By Spandan Fulkar
1st Jan 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
1st Jan 2024
A chance meeting in the middle of Delhi University's thriving music scene provided the groundwork for Salt Rock, a band that defies expectations and paints musical canvases. Picture this: four friends—Mayank, Aditi, Vishrut, and Sarthak—thrown together by the fluke of shared melodies and a shared dream. It sounds like the script straight of a Bollywood film, where friendships are forged, dreams are chased, and music becomes the backdrop of their journey. Yet, remarkably, it's a tale extracted straight from the pages of reality, proving that sometimes even real life can be as enchanting as the reel life.
Four Journeys, One Melody
Mayank, the music enthusiast from the hills of Almora, found inspiration in his father's diverse music collection, a mix featuring legends like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Aditi, with her roots in Lucknow and a background in Indian classical music, discovered the rebellious allure of rock, paving the way for a unique vocal fusion. Vishrut, the self-taught rebel with a penchant for punk, was drawn to the guitar by the electrifying tunes of Green Day. Sarthak, the rhythm maestro, born in Delhi and refined in Lucknow, found his calling in drumbeats that echoed through the local band scene and in a script seemingly lifted from a Bollywood flick, Salt Rock was born. A fusion of souls that began with just two songs, propelling them into their maiden battle of the band’s competition within two months.
"Our journey started then, and soon we realized this could become something serious," reminisces Mayank
A chance meeting in the middle of Delhi University's thriving music scene provided the groundwork for Salt Rock, a band that defies expectations and paints musical canvases. Picture this: four friends—Mayank, Aditi, Vishrut, and Sarthak—thrown together by the fluke of shared melodies and a shared dream. It sounds like the script straight of a Bollywood film, where friendships are forged, dreams are chased, and music becomes the backdrop of their journey. Yet, remarkably, it's a tale extracted straight from the pages of reality, proving that sometimes even real life can be as enchanting as the reel life.
Four Journeys, One Melody
Mayank, the music enthusiast from the hills of Almora, found inspiration in his father's diverse music collection, a mix featuring legends like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Aditi, with her roots in Lucknow and a background in Indian classical music, discovered the rebellious allure of rock, paving the way for a unique vocal fusion. Vishrut, the self-taught rebel with a penchant for punk, was drawn to the guitar by the electrifying tunes of Green Day. Sarthak, the rhythm maestro, born in Delhi and refined in Lucknow, found his calling in drumbeats that echoed through the local band scene and in a script seemingly lifted from a Bollywood flick, Salt Rock was born. A fusion of souls that began with just two songs, propelling them into their maiden battle of the band’s competition within two months.
"Our journey started then, and soon we realized this could become something serious," reminisces Mayank
A Blend of 90s Nostalgia and Linkin Park Love
When we spoke to the band about their sound and its discovery. ‘Salt Rock’ told us that their sound is a symphony of influences from the '90s and pays homage to icons like Radiohead, Tool, and the Red-Hot Chili Peppers, yet their childhood heroes, Linkin Park, hold a special sway over their creative process. "Linkin Park shaped our childhood. You'll catch us belting their songs after every gig," admits Aditi, vocalist of ‘Salt Rock’
Bluesy Love and Exploration
Salt Rock's latest single ‘For You’, is a soulful exploration into blues territory. A departure from their usual vibe, the track proves as testament to their growth and willingness to experiment. “‘For You' is pure play. We have so much fun doing this song live, and it's the one where the crowd always sings along," Vishrut shares.
A Blend of 90s Nostalgia and Linkin Park Love
When we spoke to the band about their sound and its discovery. ‘Salt Rock’ told us that their sound is a symphony of influences from the '90s and pays homage to icons like Radiohead, Tool, and the Red-Hot Chili Peppers, yet their childhood heroes, Linkin Park, hold a special sway over their creative process. "Linkin Park shaped our childhood. You'll catch us belting their songs after every gig," admits Aditi, vocalist of ‘Salt Rock’
Bluesy Love and Exploration
Salt Rock's latest single ‘For You’, is a soulful exploration into blues territory. A departure from their usual vibe, the track proves as testament to their growth and willingness to experiment. “‘For You' is pure play. We have so much fun doing this song live, and it's the one where the crowd always sings along," Vishrut shares.
Jamming, Evolution, and Imperfect Perfection
The creative process of ‘Salt Rock’ is a blend of simplicity and unpredictability and involves the band jamming together until the instrumental structure takes shape. Lyrics and melodies follow, with the final product often evolving into an unexpected masterpiece. "We come together, we play, we create. Sometimes, the song becomes something entirely different, and we don't realize it until it's complete," muses Sarthak.
Jamming, Evolution, and Imperfect Perfection
The creative process of ‘Salt Rock’ is a blend of simplicity and unpredictability and involves the band jamming together until the instrumental structure takes shape. Lyrics and melodies follow, with the final product often evolving into an unexpected masterpiece. "We come together, we play, we create. Sometimes, the song becomes something entirely different, and we don't realize it until it's complete," muses Sarthak.
Independence, Challenges, and Uncharted Stages
Being an independent band grants them the freedom to experiment, but it also poses challenges, notably in securing opportunities without the backing of artist management firms. Yet, they march forward, eyes set on uncharted stages and untapped potential.
"We're free, but we want people to listen to what we have to say" Mayank expresses
Underrated as a Badge of Honor on the Journey
The band embraces their current status as underrated, recognizing it as a phase every great band has conquered. Their focus remains on continuous improvement and letting their music organically find its way and admits that they’re glad that people love their music. “There's so much more we want to become, and we feel it will happen when the time is right," Aditi states.
Imperfection and Authenticity
As these 20-somethings traverse the music landscape, they share a crucial lesson: take the music seriously, but revel in the joy of creating imperfect yet authentic tunes. For Salt Rock, it's not just about crafting music; it's about living the music journey, one harmonious note at a time.
Independence, Challenges, and Uncharted Stages
Being an independent band grants them the freedom to experiment, but it also poses challenges, notably in securing opportunities without the backing of artist management firms. Yet, they march forward, eyes set on uncharted stages and untapped potential.
"We're free, but we want people to listen to what we have to say" Mayank expresses
Underrated as a Badge of Honor on the Journey
The band embraces their current status as underrated, recognizing it as a phase every great band has conquered. Their focus remains on continuous improvement and letting their music organically find its way and admits that they’re glad that people love their music. “There's so much more we want to become, and we feel it will happen when the time is right," Aditi states.
Imperfection and Authenticity
As these 20-somethings traverse the music landscape, they share a crucial lesson: take the music seriously, but revel in the joy of creating imperfect yet authentic tunes. For Salt Rock, it's not just about crafting music; it's about living the music journey, one harmonious note at a time.
