Great Indian Rock 2009 call for entries
UPDATE : GREAT INDIAN ROCK XIII – BANDS / VENUE .
E-Mail Excerpts from Mr Amit Saigal of Rock Street Journal.
Hello Hello y’all!!
FUEL GREAT INDIAN ROCK FESTIVAL 2009
The festival dates and venues are as follows:
PUNE – fri, 23rd Oct – OASIS
DELHI – Sat 24th and sun 25th Oct – Hamsadwhani, Pragati Maidan
KOLKATA – Sat 24th – NAZRUL MANCH
BANGALORE – Sun 25th Oct, Palace GroundsCLUB DATES: Manipal, Hyderabad, Mumbai – TBA
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINERS:
INTRONAUT (USA)
www.myspace.com/intronaut
The band has been opening for MASTADON for their US tour recentlyBENEA REACH (NORWAY)
www.myspace.com/beneareach
Winners of the Spellman Award (Norwegian Grammy) in Metal categoryOTHER HEADLINERS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON.
Bands in India interested in being a part of this years Great Indian Rock Festival should mail their entries to RSJ at 86/1, 1st Floor, 3rd Building, Shahpurjat, New Delhi | phone 011 26497944
or mail greatindianrock@gmail.com
Last date for receiving entries is 30th sept, 2009We need at least one orginal song, band bio, photograph, and contact details of all band members including phone, email and snail-mail address
GREAT INDIAN ROCK MUSIC CONFERENCE & SHOWCASES
There is going to be a music conference during GIR, a special delegation from Norway comprising of Festival heads, labels and booking agents will be interacting with counterparts in India, with a view of selecting and taking bands from India on tour and promotion to Norway.WOOOHOOO!
Amit Saigal
Virendra Kaith signs to Zildjian Cymbals
Source : Demonstealer records .
Demonic Resurrection skin slammer Viru (Virendra Kaith) signs up to endorse Zildjian Cymbals and Mapex Drums. Virendra joins the Mapex and Zildjian families of worldwide artists and is along great drummers like Chris Adler (Mapex), Aquiles Priester (Mapex), Dennis Chambers (Zildjian), Marco Minnemann (Zildjian), Gavin Harrison (Zildjian) and many more great drummers.
Viru is the only extreme metal drummer from India to endorse Zildjian cymbals.
picture by Anisha Crasto
Virendra speaks “It’s like a dream come true for me. As a drummer being an endorsee for brands like Mapex and Zildjian are what we dream of and I’ve been an avid user of both brands before my endorsement so I couldn’t have asked for anything better. It feels great to be recognized for my drumming which is something I’ve worked on for almost a decade. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Furtados Music the dealer for both brands for recommending me to both companies. I’m ecstatic about this and looking forward to working with both brands on a long term basis.”
Viru is currently recording Demonic Resurrection‘s third full-length album titled ‘The Return To Darkness’. The album is due for release this November through Demonstealer Records. The band will also embark on an India tour to promote the album and are looking to book festival dates for 2010.
Reference Links:
Official News on Zildjian Website
Virendra’s Artist Page on the Mapex Website
Virendra’s Artist Page on the Zildjian Website
Exclusive Download : TREACHERY INC – SLEDGE
‘Treachery Inc’ is punk galore supplied by lyrics like ‘Brutal, Human sacrifice, in comes pain divine, your life some one’s right, by night death in sight’, the pace picks and decelerates when throat enters creating a head rush and mosh in sight. I am particularly fond of the section after first 2 minutes where everything falls under the umbrella of soloing. This song is an absolute resentment towards the world!! – Atul Sharma of Metal India reviews SLEDGE‘s track Treachery Inc from the album VanQuish .
Sledge – Treachery Inc (right click Save)
To buy VanQuish via VPP Mail to sledgeindia@gmail.com .
Attention Bands: Become an ibibo Rising Rock Band
Yet another band hunt!! this time ibibo.com in assosication with Counter culture Records is searching for ‘the Rising Rock stars of India’. It could be YOU!!. In fact ibibo is looking for 6 rising bands over the next 6 months period. The band will get to record an album which ibibo and CCR will promote in a three City tour.
More details on India’s top indie webzine Indiecision.com .
Exclusive: Download HUMAN ABSTRACT Debut EP ‘Two Point Perspective’
Human Abstract is a Mumbai based hard rock band formed in November 2003. The band derives its name from a 17th century poem of the same name written by William Blake. Their music varies diversely from funky, melodic tunes to downright driving riffs. This, combined with some hard-hitting and relevant lyrics is what defines the sound of the band. The inspiration for the songs varies from political issues to personal tribulations without restricting these topics for future experimentation. The band since its inception has actively played at various Rock Competitions and shows across the city. They have won rock competitions at S.I.E.S College, Nerul (2004) and PIIT, Panvel (2004). They have also reached the finals of competitions like Channel V Launchpad (2004) (2007) and MTV Campus Rock Idols (2004). Besides the competitions, the band was frequently doing shows at venues across the city, like Razzberry Rhinoceros, Not Just Jazz by the Bay, Velocity etc. The band has also done shows for social and political causes, like a show for Tsunami Relief at SPCE College, Andheri (2004) and “Rock Against Reservation” organized at Razz (2006) against the quota system.
Back after a two year hiatus, the band is eager to take it forward from where it left off.
Line up:
Anuj Verma – Vocals
Rohan Kadam – Guitars
Ninad Kawale – Bass
Abhishek Denzil – Drums
About Two Point Perspective
Two Point Perspective is Human Abstract’s debut EP and consists of 5 songs and a remix. The album is an effort by the band to highlight youth issues and viewpoints while at the same time delves into personal insights from time to time.
Recorded at Fali Damania’s Over the Top Studios, the album is strongly indicative of the band’s early musical influences, specifically Rage Against the Machine and borrows heavily from them in terms of sound design and lyrical content.
The album is available for free download at this Location .
Track listing:
Too Far In .
Represents the times where one finds oneself stuck to a fixation/infatuation/impulse and his/her whole world revolves around it. But, it soon turns out, that he has lost the drive to pursue it & starts feeling stupid about the whole ordeal. However, all said & done, it still makes a good memory to reminisce.
Disorder .
Strong hatred belted out towards the scum-of-this-world who call themselves ‘Jihadis’. It’s a psychological disorder, as we see it.
Cry.
It’s a song which sadistically copes with the natural beauty of infidelity.
Re-Serve.
It’s a call to re-serve equality to the citizens of this country as they rightly deserve it. It stands against political hypocrisy & pseudo secular ideals of an inclusive state which are constructed purely to garner votes. It’s a call to abolish reservation (for admissions to institutes of higher learning & in securing govt jobs), since it furthers the idea of divide-and-rule. The Constitution of India establishes the right to equality for its citizens; then why the hell is this fundamental right being flouted so openly by passing bills for reservation?
Disjoint .
Of relating to the ones-without-a-spine (beautiful women) to a joint.
Cry (Reprise) The Rocket Scientist Mix .
A brilliant electronic version of Cry.
Download: Sodium Trail – Parachute XVI
Well, Finally Sodium Trail (and the current beantown voice) EP by Bangalore based rock band Parchute XVI is out now. All you have to do is Visit Parachute XVI website and just leave your email ID and they will send you a code/link to download. (wonder why Parachute XVI didn’t opt for gimmesound.com like other Indian band :lol: , Anyways, gimmesound or not, I do highly recommend Sodium trail, download and enjoy good music.
UPDATE : Brilliant album.. Must download .. must download
ARTIST OF THE MONTH – SLEDGE
But word out from us to all: Nothing much keep it simple be at it jam, record, gig repeat!Hyderabad based Old School Thrash metal Band Sledge made a superb come back with their second album Vanquish which has recieved much accolades not just in India but all over the world. If you heard the Autopsy report Radio Show you’d know that how Sledge has put not just Hyderabad but India on the Metal Map. We caught up with Sledge for this exclusive interview and it is our pleasure to have SLEDGE as featured Band of the Month… let’s hear from Sledge
IRMP3: 10 years too late to ask this question, but please tell Sledge’s new fans about early days of Sledge, how did you guys come up with the name Sledge?
Anjani: SLEDGE‘s metal journey started off in May 2000 gigging around Hyderabad. The gig which brought us into prominence was Deathfest 2001 in Mumbai playing with the stellar metal bands of that time & Castrol Garage Rock – a competition at a national level which we won. That really put us in the national limelight. There’s no massive funda behind the name SLEDGE.. Just that it sounds simple, aggressive and hits you hard!
IRMP3: Please introduce the current line up.
Nitin Rajan- Vocals
Shadrach Prabhu – Lead Guitar
Anjani – Bass
Suman – Drums
Avinash – Guitar
IRMP3: Tell us about the making of VanQuish , How different it is from your debut album?
Prabhu: Desert of Souls was our first experience in terms of song writing and production as well and that reflects on the album, VanQuish was a different experience, we took our time for the song writing and production, the approach of music is very different. We incorporated lot of carnatic scales into the riffs, We wanted it to be aggressive without losing the groove element in our songs.
IRMP3: Who writes lyrics for Sledge? What is the theme behind ‘the album Vanquish?
Avin: We have been working on some original material since 2007 & have been slowly integrating them on our live shows. But most the tracks on VanQuish were composed last year when our guitarist Prabhu hit the proverbial sweet spot and came up with more than 10 tracks which were just ready to go! Later the we all joined in to thrash it out into a complete album and most of the lyrics and aggression was towards the mindless terror attacks which were rampant last year – especially the seige of Mumbai. VanQuish – the title track exhorts you not take violence lying down – preparedness and alacrity is a must. dont move on without fixing the malaise. Theatre of war deals with how certain regions in the world is forever war torn – as if they embrace violence and resent peace.
IRMP3: Your new songs are much heavier and darker, how have you guys evolved since the debut album? What bands have influenced your music?
Anjani: Much has changed since the debut album back in 2005. The production values, the equipments, song writing etc was totally different than today. The band has gigged a lot, spent a lot of time jamming together over the years and it reflects in VanQuish. Prabhu who has composed most of songs has taken the more classic thrash metal riffing approach fused with Indian rhythm patterns (you will notice if you closely listen) besides this album has Nitin (ex vocalist of Morticide) who brings in his own intensity and aggression to the songs. Influences range from mostly your old school metallers Slayer,Death,Kreator, Deicide, Pantera,Napalm Death, Sepultura and Obituary.
IRMP3: On what record label Vanquish is being released? How can fans buy this album?
Anjani:We are trying to work some deals .. we will update you once something works. As of now all you need to do is send us an email to sledgeindia@gmail.com ,
and we will get it couriered to your address.
IRMP3: Going back in time, Sledge released ‘Desert of Souls’ on Times Music, which is one the first for a thrash/Death metal band in India , How did that happen?
Anjani:The record deal was part of the reward for winning the National Competition “Castrol Garage Rock” in 2004 done by 360 Degrees and Time Music. On its way to winning the National Title for Best Band at the final leg of Castrol Garage Rock in Mumbai we also won Best Vocalist, Best Guitarist, Best Drummer and Best Bassist. The deal was totally new for a mainstream label like times as they had never signed on a metal band before. Honestly speaking its better to have control of your album and do it yourself or with an underground label which understands metal.
IRMP3: Sledge put Hyderabad on the Metal Map in India and elsewhere, tell us about the current scene, has the scene in Hyderabad evolved since Sledge first started?
Anjani:Being the First Metal band in Hyderabad was really a rough road just jammed for a year without gigs as there were hardly any takers for metal in the city then .
Right now the scene is awesome there are good number of promising bands in Hyderabad and there are good number of gigs happening. The crowd is also very supportive the numbers may not be as big as other metros but in terms of energy levels Hyderabad kicks ass.
IRMP3: How do you guys manage to jam with your vocalist based in Mumbai and the rest of the guys in Hyderabad?
Anjani: That’s the most difficult part for us and that’s the reason we are limiting our gigs and playing very few. Technology has been of great help we have been constantly sharing raw compositions over for most of last year for VanQuish and he shows up for jams before the gigs! ;- ) It is simpler as he is the vocalist and can do his parts out there in Mumbai while the band jams up regularly sans the vocalist. But this year we will be playing lot more gigs than what we have done in the last two years.
IRMP3: Let’s talk about live shows, any up coming gigs? what is ‘SLEDGE’s set list?
Anjani: September end should be the official launch gig and then we are planning to cover at least the metros in coming few months. Our set list will comprise mostly tracks from VanQuish which we haven’t played live yet and a few from the first album.
IRMP3: Which is the best/worst ‘Sledge’ gig ever? Any particular memories?
Nitin: One of our best and memorable gig was in 2007 when we played in Singapore (Gashaus) with a killer set of bands which included Arbitary Element, Predatory amongst others. It was great to see metalheads abroad headbang to our originals! Quite a rush and also realized metal fans, gigs, venues etc all are quite the same the world over! Underground, full of energy & everyone is so passionate about metal! It reminded me of good ol Razz Rhino days in Mumbai.
Anjani:IIT Delhi in the year 2002 was another memorable one .. well that the the first time we saw a crowd of 5000 before that we never performed for more than 200 people and winning the runners up was a great moment.
Nitin: Independence Rock 2005 the initial gig that never happened at Gateway was quite an experience. It was the 20th edition of I rock and the venue was the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai. The vibe was amazing – it was like being part of history – soundchecking at the Gateway! And all the multitudes of musicians who had converged there and fans were shocked when the gig wasn’t allowed by the cops who refused the final permission after citing security excuses! We were so fuckin livid! And so was the crowd! Somehow a riot was averted! Later the postponed gig which was held at Chitrakoot grounds was kickass where we played to a crowd of 6000 odd rabid Mumbai metalheads! It was manic!
IRMP3: With two albums to its name Sledge is ‘veterans of the metal industry in India’, what advice would you like to give to budding metal heads who like to start a metal band?
Anjani: Nah too early to tag us veterans! But word out from us to all: Nothing much keep it simple be at it jam, record, gig repeat!
Nitin: From my experience of jamming with 20odd musicians in a single band i would say stick together guys! Once you have a steady line-up be at it. It’s too easy to give up!
IRMP3: An interview is not complete without thank you notes, any one Sledge would like to thank for the support
All folks at home, every single fan who has been to our gigs, all ex-Sledge members! guys at Rudra, all the amazing bands we have ever played with & everyone in the metal & rock fraternity – on the net, organizing gigs,managing bands et al for keeping the scene alive.
And Santhosh kudos to you too mate was amazed to see the links and dope on so many Indian bands out here when i first stumbled on this site. Keep it going bro!
IRMP3: Last words…
Check out our new album VanQuish & listen to the songs on http://www.myspace.com/sledgeindia & keep supporting Indian metal and original music!
