The indie music scene in the country has always served as a platform for regional bands to push the envelope, both locally and abroad. Top of that list is Parvaaz. With roots that combine blues and rock with a dash of psychedelia, the Bengaluru band is a good blend of tradition and modernity. Proud of their Kashmiri heritage, they write songs that speak of their personal experiences and explore traditional literature through Kashmiri and Urdu poetry.
After a successful EP and album, the band recently released a single ‘Color White’ accompanied by a music video. Showcasing the song along with never-before-heard songs from their upcoming album, Parvaaz plays an extra-long concert at bFlat this Saturday.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Khalid Ahamed says they make sure they save their most special gigs for bFlat. “The venue is very close to our hearts. And this is a longer set, so it is all the more fun for us and our audience.” The band, formed in 2010, also comprises Kashif Iqbal on lead guitar and vocals, Fidel D’Souza on bass and Sachin Banandur on drums and percussion.
Titled ‘Outset’, the gig promises to be an emotional journey with the band’s signature, soaring vocals and powerful guitar riffs. What is on their set list? Khalid says they are packing in a blend of old and new songs. “The new music is mainly what we are recording for an album that will be out by the end of the year. This gig will also feature our earlier compositions and of course, ‘Color White’.” To their audience, Khalid says: “Sit back, relax and enjoy a two-hour set of just us playing back-to-back songs. It doesn’t get better than that for Parvaaz’s audience.”
Elaborating on their upcoming album, Khalid says: “The concept hasn’t been fixed yet. We’ve been experimenting with a lot of new sounds. It will still have the signature Parvaaz touch to it, but it will reflect more on our evolution over these years. Our songwriting has changed and it will be an interesting album to look out for.”
On making waves with ‘Color White’ and the music video, he says that the song is introspective. “That’s what strikes the chord with our listeners. Based on the theme of ego, we shot the video in January in Kashmir. That was loads of fun. But it was freezing too! We had three cameramen and a crew. We used to shoot for an hour, take a break , warm ourselves and go back. And we’re thrilled with the results.”
Not all songs are suited for music videos, Khalid goes on to point out. “This song seemed perfect for a video because there is a visual element. Also when people look up an artiste or band, they usually check out their songs with videos. We wanted to do justice to our songs that do well visually.”
Summing up on the scene, he says Parvaaz is in a good space. “We’ve been growing and have come a long way from a bunch of kids coming out of college to where we are right now making professional music. All four of us have stuck together. Wherever it takes us, our work will continue to be making good music and growing as musicians.”
