“The drum kit that we had hired for the show cost us Rs 4,000,” they share.
Published: 05th August 2022 08:46 AM | Last Updated: 06th August 2022 10:55 PM | A+ A A-
Chaar Hazaari members (L-R) Utkarsh Mallik, Shivit Prasanna, Archit Agrawal, Yatindra Mohan Patel, Ranajoy Das
Back in 2012, when five students decided to take the stage to perform at the freshers party in their college [Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida], they decided to stick with the quirky name—‘Chaar Hazari’—that they gave their band on a whim. “The drum kit that we had hired for the show cost us Rs. 4,000,” they share. With Yatindra Mohan Patel on vocals (he is also a guitar player, composer and lyricist for the band); Utkarsh Mallik on Keyboards and Backing, Archit Agrawal on Bass, Shivit Prasanna on Flute, and Ranajoy Das on the Drums, this city-based contemporary Hindi folk rock band has been creating music that have an upbeat, groovy rhythm to it. In this interview, the band tells us about their inception, the motivation behind their songs, and more. Excerpts…
You released an acoustic version of Rubaroo, a track from your eponymous debut album, in February this year. What was the process of working on it like?
Rubaroo has been one of the most prominent and one of the audience's favourite numbers from our debut album. Just to refresh the original feeling and give our audience a new form of this track, we decided to create an acoustic version of the original. It was a fun experience—throughout the recording and the release process. We never thought that we would be reworking on our old original to release an acoustic version of the same.
There is a playful and comforting vibe to your tracks…
All our tracks from Udne Do [album released in 2021] are very personal and have a special emotion attached to it. While this album has more of a happy and motivational vibe, it carries a very special message with it and has an optimistic approach towards life and the challenges. We never believed in intentional songwriting. Most of our songs are relatable and expressed in easy words. We believe in giving a good happy experience through our music.
We have a special way of fusing our songs with flute in a modern style. It not only adds a traditional colour to our songs but also enhances the melody and adaptability of music from the listener's point of view. Every member from the band has different musical influences, which adds to our overall learning and eventually helps us understand each other well and makes the music-making process fun and easy.
As independent musicians, what is the biggest challenge you face?
Over the past decade, the indie scene has reasonably taken a new turn where many people are reconsidering their listening behaviour and searching for new underground artists, to explore fresh music and hidden talent. It is a great time to be an independent artist.
Being an independent band, we always have a DIY mindset. Having full control over your content-creating process and delivering it to the right kind of audience makes it both unique and challenging. Every song needs equal attention in every step—be it audio quality, production, or promotions. Being an indie set-up with limited resources, we try to maximise our output so that we reach the right set of audience. Being true to your art is the key to survival and growth.
'Rubaroo' is streaming on all major platforms
Disclaimer : We respect your thoughts and views! But we need to be judicious while moderating your comments. All the comments will be moderated by the newindianexpress.com editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks. Try to avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines.
The views expressed in comments published on newindianexpress.com are those of the comment writers alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of newindianexpress.com or its staff, nor do they represent the views or opinions of The New Indian Express Group, or any entity of, or affiliated with, The New Indian Express Group. newindianexpress.com reserves the right to take any or all comments down at any time.
Taliban: Car bomb near Kabul mosque kills 7, wounds 41
2nd T20I: Rohit Sharma guides India to series-levelling 6-wicket win
PFI got 'concealed' foreign funds through members based abroad: ED
Uttarakhand murder: BJP leader's son arrested; receptionist at resort 'pays the price for her honour'
National Herald: ED issues notices to Congress leaders from Andhra, Telangana
Tennis legend Roger Federer bids farewell in last match before retirement
The Morning Standard | Dinamani | Kannada Prabha | Samakalika Malayalam | Indulgexpress | Edex Live | Cinema Express | Event Xpress
Contact Us | About Us | Careers | Privacy Policy | Search | Terms of Use | Advertise With Us
Home | Nation | World | Cities | Business | Columns | Entertainment | Sport | Magazine | The Sunday Standard