Most western music lovers in Coimbatore, back in the 80s, got their manna from Radio Australia, British Broadcasting Corporation and Voice of America radio frequencies. If they liked a song, they went to Music Junction where Charanjit “Channi” Singh and Parmesh would order the record for them.
The duo has been a main source of western music in the city since. They also double up as DJs, audio engineers and event managers. Approximately ten thousand shows later, Channi and Parmesh are still going strong.
“We are 80s retro and rock freaks,” says Parmesh. They started out in 1983 while still in college. That was when Toto's Africa and Men at Work's Down Under were topping the charts. “I was in PSG CAS and Channi was doing law after graduating from Government Arts College.
Happy days
“Those were the days of records and tapes. People loved music. Getting even one latest song made them happy,” adds Parmesh. They mainly sold western music as there weren't many peppy numbers in Tamil or Hindi back then, “only slow kaadhal songs,” says Parmesh. But people used to listen to western music on the radio. They knew their music. “The city's music scene was very nice,” adds Channi.
Things have changed a lot. “Technology has killed the business,” Channi says. There's so much free music online that people rarely buy western albums. They can download the latest tracks, and the tracks they want, instead of buying the whole album.
Now, it is just the odd customer here and there who actually still buy music from them.
Music Junction mostly sells Carnatic these days. “Stress busting fusion music or nature inspired music also have evergreen sales,” adss Channi.
“We still have old customers, even those who have left the city, who order originals. We can get you an original Floyd album for Rs. 699. Any old album, we'll find it and order it for you,” says Parmesh.
Need to spin
They had to start doing events to survive. “Now we're into it full time,” says Channi. They got their first break as DJs at the Coimbatore Club in 1988, where they used a record player as a turntable. Since then, they've also done designer weddings, sound and light shows.
Channi and Parmesh don't look the part though - no bling, gelled hair, shades, nothing. “Being funky isn't enough to satisfy the customer,” explains Parmesh.
The craziest party they've played at was Coimbatore Golf Club's New Year bash in 2001. They played for a crowd of 1500, from 6.30 p.m. to 5.15 a.m. Their longest gig was at a private party in Munnar, a decade back, where they played from 6.30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Once they were late for a party in Top Station on the Theni-Idukki border when two elephants decided to do a dharna on the road. “We finally reached at 9.30 p.m. The guests had almost lost patience, but cooled off when we started. The party went on till 5.30 in the morning” reveals Channi.
“It takes stamina and patience,” says Channi. “If you don't love your job, you can't do it.” “It's also very difficult if you don't have a proper knowledge of music,” says Parmesh. Retro is an asset. While Akon is the king these days, there's always going to be a demand for good old retro, he adds.
The duo has played in clubs all over the south. Their finest customers, they say, are the armed forces based in Wellington in The Nilgiris. They've done several shows a year for them, since 1997.
“The defence crowd is excellent. They know the in and out of music. It's really fun and an honour playing for them. Even Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw has come to our shows,” says Parmesh.
They also do a lot of theme parties and fashion shows for private audiences. These are wild— with palanquins and models clothed with artificial leaves. Details are off the record.
Clubbing in the times of MP3
We are cool guys. We open shop at 10.30 a.m. Go for lunch early. The shop is open till 9 p.m. In our free time, we mix,” says Parmesh. Both their grins widen at the word “mix.” Sadly, the Coimbatore clubbing scene isn't what it used to be. Youth are shy and clubs close at 11. The interesting stuff mainly happens in private parties, they say.
Channi's daughter Ishleen is really into music and helps him practice. “It is easier for me to vibe with this generation because of her. But I wouldn't want her to be a DJ,” says Channi. “The crowd has changed. There's a lot of drunken behaviour nowadays.” “Let them (their children) have a better life. DJ ing can only be a part time job. You can't get shows everyday, based in Coimbatore,” explains Parmesh. “But it's fun being a DJ. It's a very exciting life.”
Summer of '69- Bryan Adams
One way ticket- Eruption
Rasputin- Boney M
Roadhouse blues- The Doors
Funkytown- Lipps Inc.
Caribbean Queen- Billy Ocean
We will rock you- Queen
Careless whisper- George Michael
Dancing in the dark- Bruce
Springsteen
Tarzan Boy- Baltimora
Hotel California- Eagles
Dance little lady dance- Tina
Charles
