Bangalore based progressive/psychedelic rock band ‘Parvaaz’ has launched its new album ‘Kun.’ Unlike ‘Baran’ which was their previous album, the band could not pick a favorite song from ‘Kun’ because they believe that equal energy and hard work has gone into all songs.
‘Parvaaz’s music has often been described as one that transcends musical genres taking the listener into spaces that traverse folk, blues, and psychedelia, wrapped in an ambient sound that is familiar yet elusive.
The band comprises Khalid Ahamed (Vocals & Guitar), Mir Kashif Iqbal (Guitar & Vocals), Sachin Banandur (Drums & Percussion) and Fidel Dsouza (Bass Guitar). We caught up with the band members in Mumbai and spoke about their new album and more.
How did you guys meet? Is there a different version for everyone or do you guys have one common story?
Quite a common story. Like Kashif and I have been studying in Srinagar from Kindergarten. Then, we met in Bangalore and we wanted to form a band, and then we met Fidel and Sachin in Bangalore.
Which is the best city, that you guys really like to perform in?
Bombay, Delhi and Bangalore, of course. But, it is different. At every gig we say, “You guys are the best crowd.”
Bangalore, of course. Obviously, we’ll always have a special connection because that is where our core audience has grown from. Because we started out from there, we’ll always feel comfortable there.
Since you guys (Khalid, Kashif)are from Kashmir, have you ever felt like you were discriminated against or sidelined because of your ethnicity?
(Sachin) Doing this from Bangalore... That itself shows that you know, people have appreciated and accepted and they are really helpful at times.
(Khalid) I was there sometimes a couple of days back. We all know what is happening there. It remains in your head always. While making music, while not making music but what can a person do?
(Kashif) It has brought everybody closer. I feel it is necessary for me to get in touch with family everyday now. Maybe something that I used to take for granted. And now I know I have to do this because you never know when the phone lines will die again and so it’s probably the saddest times that people are going through there. But they are resilient enough. So, let’s hope for the best.
For the complete interview, watch the video.
Cameraperson: Gautam Sharma
Editor: Veeru Krishan Mohan
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