The Yellow Diary is an Experimental band with influences ranging from Bollywood to metal aimed at creating a perfect blend of numerous genres . They are not specific to one language but love to experiment and produce different experiences . We had a chat with the band on their start , their musical influences , upcoming projects , changes they would like to see in the independent music scene and more .
How did the band come about ?
It all started in 2015 when Rajan met Himonshu via a common friend to get a track produced . From the first meeting itself there was an overwhelming musical connection which made them want to make music together all the time . After coming up with the name The Yellow Diary , we decided to rope in Vaibhav Pani , for his unique sense of guitar playing and creative outlook . He came in and recorded his guitar parts on Marz , and it was just amazing ! Himonshu knew Sahil was the perfect fit for the band with his feel , style and technique and gave him a call after Bawri Chori was released when we decided it was time to start planning a way ahead to go Live on stage with our music . Sahil introduced us to Stuart , which is why we love Sahil even more , because Stuart is a wholesome musician with an intricate combination of technique and musicality . Once the five of us got together in the Jam room , the band felt complete . The thing we loved the most is that we turned into a family really quick , and it is our five contrasting personalities that gives our music a varied yet cohesive character .
We all come from different musical school of thoughts . And there was a magical chemistry amongst us from the first moment on in and out of the studio . That combination lead to the kind of music we make .
How do you pick your genre for a particular song ?
We don ' t go into any song having a preconceived notion of what the genre should be . The meaning and vibe governs the music . It ' s a creative process of painting the vibe of the song musically because each song has a different meaning lyrically and they come across sonically different from each other as well .
Tell us a bit more about your band members and your musical influences .
Being 5 very different individuals working towards a common creative output is a unique experience . As contrasting as our personalities are , it leads to a fascinating cohesion in the music .
Rajan Batra , the lead vocalist and lyricist for the band , is a modern day poet drawing inspiration from everything he sees around us or experiences and translates that into beautifully crafted lyrics and melodies .
Himonshu Parikh , the music producer and keyboardist , has a very unique musicality and strongly believes that the root of every song is it ' s meaning and treats every song in it ' s own unique way creating an original and fresh soundscape for the band .
Vaibhav Pani , the guitarist , has a rich melodic palette , using his guitars in innovative ways to add a beautiful emotion to each song .
Stuart DaCosta is on bass , and his faultless technique and inborn groove adds a rich rhythmic characteristic to the music .
Sahil Shah , the drummer , is a powerhouse on the kit . His expressive yet intricate playing , does wonders in controlling the dynamics of the music .
Which has been your best performance till date and why ?
Every performance has its own story . We have seen ourselves grow since our first show as an indie band to our last show which we played at the grand opening of Flyp @ MTV as a Sony Artist . It ' s hard to pinpoint one favourite show , because we are a self-critical bunch who only look at getting better each time we perform . So , to answer your question our favourite show is hopefully always going to be the next one !
Tell us about your upcoming projects , if any .
We have been working on a lot of music and we are looking at some near future releases and with Sony Music India on our side , we can only hope for the best !
How do you guys beat the ever growing competition of Independent bands in India ?
We believe all the Independent bands in India are working together with a common goal of providing the country with good music . We see them more as partners in our efforts to achieve this endeavour .
If there is one thing you would love to see as a change in the current scene , what would it be ?
We think the scene is already changing with the onset of social media . A whole lot of talented independent artists are putting their music out there and being received well for the same . We love that we are a part of these times and hope to make our mark .
The Score Magazine
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