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ShareMumbai: To preserve the dying concepts of gospel songs and hymns 10 music lovers have started a gospel rock band--Open Secret. This band falls under the lesser known genre of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), which is a popular music form in the west.
"Open Secret is an offshoot of our secular band 9 Lives. Hence, the ten of us with a common passion of balancing music and worship formed this band to spread the truth about Christ," said Macklin Lacerda, lead vocalist of the band. He also works as a copywriter with Draft FCB. "Our approach is not fundamentalist we are just blending music and religion. Our music captures youth and elders as well," he added.
Open Secret comprises of members belonging to different faiths and not necessarily Christianity. "I am a part of this band as it helps me pursue music which is both my profession and passion. The emotional connect that we form with our audience while performing gives me the satisfaction of being in a band," said Prashant Patil, who owns a music studio and plays keyboard for the band.
According to Calvin Vaz, who works as a sound engineer with music directors Vishal-Shekhar, "A large number of youth are curious about spiritual music; Open Secret is reaching out to them."
After six months of being launched the band finally got an opportunity to present themselves to a wide audience. Open Secret has until now presented at a concert in Mira Road and the Don Bosco School Church, Matunga. Speaking about their presentation of these religious gospels, Lacerda explained, "Our concerts are about combining excellent music with passionate worship. Contemporary Christian music speaks to the soul, not just the head or the heart."
To involve the youth in their music, Open Secret also performs a mix of some popular CCM players like Delirious, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Petra, Hillsong United and Michael W Smith. However, depending on the ambience and requirement, the band also alternates between a range of genres. "For a large open air concerts it would be the heavy arena rock and a stripped down, acoustic take for the smaller, more intimate indoor venues," said Lacerda.
In order to spread their music and win more audiences the band is planning to set up a Street Team. "This will be our secondary group of volunteers and will function as a support club. They will spread out across the city and make the youth of Mumbai aware about our form of music," added Lacerda.
