By Spandan Fulkar
6th Feb 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
6th Feb 2024
If you're an indie music aficionado with a penchant for discovering hidden musical gems, chances are you've stumbled upon that one band that felt like your own little secret discovery. For me, that band was ‘Bombay Bandook’ and their track "Tilak" was my prized find. It's the kind of song that resonates deeply with indie enthusiasts who thrive on uncovering new sounds and artists daily. But now, it seems my secret's out, and the allure of Bombay Bandook's music is spreading far and wide among those who share similar passion for the indie scene.
In the bustling city of Mumbai, six musical souls came together to create magic. They called themselves Bombay Bandook, a name that echoed the vibrant energy of their hometown.
It all started back in 2014 when these college buddies decided to kick it up a notch and form their own band. And let me tell you, once they got rolling, there was no stopping them. Fuelled by an insatiable hunger for originality, Bombay Bandook was born, and the rest, as they say, is history in the making.
Bombay Bandook today consists of Sannidh Shah, who handles vocals and melody composition. Amarjeet Prabhudesai plays the keys, while Parth Malhotra keeps the beat on drums. Brijesh Joshi takes care of guitars and lyrics, alongside Avneesh Gadgil, who also plays guitars. Lastly, Jagravi Rao handles the bass and production duties. Together, they form the current lineup of the band, each contributing their own unique talents to the musical tapestry of Bombay Bandook.
Bombay Bandook's journey to recognition was a tale spun not by industry moguls, but by the fervent devotion of their fans. Their rise to prominence wasn't marked by a single stroke of luck or a grand discovery; instead, it was a testament to the power of grassroots support and unwavering passion. While talking to ‘The Outsiders’ about the same, Bombay Bandook told us that they weren't exactly "discovered" by the industry and their success is only because of their fans who love their music, share it with others, and show up to their shows. “There have been so many memorable moments along the way, like opening a legendary festival like Independence Rock or playing at a gig where nobody knew us, only to have hundreds of people singing along to a song they heard for the first time. It's moments like these that make it all worth it”
If you're an indie music aficionado with a penchant for discovering hidden musical gems, chances are you've stumbled upon that one band that felt like your own little secret discovery. For me, that band was ‘Bombay Bandook’ and their track "Tilak" was my prized find. It's the kind of song that resonates deeply with indie enthusiasts who thrive on uncovering new sounds and artists daily. But now, it seems my secret's out, and the allure of Bombay Bandook's music is spreading far and wide among those who share similar passion for the indie scene.
In the bustling city of Mumbai, six musical souls came together to create magic. They called themselves Bombay Bandook, a name that echoed the vibrant energy of their hometown.
It all started back in 2014 when these college buddies decided to kick it up a notch and form their own band. And let me tell you, once they got rolling, there was no stopping them. Fuelled by an insatiable hunger for originality, Bombay Bandook was born, and the rest, as they say, is history in the making.
Bombay Bandook today consists of Sannidh Shah, who handles vocals and melody composition. Amarjeet Prabhudesai plays the keys, while Parth Malhotra keeps the beat on drums. Brijesh Joshi takes care of guitars and lyrics, alongside Avneesh Gadgil, who also plays guitars. Lastly, Jagravi Rao handles the bass and production duties. Together, they form the current lineup of the band, each contributing their own unique talents to the musical tapestry of Bombay Bandook.
Bombay Bandook's journey to recognition was a tale spun not by industry moguls, but by the fervent devotion of their fans. Their rise to prominence wasn't marked by a single stroke of luck or a grand discovery; instead, it was a testament to the power of grassroots support and unwavering passion. While talking to ‘The Outsiders’ about the same, Bombay Bandook told us that they weren't exactly "discovered" by the industry and their success is only because of their fans who love their music, share it with others, and show up to their shows. “There have been so many memorable moments along the way, like opening a legendary festival like Independence Rock or playing at a gig where nobody knew us, only to have hundreds of people singing along to a song they heard for the first time. It's moments like these that make it all worth it”
Spilling the beans on their unique name, the band told us that ‘Bombay Bandook’ emerged from a spur-of-the-moment choice during a competition, yet it resonated deeply enough to endure. Delving into its metaphorical depths reveals a clever analogy: similar to a pistol(bandook) loaded with six bullets, each member of the band represents a musical projectile. However, instead of discharging ammunition, they unleash melodies and harmonies, transforming the firearm into a conduit for creativity. It may sound whimsical at first, but upon reflection, the analogy proves surprisingly apt, encapsulating the band's dynamic synergy and their ability to ignite musical explosions with every performance.
When delving into their creative process, Bombay Bandook unveils a refreshingly straightforward approach. It begins with the inception of a melody, riff, or groove, typically rooted in the rich tapestry of Indian classical music. From there, the band embarks on a journey of fusion, allowing the song to organically evolve and lead them wherever its unique essence demands. While their signature sound remains distinct, each composition emerges as a singular entity, bearing the imprint of diverse influences. For instance, tracks like 'Azad' may draw inspiration from the depths of progressive rock, while 'Yaman' pulsates with the infectious energy of disco and dance rock. What's really neat is how diverse the band members' musical backgrounds are. With each person bringing their own flavor to the mix, every song they create ends up with its own special flavor. And that's the magic of Bombay Bandook, always keeping it fresh, always staying true to themselves.
Addressing a pressing concern among their fans, Bombay Bandook shed light on the question that's been on everyone's minds: why the prolonged hiatus from releasing music? "We've been making a conscious effort to address this concern," Bombay Bandook shared with us. "Just over a month ago, we released a track titled 'Shaakhon ke Patte,' and we're gearing up to hit the studio again soon to record some of the other new material we've been diligently crafting. The truth is, each of us juggles individual commitments, jobs, and other projects, making the process of producing and recording a full song quite the Herculean task. Despite the challenges, we continue to churn out songs during our jam sessions, but transforming them into polished pieces demands considerable time and effort. Rest assured, though, we'll be testing out our latest creations during our upcoming gigs, so make sure to join us and be among the first to listen."
Bombay Bandook's big dreams in the music game is like any musician worth their salt, they're aiming for that sweet spot of being totally self-sufficient and living the good life. They're making strides, but they're not quite there yet and say that they've still got some ground to cover. One of their major goals is setting up camp for a whole month, maybe in some cozy spot up in the hills, and getting down to business recording a full-blown album. It's all about immersing themselves in the music, letting the creative juices flow, and crafting something truly special. But here's the kicker, they're not just in it for themselves. Bombay Bandook's fuel comes from two places: the music itself, of course, and the incredible fans who've got their backs every step of the way. With that kind of support, there's no telling where their journey might take them.
Spilling the beans on their unique name, the band told us that ‘Bombay Bandook’ emerged from a spur-of-the-moment choice during a competition, yet it resonated deeply enough to endure. Delving into its metaphorical depths reveals a clever analogy: similar to a pistol(bandook) loaded with six bullets, each member of the band represents a musical projectile. However, instead of discharging ammunition, they unleash melodies and harmonies, transforming the firearm into a conduit for creativity. It may sound whimsical at first, but upon reflection, the analogy proves surprisingly apt, encapsulating the band's dynamic synergy and their ability to ignite musical explosions with every performance.
When delving into their creative process, Bombay Bandook unveils a refreshingly straightforward approach. It begins with the inception of a melody, riff, or groove, typically rooted in the rich tapestry of Indian classical music. From there, the band embarks on a journey of fusion, allowing the song to organically evolve and lead them wherever its unique essence demands. While their signature sound remains distinct, each composition emerges as a singular entity, bearing the imprint of diverse influences. For instance, tracks like 'Azad' may draw inspiration from the depths of progressive rock, while 'Yaman' pulsates with the infectious energy of disco and dance rock. What's really neat is how diverse the band members' musical backgrounds are. With each person bringing their own flavor to the mix, every song they create ends up with its own special flavor. And that's the magic of Bombay Bandook, always keeping it fresh, always staying true to themselves.
Addressing a pressing concern among their fans, Bombay Bandook shed light on the question that's been on everyone's minds: why the prolonged hiatus from releasing music? "We've been making a conscious effort to address this concern," Bombay Bandook shared with us. "Just over a month ago, we released a track titled 'Shaakhon ke Patte,' and we're gearing up to hit the studio again soon to record some of the other new material we've been diligently crafting. The truth is, each of us juggles individual commitments, jobs, and other projects, making the process of producing and recording a full song quite the Herculean task. Despite the challenges, we continue to churn out songs during our jam sessions, but transforming them into polished pieces demands considerable time and effort. Rest assured, though, we'll be testing out our latest creations during our upcoming gigs, so make sure to join us and be among the first to listen."
Bombay Bandook's big dreams in the music game is like any musician worth their salt, they're aiming for that sweet spot of being totally self-sufficient and living the good life. They're making strides, but they're not quite there yet and say that they've still got some ground to cover. One of their major goals is setting up camp for a whole month, maybe in some cozy spot up in the hills, and getting down to business recording a full-blown album. It's all about immersing themselves in the music, letting the creative juices flow, and crafting something truly special. But here's the kicker, they're not just in it for themselves. Bombay Bandook's fuel comes from two places: the music itself, of course, and the incredible fans who've got their backs every step of the way. With that kind of support, there's no telling where their journey might take them.
In reflecting on the genesis of their hit song "Tilak," Bombay Bandook unveils a narrative steeped in spontaneity and creative fervor. "We never set out to write something with the intention of it becoming popular," they reveal. The song's inception traces back to 2016, a time marked by a surge of inspiration that led the band to convene regularly over the span of a month, where each day was dedicated to crafting a new composition. Rooted in the enchanting Raag Tilak Kamod, "Tilak" exudes a naturally sweet essence, setting the stage for a heartfelt ballad. However, the song's dynamic shifts come to life in its chorus, where soaring guitars and crashing drums imbue it with a grandeur that transcends its humble beginnings. The result is a fusion of Indian classical elements, poignant balladry, and hints of genres like post-rock, evoking comparisons to the likes of Coldplay.
Amidst the backdrop of many famous bands parting ways and succumbing to internal discord, Bombay Bandook stands as a beacon of unity and resilience. In a candid discussion with the band, they revealed a key to their enduring strength, their bond as a family. "We see ourselves as a family," they shared, acknowledging that like any family, differences are inevitable. "We've certainly had our share of challenging moments," they admitted, "but what sets us apart is our ability to overcome them." In the creative process, they emphasized, the song takes precedence above all else. While differing opinions may arise during the writing and crafting of a song, they prioritize open communication and collaboration.
Reflecting on their journey as an independent band, Bombay Bandook shares a candid perspective on the challenges they've encountered within the music industry. Despite feeling like outliers, or even outsiders, in both mainstream and independent circles, the band has been fortunate to receive invitations to prestigious events such as the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and GIFLIF. However, they acknowledge that the landscape for independent musicians in our country presents significant hurdles, particularly when it comes to financial constraints. Each member of the band maintains professional lives that extend far beyond their musical endeavors, highlighting the balancing act required to sustain their passion amidst the demands of everyday life.
So, when it comes to bands that Bombay Bandook looks up to, two names jump right out: Advaita and Thaikkudam Bridge. These guys are like the OGs of the scene, paving the way and leaving their mark on everyone who listens.And let me tell you, Bombay Bandook ain't shy about giving credit where it's due. They straight-up admit that these acts have left a big impression on each and every one of them. From their killer tunes to their mind-blowing performances, it's clear that Advaita and Thaikkudam Bridge have set the bar high.
In reflecting on the genesis of their hit song "Tilak," Bombay Bandook unveils a narrative steeped in spontaneity and creative fervor. "We never set out to write something with the intention of it becoming popular," they reveal. The song's inception traces back to 2016, a time marked by a surge of inspiration that led the band to convene regularly over the span of a month, where each day was dedicated to crafting a new composition. Rooted in the enchanting Raag Tilak Kamod, "Tilak" exudes a naturally sweet essence, setting the stage for a heartfelt ballad. However, the song's dynamic shifts come to life in its chorus, where soaring guitars and crashing drums imbue it with a grandeur that transcends its humble beginnings. The result is a fusion of Indian classical elements, poignant balladry, and hints of genres like post-rock, evoking comparisons to the likes of Coldplay.
Amidst the backdrop of many famous bands parting ways and succumbing to internal discord, Bombay Bandook stands as a beacon of unity and resilience. In a candid discussion with the band, they revealed a key to their enduring strength, their bond as a family. "We see ourselves as a family," they shared, acknowledging that like any family, differences are inevitable. "We've certainly had our share of challenging moments," they admitted, "but what sets us apart is our ability to overcome them." In the creative process, they emphasized, the song takes precedence above all else. While differing opinions may arise during the writing and crafting of a song, they prioritize open communication and collaboration.
Reflecting on their journey as an independent band, Bombay Bandook shares a candid perspective on the challenges they've encountered within the music industry. Despite feeling like outliers, or even outsiders, in both mainstream and independent circles, the band has been fortunate to receive invitations to prestigious events such as the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and GIFLIF. However, they acknowledge that the landscape for independent musicians in our country presents significant hurdles, particularly when it comes to financial constraints. Each member of the band maintains professional lives that extend far beyond their musical endeavors, highlighting the balancing act required to sustain their passion amidst the demands of everyday life.
So, when it comes to bands that Bombay Bandook looks up to, two names jump right out: Advaita and Thaikkudam Bridge. These guys are like the OGs of the scene, paving the way and leaving their mark on everyone who listens.And let me tell you, Bombay Bandook ain't shy about giving credit where it's due. They straight-up admit that these acts have left a big impression on each and every one of them. From their killer tunes to their mind-blowing performances, it's clear that Advaita and Thaikkudam Bridge have set the bar high.
