Tell us about yourselves. How did you guys come together/start off?
The 3 Founder Members (Ayush, Salman & Zaman) were associated with the Music Society of Ramjas College, DU. So the foundation of Astitva was laid there only, during years of playing together & performing for college.
What was the first big break for you guys?
Life till now has been a joy ride. We have loved every bit of it and still are cherishing the turns. Well, MTV Rock On Season 2 was the first thing that made us visible pan India, right after that we started getting calls from colleges outside Delhi/NCR.
In our country, how easy (or difficult) is it to make a mark in the music scene?
Considering the numbers of bands that get formed every day, we'll say it's getting pretty difficult, but on the other side opportunities are opening up everywhere, say the number of music festival's happening across India and even in Bollywood. They are experimenting with fresh musicians, resulting in ample opportunities. We have got the recognition via TV shows, music festivals and even government initiatives. Overall,Nothing comes or happens over night, you'll have to stay honest to your art and treat it like work as well.
What do you think about the main issues are for the people who want to start their own band in India?
Don't start a band or become a musician just because you want to or because you recently attended a concert and now you want the same treatment. It's a lifelong commitment just like any other profession the only difference is, here you turn your passion into profession. We feel the desire to turn big over night and lack of consistency is what killing it. Look around you'll find musician's shuffling around bands, as soon as they start getting little recognition ego's come in, result disbanded or two new bands. You can find it happening in famous bands too. Starting a band is almost like starting a company, except the monetary goals. Every member should have his/her individuality and expertise and obviously the same aim and priority. You'll never prevail if few members are just treating it as a hobby.
What/Who inspires you?
As per our genre (multi genre hindi), our influences are spread over a wide range from Hindustani Classical, Fusion, Sufi to Rock, Pop, Jazz, Blues. Each and every member has his taste and favorites.
Tell us about your best tracks
We have just released our debut album Patang Dor under the label of SaReGaMa India. It took us 6 years to finally decide on to launch it, when we felt it was the time and we were ready to live upto the name & taste of music. The album promises a wide range of genres from Alternative Rock and Folk Jazz to Blues, Fusion and Hip-Rock. With tracks such as Tu Hi Bata, Bawri, Raat Ki Daastaan, Patang Dor, Na Jao and Paas Ao, the band lives up to it’s tag of a multi-genre band. But the twist in the story is rendered in the form of the Smoker’s Mix version of Tu Hi Bata, and Electronic track produced by Karan Mehta.
How has Delhi been for you guys?
This is where I Belong.. Delhi is my home thats the title of official delhi anthem that we composed in 2012 for and that's the feeling we have deep down for Delhi. Delhi has been just like our home, the love, support, opportunities, recognition... everything we could have dreamed of!! Be it playing at festivals, composing official anthems to being the only band to perform at Qutub Festival with biggies like Mohit Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan, Aarif Lohar and Hariharan. It’s a long journey ahead, no matter where ever we go... whatever we achieve... deep down we'll always be a 'Dilliwala'!
The 3 Founder Members (Ayush, Salman & Zaman) were associated with the Music Society of Ramjas College, DU. So the foundation of Astitva was laid there only, during years of playing together & performing for college.
What was the first big break for you guys?
Life till now has been a joy ride. We have loved every bit of it and still are cherishing the turns. Well, MTV Rock On Season 2 was the first thing that made us visible pan India, right after that we started getting calls from colleges outside Delhi/NCR.
In our country, how easy (or difficult) is it to make a mark in the music scene?
Considering the numbers of bands that get formed every day, we'll say it's getting pretty difficult, but on the other side opportunities are opening up everywhere, say the number of music festival's happening across India and even in Bollywood. They are experimenting with fresh musicians, resulting in ample opportunities. We have got the recognition via TV shows, music festivals and even government initiatives. Overall,Nothing comes or happens over night, you'll have to stay honest to your art and treat it like work as well.
What do you think about the main issues are for the people who want to start their own band in India?
Don't start a band or become a musician just because you want to or because you recently attended a concert and now you want the same treatment. It's a lifelong commitment just like any other profession the only difference is, here you turn your passion into profession. We feel the desire to turn big over night and lack of consistency is what killing it. Look around you'll find musician's shuffling around bands, as soon as they start getting little recognition ego's come in, result disbanded or two new bands. You can find it happening in famous bands too. Starting a band is almost like starting a company, except the monetary goals. Every member should have his/her individuality and expertise and obviously the same aim and priority. You'll never prevail if few members are just treating it as a hobby.
What/Who inspires you?
As per our genre (multi genre hindi), our influences are spread over a wide range from Hindustani Classical, Fusion, Sufi to Rock, Pop, Jazz, Blues. Each and every member has his taste and favorites.
Tell us about your best tracks
We have just released our debut album Patang Dor under the label of SaReGaMa India. It took us 6 years to finally decide on to launch it, when we felt it was the time and we were ready to live upto the name & taste of music. The album promises a wide range of genres from Alternative Rock and Folk Jazz to Blues, Fusion and Hip-Rock. With tracks such as Tu Hi Bata, Bawri, Raat Ki Daastaan, Patang Dor, Na Jao and Paas Ao, the band lives up to it’s tag of a multi-genre band. But the twist in the story is rendered in the form of the Smoker’s Mix version of Tu Hi Bata, and Electronic track produced by Karan Mehta.
How has Delhi been for you guys?
This is where I Belong.. Delhi is my home thats the title of official delhi anthem that we composed in 2012 for and that's the feeling we have deep down for Delhi. Delhi has been just like our home, the love, support, opportunities, recognition... everything we could have dreamed of!! Be it playing at festivals, composing official anthems to being the only band to perform at Qutub Festival with biggies like Mohit Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan, Aarif Lohar and Hariharan. It’s a long journey ahead, no matter where ever we go... whatever we achieve... deep down we'll always be a 'Dilliwala'!