Incidentally , Mumbai-based reputed girl band Indiva was formed in the winter of 2012 and it lodged its debut show at Bandra ’ s famous Amphitheatre on the ‘ Twelfth Night ’ ( January 6 ) of the following ‘ new year ’ 2013 . Keyboardist Merlin D ’ Souza , vocalist Hamsika Iyer , violinist Shruti Bhave Padhye and guitarist with complementing vocals Vivienne Pocha made inroads as a consolidated outfit to infuse a fresh lease of life in the air of band-music .
Having stood the test of times and sticking around for almost three years now , the band now emerges as one voice and one soul . For it has never been a flash-in-the- pan phenomenon for the group , opposed to popular notions . “ Our USP lies in our breathing space . We allow each other adequate space to groom , innovate and evolve ,” asserts the Tamilian Hamsika , who ’ s also trained in Carnatic music . “ Unity in diversity is our motto . So despite hailing from different schools of music , we embrace one another ’ s styles and there is always a room for an exchange of healthy vibe ,” she further amplifies her point .
Confabbing about the current status of girl bands in India , Merlin says : “ The trend is slowly but surely giving way to a reality that all-girl-bands are here to stay . Music fests too host many prevalent troupes in various forms — duo / trio and bands with an entire ensemble of female-musicians .” However , the scenario is glaringly different from continents like Europe and America . “ Music in its holistic approach in the West is deeply entrenched within the school curriculum from grade 1 to high school . So crossing any gender bias , each student — whether a boy or a girl — is strongly encouraged to make music an integral facet of their formative , educative years . Thus opting music as a career choice with lucrative opportunities on stage / studio or in production spheres and other affiliated areas , is inevitably an easy option there !” she distinguishes .
Interestingly , the north east belt has a natural flair for music as a breeding ground for multiple artistes , bands and musicians . Among the notable figures , maverick Khasi guitarist and singer from Shillong ( Meghalaya ) Lou Majaw still keeps the cult of Bob Dylan kindled by offering his tribute tours . A crop of girl bands has also geared up from this zone for a giant kill . Among them , The Vinyl Records is a well-known all-girl rock band , heavily influenced by international bands of acclaimed Brazilian , Swedish and Californian pedigree . The four-piece band agrees that its members closely follow the philosophy of modern-day Riot grrrl bands which more often than not , address issues of rape , domestic abuse , sexuality , racism , patriarchy and female empowerment which fiercely plague the feminine force .
Burning the dance floor or setting the stage afire across all Indian metro-cities , The Vinyl Records banner comprises a bevy of twinkletoed vivacious belles as in guitarist Banu , bassist Minam , drummer Mithy and vocalist / keytarist Cheyyrian Bark . The band was forged in 2010 . While the first three bandmates belong to the province of Arunachal , Cheyyrian comes from Assam . “ True that I joined in the fold a season later but it wasn ’ t much of a fuss for me to adjust as we all hit it off really well from the word go . Our wavelengths matched , so did our similar musical tastes . If you want to attain your goal , just pull up your socks and stubbornly hog for it . In the process , make sure to buck up and I bet no force in the universe can stop you !” advocates the cute , chinky Cheyyrian .
Playing the unique instrument of keytar — the deadly combo of a keyboard and a guitar , Cheyyrian volunteers that she uses it because “ I like the analogue sounds in it and it helps me cover up the entire stage so that I can sing and dance at the same time . It looks funky too .” An instrument-wizard , she currently trains in the piano keys .
It ’ s a myth that the so-called ‘ weaker sex ’ cannot play heavy instruments as good as the ‘ stronger sex ’. But one woman has busted this misconception and that is Mithy . “ Most men are born physically tougher than women . But drumming is not just about stamina and high fitness quotient . One needs to be calm and patient in head to beat the instrument hard with intense passion . I saw a lot of women drummers banging it like crazy and that only motivated me more . And you know , it ’ s always a challenge to work out of your comfort orbit ,” she sets the record straight . Not at all unfazed by the mixed response that the band elicits along its travel-path , the bandsters solemnly target to reach out to the womenfolk and draw their reactions to their brand of music .
Among the increasing ilk of girl bands , noticeably a gaggle of sibling duo , trio , quartet and quintet too have sprung up down the line . The Jackson 5 and Bee Gees are fabled legends now . But back home , the classy Sami Sisters ( with crooner Usha Uthup and her three sisters Indira , Maya , Uma ) of the popular swinging retro era of club cocktails , the Naga Tetseo Sisters — devoted to the art and
The Score Magazine
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