By Spandan Fulkar
17th Sept 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
17th Sept 2024
Three months ago, Peter Cat Recording Co. (PCRC) dropped their single ‘People Never Change’, the first track from their album ‘Beta’, which marks their return after a five-year hiatus. The track’s first 1:48 minutes are a slow burn of desi dholak beats, building a quiet intensity until Suryakant Sawhney’s voice cuts through with the simple yet profound line, “People never change, but I will.” It was a bold declaration, offering listeners a glimpse of the transformation and introspection that would define ‘Beta’. The single set the stage for a new chapter in PCRC’s sonic journey, one filled with nostalgia, existential contemplation, and a genre-blending sound that fans have come to expect.
The track laid the foundation for the kind of musical feast ‘Beta’ promised. As always, PCRC’s line-up—Suryakant Sawhney on vocals and guitar, Karan Singh on drums, Dhruv Bhola on bass and samples, Rohit Gupta on keys and trumpet, and Kartik Sundareshan Pillai on keyboards, guitar, electronics, and trumpet—delivered a sound that was rich, layered, and difficult to categorize. It’s this patchwork that has made PCRC both beloved and mysterious. This time, however, Beta also marked a first for the band, with Kartik laying his vocals on the track "Foolmuse" and Dhruv stepping up to the mic for "I Deny Me." As they step back into the spotlight after half a decade, Beta marks a significant shift, yet feels rooted in the same creative ethos that shaped the band’s earlier work. This band doesn’t just play music, they create an entire soundscape that defy genre, time, and convention. And trust me, if you’re listening to them for the first time, you’re in for a journey.
“We don’t plan everything. A lot of it happens organically,” Suryakant Sawhney, frontman of PCRC, tells ‘The Outsiders’ as he casually unpacks the album’s creation. “People often ask about how our sound has evolved, but it’s more like we’re evolving. The music just reflects that. You experience new things, learn new skills, and sometimes you fail—those experiences shape the sound.” For PCRC, evolution is less a strategy and more a natural byproduct of living life. Just as ‘Time Just Floated By’, so too did the past five years, carrying with them the band’s growth and transformation.
Bridging Past and Future Sounds
If you’ve been following PCRC, you’ll notice Beta feels different from their previous work, but at the same time, there’s something familiar about it. ‘Beta’ represents a major step forward from their last album, ‘Portrait of Time 2010-2016’, yet it doesn’t feel like a break from the past. It feels more like a deeper dive into themes that were already present in PCRC’s music: transformation, nostalgia, and the search for meaning. “The gap between albums wasn’t something we planned. Life just got in the way,” Sawhney explained. “We were living, going through phases, and those phases made their way into the album. It’s personal but also universal.”
The result is an album that feels both polished and raw, blending elements of vintage sounds with a modern edge. “We always try to add something surprising in every track,” Sawhney adds. “Sometimes it’s a new instrument, sometimes it’s a production trick. We don’t do it to be quirky—it just feels right.” ‘Beta’ is a reflection of this balance, offering fans a complex but cohesive sound, full of unexpected turns and subtle details.
Three months ago, Peter Cat Recording Co. (PCRC) dropped their single ‘People Never Change’, the first track from their album ‘Beta’, which marks their return after a five-year hiatus. The track’s first 1:48 minutes are a slow burn of desi dholak beats, building a quiet intensity until Suryakant Sawhney’s voice cuts through with the simple yet profound line, “People never change, but I will.” It was a bold declaration, offering listeners a glimpse of the transformation and introspection that would define ‘Beta’. The single set the stage for a new chapter in PCRC’s sonic journey, one filled with nostalgia, existential contemplation, and a genre-blending sound that fans have come to expect.
The track laid the foundation for the kind of musical feast ‘Beta’ promised. As always, PCRC’s line-up—Suryakant Sawhney on vocals and guitar, Karan Singh on drums, Dhruv Bhola on bass and samples, Rohit Gupta on keys and trumpet, and Kartik Sundareshan Pillai on keyboards, guitar, electronics, and trumpet—delivered a sound that was rich, layered, and difficult to categorize. It’s this patchwork that has made PCRC both beloved and mysterious. This time, however, Beta also marked a first for the band, with Kartik laying his vocals on the track "Foolmuse" and Dhruv stepping up to the mic for "I Deny Me." As they step back into the spotlight after half a decade, Beta marks a significant shift, yet feels rooted in the same creative ethos that shaped the band’s earlier work. This band doesn’t just play music, they create an entire soundscape that defy genre, time, and convention. And trust me, if you’re listening to them for the first time, you’re in for a journey.
“We don’t plan everything. A lot of it happens organically,” Suryakant Sawhney, frontman of PCRC, tells ‘The Outsiders’ as he casually unpacks the album’s creation. “People often ask about how our sound has evolved, but it’s more like we’re evolving. The music just reflects that. You experience new things, learn new skills, and sometimes you fail—those experiences shape the sound.” For PCRC, evolution is less a strategy and more a natural byproduct of living life. Just as ‘Time Just Floated By’, so too did the past five years, carrying with them the band’s growth and transformation.
Bridging Past and Future Sounds
If you’ve been following PCRC, you’ll notice Beta feels different from their previous work, but at the same time, there’s something familiar about it. ‘Beta’ represents a major step forward from their last album, ‘Portrait of Time 2010-2016’, yet it doesn’t feel like a break from the past. It feels more like a deeper dive into themes that were already present in PCRC’s music: transformation, nostalgia, and the search for meaning. “The gap between albums wasn’t something we planned. Life just got in the way,” Sawhney explained. “We were living, going through phases, and those phases made their way into the album. It’s personal but also universal.”
The result is an album that feels both polished and raw, blending elements of vintage sounds with a modern edge. “We always try to add something surprising in every track,” Sawhney adds. “Sometimes it’s a new instrument, sometimes it’s a production trick. We don’t do it to be quirky—it just feels right.” ‘Beta’ is a reflection of this balance, offering fans a complex but cohesive sound, full of unexpected turns and subtle details.
The Art of Randomness
One of the standout moments leading up to the release of ‘Beta’ was the album-naming video, where a child picks the name ‘Beta’ from a chit. “Yeah, it was as random as it looked,” Sawhney laughs. “We had a bunch of names, but when ‘Beta’ came up, it just felt right. That video made it feel like it was meant to be.”
This randomness isn’t just limited to naming. It’s part of PCRC’s entire creative process. “We don’t sit down with a strict plan. We gather ideas, throw them together, and then figure out how to make them work,” Sawhney explains. “It’s chaotic, but that’s where the fun lies. We take the chaos and place it carefully, like jewellery on an artwork.”
The Soul of Beta
Another element that distinguishes Beta is the visual treatment that accompanies it. Known for their previous use of photo collages, the band decided to take a different approach this time around, incorporating more symbolic and spiritual elements. “We wanted something new but still rooted in who we are,” Sawhney says, referring to the album’s artwork, which features a Feng Shui doll and other good luck symbols. “It felt like a rebirth, but also a callback to our earlier albums, like Sinema.” For PCRC, visuals are an essential part of their artistic identity and they’re very careful about the way they present their albums visually as it helps convey the album’s essence.
From Hidden Gem to Growing Fame
PCRC’s evolution from being an underground, gatekept treasure to a more widely recognized band becomes evident with Beta. “We were always kind of a secret band,” Sawhney admits. “But now we’re starting to reach a bigger audience. And I think that’s a good thing, as long as people are coming to us for the right reasons.”
The idea of becoming more mainstream doesn’t seem to bother the band. In fact, they appear to welcome it, as long as it aligns with their vision. Sawhney explains that they’ve always focused on creating music that resonates with them first and foremost. If that connection extends to a wider audience, that’s a bonus. However, they’re not interested in labelling themselves, they’re simply PCRC.
Playing with Internet Culture
The promotion for ‘Beta’ took an unconventional route, as PCRC collaborated with quirky social media influencers to showcase their music. “I grew up on the internet, so it felt natural to experiment with it,” Sawhney says. “We wanted to highlight some genuinely strange and talented people. It wasn’t about going viral—it was more about playing with the concept of how music gets shared in today’s world.” The strategy very well worked helping to create a buzz around ‘Beta’ that was both authentic and aligned with PCRC’s offbeat sensibilities.
Translating the Album Live
PCRC is currently on a world tour, promoting Beta and bringing the album’s intricate arrangements to life on stage. “It’s always a challenge translating the recorded versions to live performances,” Sawhney admits. “Some of the songs are impossible to play exactly as they are on the album, so we’ve had to create alternate versions for the stage.” Nevertheless, the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. Tracks like ‘I Deny Me’ and ‘Foolmuse’ have become fan favourites, particularly with international audiences. “It’s been amazing to see how people connect with the new material,” Sawhney says. “The live shows take on a life of their own, and it’s rewarding to see how the music evolves in a live setting.”
Recording Spaces That Shaped Beta
Part of what makes Beta so unique is where it was recorded. PCRC didn’t stick to traditional studios; instead, they found themselves in unconventional spaces, like an abandoned house in Goa and a furniture shop during the pandemic. “Recording in these random places adds a different energy to the music,” Sawhney reflects. For PCRC, the spaces they record in aren’t just about acoustics; they’re about capturing a moment. “It’s like photography,” Sawhney explains. “You’re documenting a time and a place, imperfections and all. That’s what makes it special.”
Beta in PCRC’s Discography
As PCRC continues to grow, ‘Beta’ finds its place as a pivotal album in their journey. “I’m still too close to it to see it clearly,” Sawhney admits. “Right now, I can’t stand to listen to it because I’ve heard it too many times, but I think in time, we’ll see how it fits in with our other work.” With 13 tracks—a number rich in cultural symbolism, the album feels cohesive yet diverse. “Thirteen is an interesting number,” Sawhney notes. “It felt right for Beta, and it added another layer to the album’s story.”
With Beta, PCRC once again proves that they aren’t afraid of change in fact, they thrive on it. Their journey is far from over, and whatever comes next, one thing is clear: PCRC will continue to push the boundaries, creating music that feels both intimate and expansive, personal and universal.
Translating the Album Live
PCRC is currently on a world tour, promoting Beta and bringing the album’s intricate arrangements to life on stage. “It’s always a challenge translating the recorded versions to live performances,” Sawhney admits. “Some of the songs are impossible to play exactly as they are on the album, so we’ve had to create alternate versions for the stage.” Nevertheless, the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. Tracks like ‘I Deny Me’ and ‘Foolmuse’ have become fan favourites, particularly with international audiences. “It’s been amazing to see how people connect with the new material,” Sawhney says. “The live shows take on a life of their own, and it’s rewarding to see how the music evolves in a live setting.”
Recording Spaces That Shaped Beta
Part of what makes Beta so unique is where it was recorded. PCRC didn’t stick to traditional studios; instead, they found themselves in unconventional spaces, like an abandoned house in Goa and a furniture shop during the pandemic. “Recording in these random places adds a different energy to the music,” Sawhney reflects. For PCRC, the spaces they record in aren’t just about acoustics; they’re about capturing a moment. “It’s like photography,” Sawhney explains. “You’re documenting a time and a place, imperfections and all. That’s what makes it special.”
Beta in PCRC’s Discography
As PCRC continues to grow, ‘Beta’ finds its place as a pivotal album in their journey. “I’m still too close to it to see it clearly,” Sawhney admits. “Right now, I can’t stand to listen to it because I’ve heard it too many times, but I think in time, we’ll see how it fits in with our other work.” With 13 tracks—a number rich in cultural symbolism, the album feels cohesive yet diverse. “Thirteen is an interesting number,” Sawhney notes. “It felt right for Beta, and it added another layer to the album’s story.”
With Beta, PCRC once again proves that they aren’t afraid of change in fact, they thrive on it. Their journey is far from over, and whatever comes next, one thing is clear: PCRC will continue to push the boundaries, creating music that feels both intimate and expansive, personal and universal.
The Art of Randomness
One of the standout moments leading up to the release of ‘Beta’ was the album-naming video, where a child picks the name ‘Beta’ from a chit. “Yeah, it was as random as it looked,” Sawhney laughs. “We had a bunch of names, but when ‘Beta’ came up, it just felt right. That video made it feel like it was meant to be.”
This randomness isn’t just limited to naming. It’s part of PCRC’s entire creative process. “We don’t sit down with a strict plan. We gather ideas, throw them together, and then figure out how to make them work,” Sawhney explains. “It’s chaotic, but that’s where the fun lies. We take the chaos and place it carefully, like jewellery on an artwork.”
The Soul of Beta
Another element that distinguishes Beta is the visual treatment that accompanies it. Known for their previous use of photo collages, the band decided to take a different approach this time around, incorporating more symbolic and spiritual elements. “We wanted something new but still rooted in who we are,” Sawhney says, referring to the album’s artwork, which features a Feng Shui doll and other good luck symbols. “It felt like a rebirth, but also a callback to our earlier albums, like Sinema.” For PCRC, visuals are an essential part of their artistic identity and they’re very careful about the way they present their albums visually as it helps convey the album’s essence.
From Hidden Gem to Growing Fame
PCRC’s evolution from being an underground, gatekept treasure to a more widely recognized band becomes evident with Beta. “We were always kind of a secret band,” Sawhney admits. “But now we’re starting to reach a bigger audience. And I think that’s a good thing, as long as people are coming to us for the right reasons.”
The idea of becoming more mainstream doesn’t seem to bother the band. In fact, they appear to welcome it, as long as it aligns with their vision. Sawhney explains that they’ve always focused on creating music that resonates with them first and foremost. If that connection extends to a wider audience, that’s a bonus. However, they’re not interested in labelling themselves, they’re simply PCRC.
Playing with Internet Culture
The promotion for ‘Beta’ took an unconventional route, as PCRC collaborated with quirky social media influencers to showcase their music. “I grew up on the internet, so it felt natural to experiment with it,” Sawhney says. “We wanted to highlight some genuinely strange and talented people. It wasn’t about going viral—it was more about playing with the concept of how music gets shared in today’s world.” The strategy very well worked helping to create a buzz around ‘Beta’ that was both authentic and aligned with PCRC’s offbeat sensibilities.
