Adding more buzz to the neo-classical space in the indie-circuit, the duo Anindo Bose and Pavithra Chari of the band Shadow and Light have come up with their third album Sabar, launched recently as part of the Saavn’s Artist Originals initiative on the streaming platform. An event in Hyderabad will treat listeners to a wide spectrum of their originals in the album.
Pavithra always found a lot of value and potential of tapping into her roots, having been trained in Hindustani classicial (under Shubha Mudgal) besides Carnatic music, precisely defining her choice to be in the contemporary-classical arena. “There is so much richness and vast scope of knowledge that’ll help you embrace many forms of music, the space is interesting for how you can skiflfully blend genres together.” She’s mindful of the balance and she insists the idea should represent how you are from within.
Shadow and Light enjoys the creative freedom in expressing itself through music. While Pavithra focuses on vocal melody and lyrics, Anindo looks onto the music arrangement, mixing and mastering in his own studio. “The collaboration is a smooth process despite role changes that happen from time to time. We took one and half years to write Sabar; it talks of various emotional experiences like grief, contempt, gratitude, the see-saw between sadness and happiness.” Anindo and Pavithra have enriching music influences , including a combination of Hindustani, Carnatic, rock, pop, which is the reason behind the unique musical output.
That they compose music across three languages — Tamil, English, Hindi — is something that happened by chance. “These are languages we identify with. It’s a natural representation of what goes on in our mind. A recent tour to Sri Lanka had us translate a few of our songs in Tamil and it was an interesting experience,” they add. The band wants its listeners to understand them through their music and not the other way round. Sometimes, the interpretation and personal experiences of a spectator makes them look at their compositions in a new light.
The pressure to be seen and heard, go viral, in the digital era of music gets to them occasionally, though they say, “As an artiste you have to keep yourself grounded, that’s the only way you'll achieve longevity and ensure your music stays relevant.” They enjoy the process behind making music accesible -donning the hats of managers, marketing agents, promoters whenever necessary. This is Shadow and Light’s first visit to Hyderabad and they are eagerly waiting for the response. “This is a promising destination for indie-music lovers and we want to open up to new listeners.” Steve Peter and Aveleon Giles Vaz on the bass and drums accompany them for the performance.
(Shadow and Light performs at Tabula Rasa, Jubilee Hills on March 18, 8 pm. Entry is free)