Hard Rock Cafe India Blog

Catch AKS LIVE on 23rd May at HRC Hyderabad

2013-05-17T07:44:00.001-07:00

Aks is an Indo - Asian rock, fusion act from Bangalore (India), active since March, 2011. They make music pertaining to Indian folk and fusion, with an underlying base of good old rock/blues catering to the different moods of the audiences. In due course of time, Aks has found it's custom tone and true identity that has helped it become even more bigger and better than before!

Watch Tough On Tobacco and their Album Launch on 23rd May at HRC Bengaluru

2013-05-17T07:37:00.002-07:00

Tough on Tobacco is singer-songwriter Sidd Coutto's talent packed, genre bending, convention defying, wildly funny, brand new live act. The music is a melange of pop, rock and reggae. Tough on Tobacco is an anti-tobacco message. Don't start smoking! It's hard to quit once you start. And it's just not worth it. If even one young adult says no to tobacco because they heard us, they'll be justified in their cause.

Tough on Tobacco is Sidd Coutto's first solo album. Sidd has written and produced 5 albums besides performing hundreds of gigs with erstwhile bands Zero and Helga's Fun Castle, composed and produced background scores and songs for Bollywood films and television and does a little acting on the side as well. But this endeavor is what he is truly all about, putting his heart and spirit into extremely captivating melodies and lyrics. This is an album of songs with a simple soul, played by a bunch of exceptionally gifted musicians.

The band includes Helga's Fun Castle's Johan Pais on bass and Jai Row Kavi on drums, Zero's last guitar line-up of Pozy Dhar and Gaurav Gupta, and is fronted by Sidd Coutto on vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion, drums and computers.

Catch Hellwind LIVE on 23rd May at HRC Mumbai

2013-05-17T07:32:00.002-07:00

In the immortal words of AC/DC- 'Rock n' roll ain't noise pollution, rock n' roll ain'tgonna die'. United by their love for wailing guitars, pounding drums, leather and the spirit of the 80s, Hellwind is a motley crew of musicians from Mumbai who love to rock n' roll. Hailing from various veteran bands around Mumbai (Demonic Resurrection, Workshop, Spook, Reptilian Death, Albatross, Colossus, Apollonian Quest, Zephyr), the members of the band have trained under the tutelage of the various Gods of Rock and take immense pleasure in showcasing their wizardry before you. So expect the theatrics of KISS, the hooks of DefLeppard, the melodies of Poison, the groove of Van Halen and the banshee wails of Judas Priest. Moreover, since the band is on an eternal quest to turn everything they touch into a riffalicious masterpiece, expect their own spin on popular commercial hits as well.

Hellwind is

Akshay Deodhar - The Vocal Viscount
Rajarshi Bhattacharyya - The Samurai of Shred
Kiron Kumar - The Creature of Riff Lagoon
Aditya Kadam- Super Commando Groove
Demonstealer - The Demon on Drums

Catch Gary Lawyer LIVE on 23rd May at HRC New Delhi

2013-05-17T07:24:00.002-07:00

Gary Lawyer really needs no introduction! Often called the 'man with the golden voice', he is regarded as the finest Indian artiste in the field of western popular music. A bass baritone, who sings just as easily in the tenor range, Gary is equally comfortable with every genre of music - be it rock, pop, jazz, country or folk.

On the 'live' front Gary has proven himself to be a dynamic and highly versatile performer with a repertoire that has something for audiences of all ages and musical tastes. Equally comfortable performing at rock concerts as well as high profile corporate events, he has to his credit a string of performances at mega events. With a backing band featuring some of India's finest musicians, Gary's live shows are described as powerful, mesmerizing and always a pleasure to attend.

Catch Moonbeans LIVE on 23rd May at HRC Pune

2013-05-17T07:22:00.002-07:00

Moon beans, a young band from Pune, plays Classic rock to Pop/folk rock .With some brilliant female and male vocals . the band promises a mix bag of all-genres.

From joni mitchell to rolling stones, jack johnson to Cold Play, to name a few.

Moon beans :

Sanjeev Pandkar : Guitars/voc
Bharghav : Guitars/voc
Sundar : Bass
Rasika : Vocals
Chaitali : Keyboards
Ananth : Drums and Percussions

Groove to Zumba Nights on 17th May at HRC Hyderabad

2013-05-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

Zumba® Fitness and Vijaya Tupurani brings Zumba® Rock Nights for the first time in any Hard Rock Café in India which is a landmark to be part of such an international chain.

The first Zumba ® Rock Night in HRC Hyderabad is on 17 May 2013 (Friday) and is proposed to be conducted on every third Friday of the month. Being the first event in the series, 17th May Zumba® Rock Night will be a promotional event to spread awareness about Zumba.

Vijaya Tupurani is one of the well known Zumba® fitness instructors in India. She has in the past one year brought about great awareness towards Fitness in the city.

She is known for hosting India’s Second best Flash Mob with around 5 Lakh plus Views. She has also taken two very well received Zumba® Club Parties in the city. She has conducted the first Aqua Zumba session in the city. and has been featured

She has been featured many a times in Newspapers and TV Channels. A few photographs and news clippings are attached to this mail. She has been covered in You n I Magazine Apr 2013 edition, Tulip Magazine Oct 2012 edition and WoW Magazine’s May 2013 edition. She has been featured in Dainik Jagaran, Hyderabad Times and Deccan Chronicle news papers.

Mojito Mania at Hard Rock Cafe India from 13th May to 9th June, 2013

2013-05-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

It all started with a party! The exact origin of this classic cocktail still remains a subject of debate. It is renowned to be a traditional Cuban favorite.

What is a Mojito?

It is a cocktail drink that contains five key ingredients: White rum, Sugar, Lime juice, Sparkling water and Mint leaves. There are quite a few theories behind the name ‘Mojito’. One such theory speaks of ‘Mojo’ being related to a Cuban seasoning made from lime and was used to flavor dishes.

Mojito is best known as the rum-based highballs. There are numerous versions of the Mojito.

How to prepare a Mojito?

Mojito is a fun to make and refreshing drink to be had in summers. Here’s a short preparation routine for the classic Mojito.

Muddle 12 fresh mint leaves and ½ lime. Cover with 2 tablespoons simple syrup or sugar and top whole cubes of ice. Add Bacardi Rum & top it with sparkling soda water. Stir well & garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.

The charismatic essence of fresh mint muddled up with Bacardi Rum and the savory fusion of lime juice and sugar leaves you with a fragrant, invigorating and soothing sensation.

Stir. Sip. Savor our unique selection of exclusive Bacardi Mojitos this summer from 13^th May to 9^th June, 2013 across all cities at Hard Rock Cafe India. Be it a celebration or even a lazy Sunday afternoon, these cool Mojito flavors will uplift your senses and give your stress the boot.

Our fine chefs recommend special accompaniments like Nachos, Tupelo Chicken, Grilled Shrimp skewers, Santa Fe spring rolls, Chicken Pakoda, Corn fritters and Assorted hummus platter to pair with your choice of Mojitos.

Fun just doesn’t stop here! With so many versions of the classic drink, here’s a dream chance for your Mojito to take the centre stage at your nearest Hard Rock Cafe. Participants have to send in their unique Mojito recipes to us and the best ones might get featured at respective Hard Rock Café for a whole week. Even more, 20% of the weekly sales from your Mojito will be given to a charity.

What's more? Order 4 Mojitos and get a chance to have your requested English party song played by our DJ. Also, enter The Tropical Delight Quiz to win a pitcher of your favorite Mojito on the house (to be redeemed within the festival period)

Raise a glass to that!

Hard Rock Book Drive for the Sakshi NGO Library Program

2013-05-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

Give Books. Build Futures. Win Prizes.

“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” ― Ernest Hemingway

To bring this phrase alive for our city’s children in need, Hard Rock Café New Delhi brings to you a Book Drive for the Sakshi NGO Library Program.

Sakshi NGO and Sakshi NGO Library Program

Sakshi NGO works in Education, Health and Community Development empowering the poorest of poor to break the cycle of poverty. Transcending developmental platforms, in 20 years, Sakshi’s centres have carved beautiful lives for thousands of marginalized girls and boys helping them become productive members of society. (Learn more about Sakshi’s projects at www.sakshingo.org)

Under its Library Program particularly (सा विद्या या विमुक्तये – It is knowledge that liberates), Sakshi builds and runs libraries in slum schools, complete with books and librarians who teach via engaging games, arts and crafts, storytelling. The Program helps children bloom by promoting the habit of reading, building concentration and inculcating a love of learning. Without help, 90% children drop out of slum schools to face a life of poverty. Sakshi’s Library Program equips children with the abilities, life skills and values needed to excel in school and life so they can step into the brighter future their parents could only dream about.

Give Books. Build Futures. Win Prizes.

Hard Rock brings you a unique opportunity to be part of Sakshi’s Library Program by donating old books (in usable condition) or new books or money to purchase books at our location in DLF Mall, Saket, Delhi.

You can win a complimentary beverage when you come to donate/purchase books and mention this blog post. You can also enter the Lucky Draw when you donate which gives you a chance to win complimentary meals and invites to the Closing Celebration at HRC.

So come on over with your friends this May – do a little bit of good, have a little bit of fun - Give Books. Build Futures. And Win Prizes!

Cash donations are tax-deductible under Section 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act.

Watch Raahie - A musical Voyage on 16th May at HRC Hyderabad

2013-05-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Raahie is a musical voyage started by Ashwin Xavier Pinto and Anshul Singh in Mumbai. A Hindi pop-rock band, Raahie brings the flavors of Indian Classical and Sufi music together with a pop/rock base. With their songs written and composed to connect emotionally with the audience, their melody implores one to soak in the experience and groove to the rhythm. On stage, Raahie weaves magic with Anshul on lead vocals, Ashwin on the keyboard or rhythm guitars lending backing vocals, along with 4 experienced musicians supporting them.

Watch Menwhopause powered by 9xO groove you on 16th May at HRC Bengaluru

2013-05-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

MENWHOPAUSE:

One hot summer night, six years ago, a couple of friends got together and penned down their thoughts into music. What they never realized was that it was the making of one of the most sought after and revered bands in India - menwhopause.

The band, which soon grew to five members, was literally forced by its bunch of dedicated supporters and believers to push the music they were producing in an abandoned warehouse out into the open.

THE JOURNEY

An EP titled The Story Begins was launched in 2003 under the band's own label "the middle earth company." The songs found international airplay, including BBC London, and climbed on to top 10 ranks on international mp3 sites.

Ever since, menwhopause has been slowly but steadily setting benchmarks in India's music scene most importantly as being one of the first bands to have stuck to playing only original music and concentrating on the art of songwriting.

Their vision to become a well known Indian band in the international rock music industry came to fruition with the international release of their debut concept album Home by the middle earth company in August 2006.

menwhopause’s first international live performance was at the world's biggest independent music festival, the prestigious South by Southwest [SXSW] in Austin, Texas, in March 2007 and officially sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India.

They are also the first rock band from India that was found commercially viable by promoters in US and were invited for a month long extensive tour of Texas, along with other bands from Iran, Germany, Britain, Mexico, Scandinavia, etc. in early 2008.

The eminent jury of musicians and industry veterans at the Jack Daniels Poll 2008, declared menwhopause as ‘India’s top rock band’ and were presented an award in April 2008 for their performance at the Jack Daniel’s Legendary Mash festival in Nashville, Tennessee

THE MEMBERS

1.Sarabjit Singh (vocals, harmonica)

Born October 1978 to a Delhi-based originally-Pakistani Punjabi Sikh family, started singing for school choir at eight, drew early influences from Gurudutt and Osho, dropped out of engineering college to start business in computers which he gave up eventually to pursue a career in advertising, auditioned for a bunch of guys who he met over the net, ended up breaking the band and then reforming it with a new line-up, think and write for menwhopause.

Currently working with Leo Burnett as a Senior Copywriter.

2.IP Singh (acoustic guitar and a variety of instruments)

Born September 1977 to a Delhi-based Sikh family, studied at a Hindi-medium government school, figured education wouldn't take him where he wanted to be and burnt any living proof of the same, started playing guitars at local pujas and ceremonies, joined a puppetry group, fell in love with both forms of art, spent time perfecting them, met two random guys through a friend who fell in love with "the eccentric sardar who listens to black metal and plays the guitar", joined menwhopause.

Is the Co-producer of the country's most popular political satire puppet show on NDTV called Gustakhi Maaf/The Great Indian Tamasha.

3.Anup Kutty (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals)

Born April 1979 to a Delhi-based Malayalee family, was the youngest keyboard player for the convent choir till he figured that he was too poor to own one, quit playing the keys to pick up the guitar "cos it was a cheaper option", played in a gospel band till a college band happened, met "a guy who could sing" over the net, hung out with him and decided to call themselves menwhopause after a quiz team he once used to be part of. Is the Editor of MOB Magazine, Consulting Editor Rolling Stone and Man’s World

4.Randeep Singh (bass, djembe, vocals)

Born June 1977 to a Delhi-based Punjabi Sikh family, he started playing the tabla at 8, quit because his family couldn't afford it, when they finally could, he picked up the guitar because he "could relate to it better", Listened to grunge, alternative, metal to "release angst", went to a gig to watch some guys play original music on beaten-up acoustic guitars, sent fan mail to the guys the next day, ended up as bass guitarist for menwhopause.

Also designs interiors and click photos.

5.Paul Schneiter (drums)

The newest addition to the band, in place of drummer Rahul Chatterjee who's on a hiatus, Paul is a seasoned musician. From France, he is also a recognized sound engineer.

6.Support team

Satish Warier (Manager)

Paul Schneiter, Sidhant Mathur (Sound)

Gyan Singh (Lights)

7.Crew Members

Gyan Singh (Backstage)

Watch Modern Mafia powered by 9xO play it loud on 16th May at HRC Mumbai

2013-05-10T09:10:00.003-07:00

They Dress up Gangster, they dare to impersonate Arnold and The Zohan, they Terrify Random Sheep and better yet, they’re four people who make good music and have an even better time while doing it.

Modern Mafia is the byproduct of four very close, musically allied friends. The English Indie Pop/Rock band from Mumbai features Varun Das on vocals and guitars, Ishaan Krishna on lead guitars and backing vocals, Karun Kannampilly on drums and Krehl Gonsalves on bass and backing vocals.

With each band member coming from diverse musical backgrounds and influences, they create catchy music that is relatable, fun and easy to get.

With their first single “Arnie” from their upcoming album “Random Sheep” due to debut by the end of 2011 going viral with great response, Modern Mafia has definitely arrived. Modern Mafia are a bunch of four dapper, talented, eccentric/bad boys who make brilliant music. What you gonna do when they come for you?

Watch Tough On Tobacco - Album Launch powered by 9xO on 16th May at HRC New Delhi

2013-05-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

Watch Silver powered by 9xO groove you on 16th May at HRC Pune

2013-05-10T09:02:00.003-07:00

Silver is an experimental rock band from Pune formed with the very intention of creating original groovy music. The ethereal melodies and resonant tone combined with haunting and inspired performances make for a heady listening experience. A fun mix of musicians highly influenced by Rock, Funk, Blues and good `old Rock `n roll, we bring you a sound that is distinctly, well, S.I.L.V.E.R.

Journey so far...

- Won the National Competition - Yamaha Roxx 2008
- Represented India in Taiwan at the Asian Beat 2008 (The 1st Indian Rock band to have ever graced the Taiwanese soil)
- Won Independence Rock XXIII 2008

Groove to heavy drum/bass Dubstep with DJ Hemant Chotani this Friday at HRC New Delhi

2013-05-08T04:26:00.001-07:00

The Hippie Movement had its many stereotypes and labels from whatever sources and issues back in 1960. However, what many fans have realised is the monumental impact it's had on the American society during the Vietnam War. Although the lifechanging experience of its leaders to the inspirational music has ended, nevertheless this movement carries the tendency to greatly influence our present generation for good with the ideals of peace, love and unity.

We, the Modern Hippies, are going to let this change be in constant action and let everyone know that this beautiful culture has no end. Artists like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley through their music not only spoke the truth but also encouraged their audience to promote free love. And because we aren't afraid to speak out our mind, we will continue the 'Flower Power' and our determination in the girdle of the hippie trail and its music. We are going to take on from where the hippies left off and through our music we will embrace the world and get it high once again !

Hippie trail is a term associated with the journeys taken by hippies in the 1960s and '70s from Europe overland to and from southern Asia, mainly India and Nepal. Modern Hippie Trail is an effort being led by Hemant Chotani (Ultraviolet) to bring back the same spirit of Love, Peace, Unity and Free will back to modern times. It's a trail we all walk on together !

"Ultraviolet" is the deep/sub heavy Drum & Bass/Dubstep project of Delhi based Hemant Chotani who has been djing for over 6 years now at various hotspots in the city and around. From spinning rock/metal at the hottest joints in the city to now playing an aggressive dose of deep/sub heavy Drum & Bass and Dubstep. He does what he does best. His Sets are a unique mix of catchy and aggressive Drum & Bass to head bopping Dubstep keeping the audience connected with big riffs and epic breakdowns.

An active promoter of Indian bass heavy sounds like East Stepper, Midival Punditz, Karsh Kale, his bass heavy sets are often filled with a soulful Indian touch to them. Having being played at regular bass heavy night's in the city like "Trippy Tuesdays", "Unconventional Jam", "Habit", "Limbo Thursdays" his performance has been well received and positive.

He also runs his own project/night in the city called 'Modern Hippie Trail'. It is to bring the spirit of Love, Peace, Unity and Free will back to modern times. The sound of Modern Hippie Trail is very 60s and 70s rock/folk/psychedelic. Embracing the tunes of artists like The Beatles, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Satana, Led Zep.

Watch Luminum perform LIVE on 9th May at HRC Hyderabad

2013-05-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Luminum was formed early 2012. From doing covers to random jams, they realized that their music wasn't meant to be confined within jam rooms. Hence started the journey to make it big. And make it big letting their music do all the talking. This band believes music has just one rule which is 'do not follow any other rule'. Each member comes with oodles of stage/playing experience from their past ventures. Band members include Harish on vocals and guitars, Aditya Patwardhan on Bass and Caleb on Drums & vocals.

Watch One Nite Stand pay a tribute to Coldplay on 9th May at HRC Bengaluru

2013-05-04T07:50:00.001-07:00

One Nite Stand is India’s Pop/Rock sensation popular for their unique high-energy “Dance-Rock” music. Known for their lively and energetic performances, this is a band that is now recognized as one of India’s most touted young bands.

After performing and headlining at several music festivals, Colleges and leading concert venues across the city, the band now plans to release their debut album in Autumn-Winter 2013.
The band has performed atmusic festivals such as The Great Indian Octoberfest 2012, United By Music Festival, Pin Drop Music Festival and shared the stage with artists like Indian Ocean, Poets of the Fall, Children of Bodom, Chicane, DJ Ma Faiza, DJ Flower (Hungary), Australian band, White Shoe Theory with cricketer Brett Lee and energetic performances at the Bangalore International Midnight Marathon Festival , the TCS World 10K Marathon and several college festivals such Mount Carmel Girls’ College Festival, Cul Ah ’11, ’12.

The band is a popular choice for performing at Fashion events and launches such as at the Premiere of Shah Rukh Khan’s film Ra.Oneand the launch of Kannada Film Industry’s Moonlight Theatre.

One Nite Stand recently performed at the Great Indian Derby 2013 and fashion shows for Rocky S and most recently at the IPL 2013 afterparties for designers such as ManovirajKhosla and Shantanu and Nikhil.

With a growing number of fans, especially the ladies, the band never fails to surprise an audience and ensures that they stay hooked right through the show! The crowd and fan following that they have slowly but steadily built up over the years is also widely varied, with people being anything between 16 and 70 years, and the after-effect of most shows is usually a number of encores, resulting in a “One Nite Stand” that's totally worth it.

Watch Isheeta Ganguly with her 'Breakthrough' on 9th May at HRC Mumbai

2013-05-04T07:47:00.002-07:00

Tagore fusion singer, Isheeta Ganguly presents 'Breakthrough' - turning oppression into opportunity for women in R&B, Folk-Pop and Elekrtonika Soundspaces.

Watch Aditya Jassi at his album launch on 9th May at HRC New Delhi

2013-05-04T07:34:00.001-07:00

A singer-songwriter, composer and music Producer, Aditya used to sing for a Delhi based rock band Oritus before he ventured out into Bollywood. Having sung for some films like “Strangers”, “DilKabaddi”, “Jugaad” etc, Aditya has been making music ever since he picked up his first guitar at the age of 15 in Welham Boys’ School, Dehradun. He won the ‘Album of the Year’ at the first ever JD Rock Awards with his band Oritus and is a firm believer that the coming years are more about songwriters than just singers.

Aditya is a self-confessed Grunge & Classic Rock lover and Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi, Alice in Chains, ACDC, Dream Theatre, The Script, U2, John Mayer, Maroon 5, Ben Howard, RHCP and Oasis are some of his major influences and some of it is evident from his personal sound.

Aditya was part of a singing reality show way back in 2006-07 called Fame X judged by an esteemed jury of DalerMehndi, Ganesh Hegde, Palash Sen, SoumyaRao and MTV, aired on Sony Sab. He managed to reach the Top 10 and was pitted as one of the favourites to win the show.A licensed pilot and a former TV Journalist, Aditya believes that the future of Independent music is definitely on the upswing especially with certain recording labels taking immense interest in bringing independent music back to life.

Watch Swastika LIVE on 9th May at HRC Pune

2013-05-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Swastika formerly known as iLLuminAti came into existence in late 2010 after the band changed their name and now is known as SWASTIKA. 'Swastika' in Sanskrit means "well being" or "lucky charm". Well, this word comes with a lot of meaning and history, and has been used across many cultures, religions and countries. But, as a band name it just came as a random thought. The basic idea was of making original, pure and powerful music which brought these four likeminded musicians together in the first place. Abhishek had been the drummer of the band "The Trip" and played with several other musicians. He also takes drum lessons in pune. Varun, Uday & Tanvar from the same college, sharing and singing the same tunes started their musical journey with the band 'Illuminati', quite popular within the local rock circuit, playing a lot of Grunge and Rock n Roll stuff. Later on the trio decided to take their music ahead and started jamming with musicians around. "That period, of looking for a permanent band", with a lot of line up shift and Abhishek joining the band as a new drummer the band decided to change their name and now is known as swastika.

With Abhishek on drums the line up for Swastika was complete with Varun on Bass, Uday on Guitars and Tanvar giving his vocals making it a 4-piece band. Working a lot on originals the band categorizes their music as alternative, hard rock and experimental. Well, the name 'SWASTIKA', they say, perfectly goes with the 'luck' they had in forming their band and the ‘well being' that came with its music. And now they want to spread it around. Peace out!!!

Hard Rock Calling 2013: Global Voting

2013-04-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

Hard Rock Calling! The Global Battle of the Bands 2013 is back!

The Grand Finale of Hard Rock Rising 2013 results are out! The awesome bands that won everyone’s heart at the battle of the bands across Hard Rock Cafe India are… Hourglass Inversion from Pune, Frisky Pints from Delhi, Natural Volume from Mumbai, Divine Raaga from Bengaluru and GingerFeet from Hyderabad.

Which band will make it to the finals of Hard Rock Calling 2013? These bands are competing for a golden chance to play in the Hard Rock Calling in London as part of a World Tour, make an album and video with Hard Rock Records, and win new gear! The Top 25 will move on to be reviewed by an industry panel to choose the winning bands.

Help support your favorite band to qualify for a prestigious position in the International Top 25. Keep voting for the Hard Rock Rising 2013 Battle of the Bands winners.

Remember, you can only vote for one band this round, but you can continue to download as many FREE songs as you want.

Voting ends May 1 at 4 pm EST. VOTE NOW!

Vote for Hourglass Inversion: http://on.fb.me/WGF1xq

Vote for Frisky Pints: http://on.fb.me/XgnmPl

Vote for Natural Volume: http://on.fb.me/VAb2Z4

Vote for Divine Raaga: http://on.fb.me/UxpShV

Vote for GingerFeet: http://on.fb.me/V6BUlZ

Watch SKRAT perform LIVE on 2nd May at HRC Bengaluru

2013-04-30T02:39:00.003-07:00

(Rock) the trio of skrat consists of t.t. sriram on guitars and lead vocals, tapass naresh on the drums and satish narayanan on the bass guitar - both providing backup vocals that provide a simple, raw, home-grown perspective to loud guitars, catchy hooks and a whole lot of energy on and off stage.

In the later part of the day on July 15th of the year 2006 this bunch of high school graduates decided that they would form a band and make some music to aid their would be dreary engineering college lives, 6 days later they play their first show at the Unwind center. In an environment of predominantly metal music, this original-rock act got the crowd and went on to play over a 100 gigs, and counting. This includes most of the major cities in South India, Mumbai and an independent festival in Reading, England.

The band took a short hiatus to explore their sound following the release of their first studio album called 'Design'. The band reformed with a new sound and a new direction. Watch them live and spread the sound.

Watch Sky Rabbit perform LIVE on 2nd May at HRC Mumbai

2013-04-29T04:31:00.000-07:00

Sky Rabbit

Six year old Sky Rabbit (formerly known as Medusa) defines their sound aselectronic/alternative. A formidable quartet of Mumbai’s most gifted youth, Raxit (Vocals/Samples), Rahul (Guitar/Samples), Siddharth (Bass) and Harsh on (Drums) have stumbled upon something unique, merging electronica with indie and post-punk styles.

Sky Rabbit was one of four bands in India that was selected to be part of Soundpad, a project organized by the British Council, where they recorded two tracks with legendary producer John Leckie (Radiohead, Pink Floyd, The Verve) at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai.

In 2009 Sky Rabbit performed at the Great Escape Festival in Brighton and continued their UK tour to Cardiff, Oxford, Liverpool and London.

The new debut album, which releases on 10th Jan 2012 under the Virgin EMI record label, is a set of tightly constructed tracks that blend synthetic textures with more organic instrumentation, creating a sound that is bold, experimental and ultimately captivating & addictive.

Watch FIVE8 perform LIVE on 2nd May at HRC New Delhi

2013-04-29T00:52:00.001-07:00

Five8 was created in the summer of 2005 in New Delhi. Beginning as a college band at Delhi University, Five8 performed extensively within the Indian college circuit, playing many college shows and competitions. With this impetus, the members of the band Adhir, Aveleon, Robin, Shiv and Steve decided to take the band forward professionally in 2008, consciously writing and performing their own music.

With influences ranging from glam rock to soul, progressive music to pop, Five8’s work resonates through a constantly evolving city life, running parallel and colliding with concrete construction, scorching temperatures, traffic jams, insatiable appetites, and just some plain wishful thinking.

Five8’s music tells their story from within, and by stepping outside of the emerging
Indian independent music milieu, using this apparent challenge to create Five8’s unique sound. The band releases its first self-titled EP July 2010 featuring six original tracks, original band artwork and a range of merchandise. In the future, the band hopes to continue writing and performing, and to allow their music to lead them further. As a part of the dynamic ‘Indian Indie’, Five8 believes that this is the time in India to let your music speak. “Life gives you one shot, there are no retakes” (Believe, Five8, 2009).

Band Members:
Shiv Ahuja - Keyboards
Adhir Ghosh - Guitar
Robin Mathew - Vocals
Steve Peter - Bass
Aveleon Giles Vaz - Drums

Watch Alter Egoz perform LIVE on 2nd May at HRC Hyderabad

2013-04-29T00:12:00.000-07:00

AlterEgoz was formed in the year 2001 although the members of the band have been playing since the mid 90s.

AlterEgoz’s influences are the Beatles, Jethrotull, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Pink Floyd, ZZ Top, Deep Purple, Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, Yes, The Who, Police,....... and many more great bands and individuals. It’s not possible to name all of them.

Originally all the 6 compositions have been made to English Lyrics. Due to a possibility of a few of them threatened to be used for films, we have made them bi-lingual. Songs like Conscious – Shakti, Belly – Naya Naseeb are in English as well as Hindi. All our OCs are immensely appreciated by our audiences and Shakti and Naya Naseeb are popular due to their strong lyrical content – Shakti being on Women and Naya Naseeb on Child Labour.

While we have performed at many places, our most memorable performances have been at the Passport pub and The Under Deck at the Taj as we have done many a theme events here – like the Pink and Black show( Floyd and Sabbath), Jail House Rock, Glam Rock era etc.
Big events have been the ones we did at the Marriott for New Year’s eve in 2008 and 2009, Infosys campus event, Ascendas Corporate event, Airtel Live in 2007 where we played along with some big names like Soul Mate, Skinny Alley, Mrigya, Parikrama etc. AlterEgoz have been playing regularly at HRC Hyderabad.

BAND MEMBERS:
Som – Vocals – is an accomplished singer and has experimented with many local musicians, leading to an array of live stage performances, rock n metal bands, night club concerts, voice recordings over the last 15yrs, while composing music for new media and interface design. Som has been one of the architects of the band. Raw power is his forte.

Anuj – Bass Guitar - Anuj is the youngest member of the band. Started Bass guitar in September 2006 with his first performance in the Campus Rock Idols. Before AlterEgoz, he played for Ataraxia.

Vijay – Guitars- Vijay plays rhythm and lead for AlterEgoz. Apart from being one of the architects of the band Vijay also into composing, having composed many a score for corporate films, couple of ad jingles and also a serial for TV.

Sanjay – Drums - Sanjay is one of the best drummers of Hyderabad. Apart from playing drums for AlterEgoz, he is also instrumental in doing recordings for the band. He has his own Studio called Tapeloop Productions. His other band is called Catharsis, which has won the recent AR Rahman’s Ooh La lah contest. Their songs have been released by Rahman in August 2009.

Vivek – Guitars – An accomplished musician, Vivek is also a composer doing music for a Telugu film.

AlterEgoz is purely a classic rock band. Experimentations with Funk do show up sometimes when attempting Beatles and OCs. Pure classic Rock from the 60s to the early 80s.

The band has a very cool attitude. AlterEgoz is not a stiff band though you cannot expect any pyrotechnics or glamorous stage acts. We thoroughly enjoy ourselves on the stage and that carries across to the audiences. Som tries to be interactive with his one liners to somewhat lengthy discussions.

Artists – cover versions

Purple, Floyd, Allman Brothers, Clapton, Dire Straits, Doobie Brothers, actually anything that fancies our imagination and that which sounds truly rockish.

Watch Hellwind perform LIVE on 2nd May at HRC Pune

2013-04-29T00:02:00.001-07:00

So grab those tight clothes, put on your make-up, grab a few beers and head down for our show. Because if you look hard enough, the 80s never died...the decade only lay dormant somewhere deep within you. And now, the beast begins to rise again! Rock or die!

Hellwind is

AkshayDeodhar- The Vocal Viscount
Rajarshi Bhattacharyya- The Samurai of Shred
Kiron Kumar- The Creature of Riff Lagoon
Riju Dasgupta- Doctor Groove
Sahil Makhija- The Demon on Drums