‘We are changing tracks now’: Veteran rock band Parikrama’s Subir Malik on recording new songs

For a band that has completed 28 years in Indian rock, Tears of the Wizard is just the sophomore official video by Parikrama — the first one was But it Rained way back in the mid-’90s. “Of course, we’ve had videos like One or Am I Dreaming but those were not officially released as a band,” organist and synthesiser Subir Malik points out, recalling how earlier it was just about a a couple of music channels playing the video but now they are going all out, releasing it digitally as well.

HEAVY METAL TRACK

Tears of the Wizard, which releases today, is inspired by The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Their earlier number, Am I Dreaming was inspired by the first volume and the new one is about Gandalf the Grey. The band shot the video in Mechuka Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Do they hope to garner the same kind of response that But it Rained did? “That one was a softer number, which appealed to everyone and listeners had their own stories associated with it. This is a heavy metal song. So, let’s see... But this is what we wanted as a band, so we have done it,” says Subir, “Even if no one likes it, we do,” he laughs.

MORE SONGS COMING UP

In spite of being India’s oldest English rock band (also comprising lead vocalist Nitin Malik, lead guitarist Sonam Sherpa, guitarist Saurabh Chaudhry, bassist Gaurav Balani and drummer Srijan Mahajan), recording audios or videos of their songs didn’t figure till now because the focus has always been on being a live act.  “We haven’t given the kids of today any of our music to listen to but we are changing tracks now, something we should have done it about five, six years ago,” divulges Subir. The band has already recorded six-odd more singles and is in talks for videos as well. “We have close to 60 songs created over the years but not recorded. The singles will be a mix of new and old songs like Screaming Town and Life is Certain and we are also re-recording Le Chaim. Fans have also demanded the video of our violin instrumental, Open Skies,” the musician reveals.

Parikrama; Pic: Ashish Gupta

AN ALBUM POSSIBLY

However, putting out an album is not part of the plan just yet. “I don’t think people would relate to listening to one hour of music of eight songs collectively. It will be in their memory for a week and then it will probably be junked. That’s why most artistes prefer releasing singles,” he reasons, and adds, “But just for our own satisfaction, we will most definitely be coming out with a record.”

SURVIVING AS A BAND

Parikrama may have endured as an English rock band and though the outfit is proud of it, Subir also wishes there were more of their ilk. “There should have been a thousand more doing a gig every day. It may seem like it’s good for us but it’s bad for their industry,” he points out. In spite of the dwindling numbers of true blue English rock bands, they have managed to survive because for them the rule of thumb has always been that the band would never be the primary source of income. “It will always be a passion and hobby and this diktat has helped us quite a bit. So, we are still playing what we want to play, which is the music that we’ve grown up listening to, and enjoying ourselves,” he emphasises. The soundscape of alternative music has changed vastly and there may not be as many takers for a pure metal track such as Tears of the Wizard, which will be out on Vh1 India and Parikrama’s YouTube channel. So, what does the band imagine the feedback would be? “The listeners today may or may not relate to it but we have to keep trying, right? Whether one per cent listens to it or 100, we did this for our own satisfaction and that’s about it,” says Subir as a parting shot.