Catch latest folk rock group, Swarathma

Dabbling in Hindi folk music including Carnatic and Baul regional styles, sporting a "ghodi" for a mascot on stage, and yet Swarathma's sound is "kickass" when interpreted in urban lingo. Bhairavi Jhaveri finds out the secret behind this highly entertaining nexus of cultures

Catch latest folk rock group, Swarathma

It's not everyday you see 20 year-olds look thrilled while talking ecstatically about a "bhajan" and refer to folk tunes as out-of-the-world. But, when Bangalore-based, six-member group, Swarathma performed at a concert for climate solutions at Bandra's amphitheatre on January 20, the audience comprising mostly trendy youngsters, didn't have a problem comprehending their genre of original music. The experimental nature of their music accommodates modern percussion beats, melodious violin and tubthumping drums, accompanied by folk lyrics. It's not a surprise then that they bagged two of the Radio City Live contests, in 2006 and 2008, and were declared winners among 125 bands by the jury comprising Palash Sen of Euphoria and rock group, Parikrama. As the winning prize, the group got a chance to cut their 8-track, self-titled debut album, which released early this month.

The stage stood vibrant as a contrast of various personalities (and each band member's individual style statement) clashed, only to create powerful in-sync energy that's real, down-to-earth and unpretentious. "For us, it's vital to be a good human being before being a good musician. Getting along with each other is far more important, and the relationship each of us shares, instantly reflects on stage. So much so that on days we have squabbled, it has affected our music," says Jishnu Dasgupta (bass and backing vocals) who is part of the new line-up of Swarathma that's two years-old. Prior to which, Vasu Dixit (vocals and rhythm guitar), Montry Manuel (drums) and Pavan Kumar (percussions and backing vocals) have played with two other members since 2002. Sanjeev Nayak (violins) came in later, and, "We needed another guitarist and that's how Varun (guitars and backing vocals) joined the new Swarathma," says Jishnu.u00a0

u00a0u00a0u00a0 The group's eclectic sound is the result of a wide range of music choices of each member; while some like folk and fusion, the others thrive on reggae superstar Bob Marley and a few rock groups. "Nobody curbs anyone's ability to play something the other hasn't heard of or liked. When we jam, each one brings in a sound they like, and then slowly we internalise it and add our own flavour to it," Jishnu explains.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

The performance is like a sugar coating on a bitter pill

If you watch Vasu slip on the "ghodi" outfit and prance around like a folk artist on stage, while his band mates jam with the traditional tune, you can't help smirk, laugh out loud, tap your feet and clap your hands. "But, we also want to be remembered as a band that made you think. While our performances are super entertaining, they are just to cover up the brazen truth we are referring to via the subject of our songs. For instance, our track Patte Saare refers to the price you pay for urbanisation. It talks about visiting childhood haunts like parks and finding them transformed into malls and multiplexes," explains Jishnu. Pyaasi is a song inspired by the river Kaveri, and sums up the greed of man and the scarcity of all natural resources on the
rise today.u00a0

They love the idea of folk music

Swarathma's members are extremely comfortable singing in Hindi, and love the idea of a new sound, which is why they decided to experiment with folk music. "We wanted folk to be accessible to the people. We don't believe that you have to be part of a gharana to enjoy folk music," says Jishnu. The group has nothing against English music either. In fact, they are also part of a new compilation by British Council, featuring renowned producer John Leckie, where they have performed two tracks that include English lyrics. The album will be out within the next five months.

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