<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2017/aug/Parekh-and-Singh.jpg" alt="" />
"It's extremely important how we use the Internet, and not let it use us. It's a sea out there," admits 30-year-old Kolkata-based musician Jivraj Singh, one half of dream pop duo Parekh &amp; Singh.
Baby and doll For an Indian band that does not sound Indian, the Internet played a big role in introducing their music to a new audience, believes Singh and fellow musician, Nischay Parekh. The turning point was their 2016 video, I Love You Baby, I Love You Doll, which drew instant comparisons with director Wes Anderson's style of filmmaking. In fact, the director complimented the duo. "Initially, we wondered if the audience would accept our style of music. But, India has a large English-speaking population, even bigger than the UK. English is also the first language for people who are inclined towards our kind of music. If pop artistes from Australia and Korea can find an international audience, so can Indians," reasons Parekh.
While the music might not sound Indian, living in Kolkata indirectly influenced their sound and videos, which are laidback, whimsical and full of nostalgia. "Growing up in Kolkata, we learn to value old things, history, family -- the local aspect is important to us. Even our suits are made by third-generation local tailors," says Singh.
He says the two are neighbours, studied in the same school, but didn't meet until much later (Parekh is six years junior to Singh). When they finally got acquainted at a friend's birthday party, they knew a band was in the making.
Home-grown high But being in Kolkata has it cons as well, Singh feels. Signing on an international record label helped them up their game. "Cal [a common reference for the city] offers you a comfortable life; it's affordable, easy and less demanding. Our friends are here, too. But signing on a global label helped us get an outsider's perspective," reasons Singh.
Parekh adds, "We had stopped performing I Love You at our gigs before the video was released. With the video, we had to tell a story, and three minutes wasn't enough. So, we relied a lot on imagery and personal stories." The effort paid off. People who viewed it sent poetry, paintings and happy stories back to them, all of which were a result of their music.
The two are ready with more new material that will result in an album early next year. The music will be typically their style, but two years mature. Their gig in the city will include some of their new work, too. Singh shares that they brought fashion stylist Kshitij Kankaria on board to be the creative director for the show. "It will be an immersive production -- theatrical with a lot of props and visuals," concludes Parekh.
On August 10, 10 pm onwards At antiSOCIAL, Rohan Plaza, SV Road, Khar West. Call 65226324 Entry Rs 500

Parekh &amp; Singh are bringing their magical music, complete with whimsical props, to a city venue

Kolkata boys to perform at a Mumbai gig this week

Watch retelling of Panchatantra through mime, clowning techniques and folk music

Parekh &amp; Singh are bringing their magical music, complete with whimsical props, to a city venue

Kolkata boys to perform at a Mumbai gig this week

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Home / Lifestyle / Culture / Article / Kolkata boys to perform at a Mumbai gig this week

Kolkata boys to perform at a Mumbai gig this week

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