‘It’s the journey and not the destination’
20 Aug 2014 9:46 PM GMT
After making a mark in the Indian Rock music scene with their debut album Ghoom, Punkh, a six-member band is now ready enthrall you with their second album Karmah. While the band was here in the Capital to release the album at the Friends of Music event, we chatted with the band’s frontman Deepak Nair (Dean). Here are excerpts...
Tell us about yourselves. How did you guys come together/start off?
Punkh was formed in Germany under the name Guru in 2006. I was pursuing a Bachelors degree in jazz and pop music from the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, when I gathered the founder members. As I moved back to India, I decided on continuing the project and joined up with some of my earlier band mates from the Delhi rock scene. This is how Punkh was formed.
What was the first big break for you guys?
The first big break was being signed on by the major record label EMI Virgin Music in 2007. We released our first and self-titled album with them.
Tell us something about your upcoming projects.
We are presently looking forward to our second album Karmah being released in Delhi? at the platform of Friends of Music?. We have a tour planned for the same. Karmah combines heavy duty riff rock from the nu-metal era with distinct Indian elements like the sitar and soaring vocals heavily reminiscent of the Eighties. It comprises of seven tracks with the title track setting the tone for the band’s new musical statement. Apart from Karmah, we are also giving music for an upcoming independent film. Three full length songs and the background music for the entire film will are given by Punkh.
How would you define your musical philosophy?
Stand for something….or you'll fall for anything.
Tell us a bit about your music, what do you think defines you guys?
In simple words we feel we are the only true grit Hindi Hard rock/Metal band in India. Most Hindi bands have a commercial appeal and tend to soften and water down the edge. We have retained that. Thanks to our German producer Markus Tescke who made the sound possible. To add to this raw rock and metal power we have some soulful sitar and equally gracious shlok's and mantras in some tracks.
In our country, how easy (or difficult) is it to make a mark in the music scene? What do you think about the main issues are?
I feel that in every country, all over the world, making a mark in any field you are is challenging and surely not an easy task. From being a successful actor to an entrepreneur, from being a recognised doctor to being a top notch engineer is also a difficult task. It’s a part of the deal. We have already taken our plunge and really don't care where we land. It’s the journey and not the destination.? ?
What/who inspires you?
The list is endless. Musically the list starts from Freddie Mercury to Michael Jackson to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Other than that a lot of bands like Rush, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Dreamtheater, Periphery, Pink Floyd, Pantera and so on.
Tell us about your best tracks
Guess each of us in the band has a different favorite. Unanimously it certainly would be the title track Karmah. Other than that Insaan is the loudest and hardest hitting song and real fun to play live, the ballads like Tanhaa and Nashaa are sure favorites of most of our family members and friends
What suggestions/advice would you have for newbies in music?
Try and derive your own sound and USP and stick to Hindi or any Indian language as a medium.
How has Delhi been for you guys?
Delhi has treated us well, perhaps we feel secure in Delhi. We have been struggling and playing music in Delhi for over 15 years. We have a strong bond with the city.
Tell us about yourselves. How did you guys come together/start off?
Punkh was formed in Germany under the name Guru in 2006. I was pursuing a Bachelors degree in jazz and pop music from the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, when I gathered the founder members. As I moved back to India, I decided on continuing the project and joined up with some of my earlier band mates from the Delhi rock scene. This is how Punkh was formed.
What was the first big break for you guys?
The first big break was being signed on by the major record label EMI Virgin Music in 2007. We released our first and self-titled album with them.
Tell us something about your upcoming projects.
We are presently looking forward to our second album Karmah being released in Delhi? at the platform of Friends of Music?. We have a tour planned for the same. Karmah combines heavy duty riff rock from the nu-metal era with distinct Indian elements like the sitar and soaring vocals heavily reminiscent of the Eighties. It comprises of seven tracks with the title track setting the tone for the band’s new musical statement. Apart from Karmah, we are also giving music for an upcoming independent film. Three full length songs and the background music for the entire film will are given by Punkh.
How would you define your musical philosophy?
Stand for something….or you'll fall for anything.
Tell us a bit about your music, what do you think defines you guys?
In simple words we feel we are the only true grit Hindi Hard rock/Metal band in India. Most Hindi bands have a commercial appeal and tend to soften and water down the edge. We have retained that. Thanks to our German producer Markus Tescke who made the sound possible. To add to this raw rock and metal power we have some soulful sitar and equally gracious shlok's and mantras in some tracks.
In our country, how easy (or difficult) is it to make a mark in the music scene? What do you think about the main issues are?
I feel that in every country, all over the world, making a mark in any field you are is challenging and surely not an easy task. From being a successful actor to an entrepreneur, from being a recognised doctor to being a top notch engineer is also a difficult task. It’s a part of the deal. We have already taken our plunge and really don't care where we land. It’s the journey and not the destination.? ?
What/who inspires you?
The list is endless. Musically the list starts from Freddie Mercury to Michael Jackson to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Other than that a lot of bands like Rush, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Dreamtheater, Periphery, Pink Floyd, Pantera and so on.
Tell us about your best tracks
Guess each of us in the band has a different favorite. Unanimously it certainly would be the title track Karmah. Other than that Insaan is the loudest and hardest hitting song and real fun to play live, the ballads like Tanhaa and Nashaa are sure favorites of most of our family members and friends
What suggestions/advice would you have for newbies in music?
Try and derive your own sound and USP and stick to Hindi or any Indian language as a medium.
How has Delhi been for you guys?
Delhi has treated us well, perhaps we feel secure in Delhi. We have been struggling and playing music in Delhi for over 15 years. We have a strong bond with the city.
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