Indian bands get Leckie

Four of them collaborate with top UK producer John Leckie for a music album

This seems like the best time for independent musicians in India. After years of performing covers, imitating trends from the West and moaning about lack of quality equipment, they have finally begun gaining ground in composing original music and disseminating the material through all possible channels. Four Indian bands — Medusa, Swarathma, Advaita and Indigo Children — collaborated with top UK music producer John Leckie a few days ago and recorded material for an album as part of an initiative called Soundpad.

Launched by the British Council, Soundpad explores the art of studio production in music, providing upcoming artists a platform to show their talent.

Leckie says, “India has a history of great musicians; so I was interested in what was happening in new Indian music today.” Leckie has worked with Pink Floyd and all of the Beatles individually. He’s produced high-profile albums like The Bends by Radiohead, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass etc.

The short-listed bands are thrilled at the opportunity. Indigo Children says, “Where else do you get the opportunity to work with a studio legend and then showcase your music in the UK?” Swarathma says they learnt attention to detail, believing in oneself and humility from Leckie.

Now that the recording sessions are over, it will be followed by an album deal with Counter Culture Records and a three-city tour after which the bands take off on a UK tour.

Another focus of the project is to encourage dialogue among Indian musicians and UK collaborators about issues faced by the alternative music scene in India. Advaita says, “The cultural exchange does wonders for artistes since they get to work with the biggest producers and perform at the most prestigious festivals.” Echoing their views, Medusa says, “It helps us get noticed, play for different people and meet different people.”
About the bands, Leckie says, “Indigo Children is a full on rock band with loud electric guitars. Medusa is a computer beats driven experimental collective. Swarathma is a folky celebration band that makes you dance and Advaita is a modern psychedelic band. So there is diversity.”

b_aveek@dnaindia.net