With their unique mix of classical music and breakbeat, Mayur and Udyan of Bandish Projekt are raring to go with a solo album
With their unique mix of classical music and breakbeat, Mayur and Udyan of Bandish Projekt are raring to go with a solo album
You feel nothing short of envy and wonder when you listen to them talk about their musical journey. The duo, who have blended Indian classical with breakbeat and electronic music, have edged ahead internationally with their sound. And it sounds almost dreamlike when with a mischievous smile Udyan simply says, "We had recorded some stuff and given it to friends. One fine day we got a call from a guy in UK who made us listen to our own song and said he would produce it." That's how they struck a deal with Nasha Records and their musical journey began.
Mayur Narvekar and Udyan Sagar of Bandish Projekt are known in India for their commercial hit song 'Bhor' (remember the number with Isha Koppikar in the video?). "There was already music in my family with my dad being a musician. I took up the tabla," says Mayur, while for Udyan it was more of a Western influence. Their breakthrough collaborations with Asian Underground artists like State of Bengal, Dr Das (Asian Dub Foundation) and Punjabi MC got them a whole lot of gigs abroad, besides being featured in an album titled 'Majlis' along with artists like Santana and Dido.
Quiz them about their memorable experiences and they recall witnessing Talvin Singh refusing Madonna's entry into one of his 'Anokha Nights' in the UK. "It was Madonna!" exclaims Udyan. "But he fused a piece for her a few years later." As for their most memorable gig, "It was in Sweden at the Clandestino festival where we played with State of Bengal," he adds.
Their dreams of a solo album will see light now with their own record label, Bheja Fry. "We want to produce our own music. This album has collaborations with a lot of new artists. We've used folk elements and have featured Kutch artists," explains Mayur.
Although their careers have skyrocketed internationally, what about India? "Our Bandish Nights in Ahmedabad are quite popular. It's a dry state but we see a crowd of 300 staying till five in the morning," says Udyan.
Besides this, the guys have done two tracks for a film called 'Dubai Return' which will be screened at the International Film Festival in Goa. "Bollywood overshadows everything in India. Not that it's bad, but there is a need to promote a lot of different styles of music. Internationally, though the competition is high, we edge out because of the Indian sound we use," adds in Mayur.
Having just completed their Indian tour, Bandish Projekt will now be involved with more movies, festivals and live gigs.
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