would see so many students eager to learn from him, and he taught them something new every day," he says. After learning the tabla for a few years, Faizan decided to explore other percussion instruments. "I tried my hand at the Djembe at a practice session of my uncle, Taufiq Qureshi. I enjoyed it and went on to learn several other percussion instruments, including the drums and the bongo," he says.

Shaastriya Sonic was formed three years ago by Faizan, Gautam Sharma and Khwab Harai. Last year, three more members joined the band Lokesheh (guitar), Trithankar (bass guitar) and Siddhant Sharma (keyboards and vocals). "Rhythm is a universal language. We wanted to make our own set of music -- music with various textures, various flavours. We try to bring variations to every piece," says Faizan.

The tabla, dhol, drums, bongo, djembe (African percussion instrument) and darbuka (hand drum, used mostly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East) are some of the instruments played by the band. According to Faizan, it's easier to compose music that is not confined by a genre. "I could start with a Cuban piece and move to a tabla solo, and from there move to Jazz or anything else I like. It's just about the rhythm," he explains. Today's concert will include a performance by Kathak dancer Aditi Bhagwat, who will perform the Shiva Tandav to one of their compositions. Renowned percussionist Taufiq Qureshi will also participate in the concert.
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