Kolkata-based rap-rock band Underground Authority is here for a gig, and they have new things in store
Underground Authority
For front man EPR Iyer, guitarist Adil Rashid, bassist Bubbla and drummer Sourish Kumar, their band, Underground Authority — as the name might already suggest — was born out of them coming together and finding their voices resonate in each other. "Addressing social issues is one of the reasons why we even joined forces," says Rashid.
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Rap-rock is a unique genre of protest music, which gained both momentum and currency most visibly in the '90s. Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, P.O.D and Rage Against the Machine's songs have served as the background score to perhaps every millennial's teenage-angst years. And so it might not be wrong to presume that tonight's gig in the city is a reason for many to celebrate. Known especially for being vocal about issues plaguing our society and writing conscientious music, the four-piece band is set to unleash a new sound and a new look upon their audience. "This particular line of shows that we will be playing is based entirely on our new sound, which is a little groovier than before," Rashid tells us.
Underground Authority
"We have incorporated elements of modern electronic music and hip-hop in the new songs. The language of rap is changing, too, in that we're experimenting more with Hindi rap," Rashid explains, talking about the fresh singles they will be performing tonight, some of which are out in the digital medium. "We have a new look, too. We're trying to be more colour-coordinated; all four of us look a little different and to put it simply, it's a little more thought out. There's a new stage act as well," he adds.
Social issues remain prominent themes in their music. Take two of their recent releases. I am an Indian (December 2017) talks about what it's like to be an Indian today, in an environment of enforced nationalism. And Every Little Girl of Mine (June 2018), based on the melody of a Tom Paxton song titled What Did You Learn in School Today, addresses women's safety in the country, or the lack thereof. "We have picked out certain issues that bother us and have tried to address them through our music. All four of us try to be informed, wherein we discuss what's going on in the world, and then we put it together as a song. So, it comes naturally. We always write songs like this because we felt that we'd rather say something than simply make music. It's more important to make music that matters," Rashid ends.
ON Tonight 8:30 pm onwards
AT Jard Rock Cafe, off Veera Desai Road, Andheri West
CALL 26743901
ENTRY Rs 500
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