With the year fast waning, we take a look at bands across the nation bringing together different cultures, languages, emotions and melting it in a big pot and creating the curry that happens to be the Indian Rock music scene. If you've missed out on any, check out the list below!
1. Agnee
Pune- based Hindi contemporary music band Agnee has a popularity that spans across India. Having toured India extensively and stunning the crowd with live-wire performances at festivals, they are easily recognizable among Indian rock fans. Agnee has famously composed theme songs for TV shows like Roadies & Splitsvilla, have had a close connection with Bollywood.
2. Indian Ocean
Born out of a chance meeting between the Sushmit Sen and Asheem Chakravarthy, the band gained a pioneer status as one of the first bands to produce Fusion rock in India. This is all the way back in the 90s! They incorporated various music styles like Jazz, Blues, Sufi and even integrated Sanskrit shlokas in their compositions. The band had breakthrough in the mainstream and has amassed wide popularity among different age groups. Years later, with a fairly new line-up, the band remains popular among fans and is a regular sell-out at live gigs.
3. Sifar
This Hindi rock band based in Delhi made waves for their soulful songs like Gunah and Mita Do, and meaningful lyrics. Formed at the brink of '08, the band has acheived critical success and several nominations at elite music awards. Look out for the mix of heavy distortion guitars and Amit Yadav's grungy vocals.
4. Chai On The Rocks
A Progressive rock band from Bangalore that has original Hindi and a few English rock songs to its credit. Don't miss out the cover versions of famous Whitesnake and Van Halen compositions. Their USP is the drum patterns that are out of thi world. Just listen to them.
5. Ankur And The Ghalat Family
This band whips out rock/folk ballads that have that pop feel to them. Helmed by Ankur Tewari, the “dysfunctional band” has even contributed to the Bollywood music scene with the movie ‘Raat Gayi Baat Gayi’. Their scores are acoustic and soulful pieces in Hindi and Urdu. Check out their debut album Jannat if you please!
6. Bipul Chettri
A humble man from Darjeeling making wonderful songs and the masses smile. Bipul gained overnight adulation after his Soundcloud upload received thousands of hits. His compositions are simple, fresh Nepali folk songs with heart and a tinge of nostalgia. The recently released album 'Sketches of Darjeeling' is testimony to the fact.
7. Bhoomi
Bhoomi created its own brand of music called ‘Urban Folk’ with its composition of tunes that are a hearty blend of the native folk music and the urban lyrics. The band fuses traditional Bengali folk music and sounds from its surroundings with good doses of nostalgic feel. Formed in at the turn of the millenium, this band has even played at the United Nations HQ. USP- Use of Bengali folk instruments like Ektara, Khonjoni etc.
8. Cactus
The Bangla rock n' roll band formed in the 90's has an envious track list. Most of their compositions are in Bengali, and they have performed live both in India and overseas. Their songs are aimed at angst- ridden youth and the rock n' roll crowd.
9. Fossils
A rock band formed at the crux of a rapidly changing music scene in Kolkata, Fossils brought Bangla rock to the table. You can catch their explosive live gigs at various cities. They have found popularity not just in Bengal; the band has won hearts in Bangladesh and overseas among the non-resident Bengali headbangers.
10. Papon
Papon is the stage name used by the multi-talented Angaraag Mahanta. Known for his various collaborations with Indian Ocean, Karsh Kale and the gems of composition featured on Coke Studio, this artist is extremely versatile with the instruments and compositions he can juggle. He has 6 Assamese and one Hindi album to his credit. His USP lies in that balmy voice which reminds you of the rolling hills of the East.
11. Parvaaz
When a couple of Kashmiri friends re-connected in Bangalore and discovered that their musical collaboration could spell magic, Parvaaz was born. All of -years, Parvaaz has a crowd-funded album, 'Baran' released this October, to its credit. They have had several live gigs thats left the crowd wanting more. USP - All their songs are in Urdu, and they're a psychedelic rock band. Imagine that!
12. Lagori
A rock, folk and fusion outfit formed in Bangalore, Lagori is associated with high-energy music and performances. The band makes interesting, catchy music that has a feel of rock and classical sounds composed in Hindi and Hinglish. Watch out for their live-wire performances at festivals and gigs!
13. Meghdhanush
Ahmedabad's own experimental pop/rock outfit, they came into limelight for their marvelous mix of rock and folk fusion music on a local TV show. The team of four compose in Hindi. Listen for the classical touch to their music.
14. Swarathma
Swarathma is a indie band that has gone a long way since its formative years in Mysore. One disbanding, two successful albums and music tours at several countries later, the band has emerged as a one-of-a-kind exclusive Folk rock band. Blends the rich tones of Classical Indian Music and the solid progressive rock sounds.
15. Sarvasva
This Kannada rock band, one of its kind, based in Bangalore. The songs, all composed in Kannada, are an eclectic mix of progressive rock and classic sounds. And what makes it all better? The kickass female vocalist - Sangeetha Rajeev - with a mesmerising voice. The band's eponymous debut album 'Sarvasva' released last year.
16. Peepal Tree
A recent addition to the scene, this alternative band plays a fusion of rock, folk, funk, pop and even electronica. Peepal Tree has familiar faces: among members are Sujay Harthi and Praveen Biligiri of the heavy-metal outfit Bhoomi. The 4-member band mainly composes in Kannada in addition to other Indian languages.
17. Avial
This Malayali Alternative Rock band from Trivandrum is a popular mainstream rock band in India. Themes for their songs range from social issues to cultural differences. With a powerful mix of drums and guitars backed by a vocalist who doubles as a turntablist, it's the complete package. It doesnt really matter if you wouldn't know Malayalam, they guarantee to please with their music.
18. Thaikkudam Bridge
Another band to make it to the fore in recent years, thanks to Music Mojo, the 16-member line-up is a full-fledged composing and sound-mixing team, an eclectic mix for a stellar stage performance. The team is more focused on live gigs, and album-making seems to be in the offing as of now. The USP- They have 8 vocalists that multitask as violinists, guitarists and whatever other instruments they can find in their vicinity!
19. Jhanu
This 4-piece Tamil rock n' roll band churns out cool, groovy numbers; they're a spectacle onstage! The band calls its style Mojo Rock, in its own words ,"The point is to take music to the live scene, be one with the audience and rock till you drop." Perhaps, you will rock till you drop. Powerful distortions with percussions on the side, catch their live performances at a music festival near you!
20. Nischay Parekh
This lyrical genius creates simple tracks with a dream-like quality to them. He is a multi-instrumentalist and most of his tracks are mildly psychedelic and insanely addictive. Highly active on the live performance scene, he has more than a handful of sold-out crowd performances. Released his album ‘Ocean’, and the USP of this muscian is his tendency to record in unorthodox places to create a unique soundscape.
21. The Lynx
The band from Goa naturally belts out Konkani tunes, along with highly textured English tunes that only Goans can articulate. The band gained popularity over a period of two decades, not just on the sands of Goa, but on global music scene.From Jive to techno-pop to Reggae, this band has entertained its fans with their variety. Work up a sweat if you catch them performing live near you, you won’t be able to resist.
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