Nothing brings more inspiration to a music composer than a personal experience and for Chicago-based, Indian-origin rapper Shivani Ahlowalia, inspiration came from the beaches of Pondicherry.
Three years ago, the artiste was in India for a cousin’s wedding, and got invited to stay on for an artist-in-residence programme in Pondicherry for 20 days. “However, only four days into the residency, a cyclone hit the coastline. In its aftermath, I was struck by the resilience of the people, especially my host who believed the storm gave him the opportunity to rebuild better. I decided immediately to commit my life to music.” That’s how the band Alo Wala was formed.
The US/Denmark-based global bass sensations were in Bengaluru as part of a seven-city tour following the release of their debut EP - the five-track Cityboy . Comprising Shivani and Denmark-based tropical bass pioneers Copia Doble Systema, Alo Wala have taken the world by storm with their incredibly dance floor-friendly yet universal, bass-heavy sound since forming the band only a little over a year ago.
A first generation American, born into a Punjabi family, who has lived and worked around the world, including India, Denmark, Guinea-Bissau and now Brooklyn, Shivani teamed up with members of Copia Doble Systema – Julius Sylvest and Copyflex and visual artiste Mad Es to form Alo Wala.
Having played in Bengaluru before, Shivani says the audience in the music capital has a lot of energy. “People love to dance here and are very intimate, happening, and responsive. It was one of our best gigs we’ve had in India.”
On what they love their listeners to experience, she says: “We do a lot of high-tempo, hypnotic, bass heavy and trance kind of vibe. People can expect uncontrollable dance in our shows.”
Meaning ‘a person of the light’, Alo Wala uses their music to express themselves and their debut EP represents their experiences from life. “When I called Julian to Delhi after my return from Pondicherry, we made our first track which had a complete Alo Wala sound and was inspired by the people of the city on creating new reality in the face of destruction.”
Pointing out that their sound draws from so many genres, Shivani says: “It’s not a very genre-specific sound. That way it’s very different to put us in the box. We make bass-heavy dance music and also tropical bass. It really allows for the mashing up of sounds from all over the world. There are elements that make it completely Alo Wala. Mad Es, our visual artiste, also adds visual elements that make it a holistic experience that compliments our music. His contribution makes our music galactic and is our USP.”
Looking ahead, Shivani says Alo Wala will head into more markets, including the US, while they continue touring Europe. “Another EP, an album and music videos are in the bucket list. We are also very collaboration-heavy and open to working with other producers.”
On their famous take on the popular Bollywood classic song ‘Eena Meena Deeka’, she says it’s the only real Bollywood tune they remade. “It’s very nostalgic. I remember my grandmother used to sing that song to me. For an Indian living abroad, it’s one of those tunes that just undoubtedly connects me with my roots. It’s cool and it interesting to say and hear. The song also goes very well with the way I rap.”
