Desi bands are back on track, and Half Step Down is taking the lead with a performance on Wednesday

The band began its journey in 2005 and their music has always been an eclectic mix of blues, funk and old school rock 'n' roll, and if you closely follow the live performances, you will know how this college band has established its niche. Keep reading as the vocalist of the gang, Dhaval Mudgal, talks about the twists and turns of their survival and excellence.

(Clockwise from left) Shiv Lumba who plays the piano and keyboard,
lead vocalist Dhaval Mudgal, drummer Srijan Mahajan, lead guitarist K.D.
and bass guitarist Carl Abraham

When HSD was first formed, did you have a gameplan?
We came together because we wanted to take our interest in music seriously. We didn't want to be just a 'college band'. We found several musicians who shared our thoughts, and so we came together.

How has the equation between band members changed over the years?
We've experienced a sea change. We write songs faster, we gel well because there is a better understanding and everything appears smooth.

How does a regular creative session go?
We have a lot of fun messing around and our main aim is to enjoy. When we have differences of opinion, we go the democratic wayu00a0-- voting. And if someone is very rigid in his opinion, we give him a chance to explain his stand and if he succeeds in explaining, we follow him.

How do you manage your time schedule?
It's a little tough sometimes coordinating schedules because not everyone is available at any one given point of time because of professional commitments but there is always a way out. Our drummer also plays with Parikrama so sometimes there are date clashes so we have to back out.

Barring spirits, what keeps your spirits high?
We guys are great friends so we enjoy each other's company and tomfooleries. Generally we make someone the bali ka bakra to keep the tempo rolling.

What's the edge that HSD enjoys over other bands?
The idea has always been to make music that entertains us and the audience. We will never create music that we wouldn't like to listen to. Also, we don't force our taste on the audience.

Your website says that HSD has drawn influences from international singers like Led Zepplin and Red Hot Chilli Peppers among others. Name a domestic band that you relate to.
There are so many bands that we admire and relate to. We applaud Thermal and Quarter for their lyrics and song writing, Indian Ocean for sticking to their guns right from the onset and creating a sound that is theirs completely. From the younger breed, Them Clones, Advaita and Joint Family look impressive.

What is your line-up for the show?
We are playing here for the first time and we will be playing tracks like Knocking at the back of my head and Stories of sun. We are excited as we have seen a couple of performances where they had active crowd.

How do you deal with a situation where the audience doesn't respond to your music and walk out of the venue?
It's very common to see people disliking your music and there's always a couple who would walk out looking into our eyes with disgust but we keep playing and cracking jokes in between to try and break the ice.

How was the experience with Overtures to Outerspace, you last album?
It took us two to two-and-a-half years to complete this album where we did everything independently -- producing, song writing, marketing etc. We received a great response from fans, audiences and musicians from India as well as overseas.

Any future albums?
There are plans but nothing immediate. We are focussing more on gigs and tours. We want to explore the audience in south like Bangalore and Chennai where we haven't played much. We will also be playing at the Commonwealth Games, so we are really looking forward to it.

At: The International Diner, M-69, First floor, Greater Kailash-I
When: August 11
Timings: 9 pm onwards
Entry: Rs 100