The nation’s oldest fusion rock band Indian Ocean, that has not too long ago composed an anthem for ‘Bharat ke Mahaveer’, discusses its upcoming collaborations
When Himanshu Joshi and his household caught COVID-19, he was overwhelmed by how variety humanity may be. “Each meal, groceries we wanted… all the things got here from our neighbours,” recollects the vocalist of considered one of India’s oldest and pioneer rock bands, Indian Ocean.
The 32-year-old band behind songs comparable to ‘Desert Rain’, ‘Bandeh’ and ‘Mann Kasturi’, not too long ago paid its tribute to different such selfless COVID-19 heroes with an anthem to the present, Bharat Ke Mahaveer, airing in November on Discovery India. Starring Dia Mirza and Sonu Sood as hosts, it should showcase 12 tales about India’s spirit of solidarity via the pandemic.
Whereas the anthem video honours those that have proven kindness throughout these troubled occasions, over a Zoom name, Indian Ocean members Himanshu, Rahul Ram and Amit Kilam recall the folks they’ve personally witnessed within the act of constructing a extra empathetic India.
“I’ve seen Amit Kilam and his spouse go round distributing meals packets to migrant staff when the good migration began in April. My spouse, who’s a part of an organisation that works with road canine, noticed how folks spontaneously got here ahead to assist,” says Rahul Ram.
Acknowledging that there was an preliminary stigma towards individuals who examined constructive, Amit says, “The identical housing society group chat the place I might see rash unreasonable behaviour, has now advanced to be extra variety. As we see how inevitable it’s, individuals are studying to be much less scared.”
By the way, Amit, who performs the drums and has additionally lent his vocals for the anthem, “crossed the Covid velocity bump” (because the band members name it), proper earlier than they recorded the tune. “I didn’t discover it then, however wanting again, I do get out of breath whereas singing longer sections. There are some long-term uncomfortable side effects that must be monitored, however respiration workout routines ought to assist,” he shrugs.
“So the 2 members who stay the healthiest life caught Covid, whereas Nikhil [Rao] and I didn’t. Appears to be like like our vices have paid off,” jokes Ram, lightening the temper.
Other than recording this tune in August, the band has not been in a position to meet fairly often, regardless of all of them residing in Delhi. “Possibly we are going to when Himanshu-ji will get higher and I come again from Manali,” says Ram, who has quickly taken to the hills. “Oh sure, proper earlier than you known as, he was exhibiting us the valleys outdoors his window. You would name {that a} random act of unkindness,” Amit says, side-eying his long-time collaborator.
What’s subsequent for the ocean
The within jokes level to nearly half a lifetime of performing collectively. Recognized for giving fusion rock a voice, the band stood out for its robust vocals and the incorporation of Indian musical devices in a previously westernised style. Previously few years, nevertheless, their stay live shows have been proving extra fashionable.
They’re now doing the identical on-line, one thing that they assume will proceed even after stay performances return. “We will attain followers in cities we have now by no means performed at,” says Ram, explaining the benefits of on-line live shows with this analogy: “It’s like watching cricket in your TV — you get to observe the spin and the strike carefully. You’re watching higher cricket however you miss the power of 30,0000 folks cheering with you. So each are legitimate experiences and can proceed.”
Earlier than the pandemic hit, the band had composed and recorded 5 songs, able to be launched. Two of them are collaborations — one with ghatam maestro Vikku Vinayakram and the opposite, with American saxophonist George Brooks.
“However then we realised that these days folks watch music, quite than take heed to it. Half of them watch on their telephones, so the bass participant needs to kill himself,” laughs Ram, who’s the bassist for the band. The band was midway via recording the movies, when the nation went into lockdown.
“After which there are eight extra songs, that are imploring, banao mujhko, banao! The batter is prepared, it simply hasn’t been fried but,” says Ram. As of now, the band has not determined when the brand new originals will likely be launched. Prod Amit for a tentative date and he says, “Every time the vaccine is made.”
