Shri Ravi Shankar and George Harrison (Happy Mag)
Globalisation has influenced many aspects of art and culture, most notably seen in cinema, dance, and language. Indian music in the contemporary scape also stands as a cornerstone of such interweaving trajectories. Some of the fusion-bands mentioned below give but a glimpse of what the future holds for these explorations.
One of the nation’s proudest interactions was that of the mentorship and friendship fostered between The Beatles and our own Sitar maestro Shri Ravi Shankar. What resulted from this brief stint was a generation-long impact on how music was viewed. It resulted in a fusion of spirits and intellects, embodied most effectively in what we view as Indian Classical-fusion music.
1. Sitar Metal
Perhaps no other name would best describe the motto and approach to music that the world’s first & only Sitar-fronted 4-member Indian classical-metal band have. Started in 2015 by Rishabh Seen, the band has one album, “Sitar Metal“, that includes some novice tracks from the budding musicians. However, the band has been on an indefinite hiatus, springing back online only to mark their decade-long endeavour and furnish some unreleased demos. Take a listen!
- When Time Stands Still – 7:26
- Antah Asti Parambh (Demo) – 2:53
- Nada Brahma (Demo) – 1:30
2. Project Mishram
This 7-piece progressive Carnatic fusion band hails from Bangalore, and they have truly emerged to make their mark among their forerunners. Integrating genres like Jazz, Rock, Metal, Electronic and centring around Indian classical melodies, the band makes complex syncopated rhythms come to life. Having toured abroad and nationally, they have opened for various artists, including Sid Sriram and Shaan, as well as Thaikkudam Bridge. Here are some of their songs that you must check out!
- Cynic Machine (feat. Rajhesh Vaidhya) – 9:16
- Nivaasa (feat. Arun Luthra, Dion Tucker, Nadje Noordhuis) – 9:51
- Kanakana (feat. Kmac2021) – 5:45
3. Pineapple Express
Maybe there’s something in Bangalore’s air that makes such endeavours even possible, for this next band is another one hailing from this gorgeous city. Pineapple Express is a fusion band, and with that, they integrate multi-genre influences like Carnatic, Experimental, Rock, and Electronic into multi-lingual harmonies. Recently, in an unfortunate turn of events, two of their members have decided to part ways with the ensemble, leaving an uncertain, nerve-wracking future for the band. Having teased a new project in their online accounts, Pineapple Express reminds us that they are here to stay. Check out these songs to get a taste of their work!
- Cloud 8.9 – 3:00
- Musafir (feat. Salim Merchant) – 6:17
- Vultures – 4:33
These bands offer genre-bending tales that keep intact the legacy of Indian classical music. At the same time, they seamlessly integrate fresh, modern sounds from this century. In these musicians’ work lies an important message for their descendants to come; this is just the beginning of a future of unrelenting sounds from the nation.
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