Delhi-based band Peter Cat Recording Co. is fusing freedom and artistic fluidity with their performance in Mumbai this weekend
(From left to right) Karan Singh, Kartik Pillai, Suryakant Sawhney, Dhruv Bhola and Rohit Gupta of The Peter Cat Recording Co. Pic Courtesy Nitish Kanjilal
There is something marvellous about listening to a band that knows its own voice. The Indian indie music scene owes its rise to many pioneers who have consistently sought to break the mould. The suburb of Kurla will witness one such experimental band headline the city-leg of their ongoing tour with a performance.
“We are not really expecting anything. We just want people to show up and have a good time,” shares Kartik Pillai, guitarist and keyboard player for the band, when we ask him about the gig. Since their formation in the early 2010s, the Delhi-based Peter Cat Recording Co. has been among the distinctive voices in India’s indie music scene. Their fuzzy guitars and orchestral mood-building through two key albums — Portrait Of A Time: 2010-2016 (2018) and Bismillah (2019) — have echoed their international style. Pillai is joined by Suryakant Sawhney (vocals and guitar), Karan Singh (drums), Dhruv Bhola (bass and samples) and Rohit Gupta (keys and trumpet) on the band’s roster.
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The band on stage during a performance. Pic Courtesy/Mohit Kapil
In an age of singles, the outfit has taken its time with each release. Pillai remarks that it is a natural course of action for them. “A release usually involves a long process because it is hard to produce music as a band. It is difficult to know when to stop,” he says. While Portrait of Time was a mix of nostalgia, Bismillah brought with it verve and texture, making one wonder about their influences. Pillai tells us, “Well, we kind of stopped listening to external music at some point so we can be a little raw. That is why naming influences is a little out of reach.”
In 2018, the band signed on with the French label, Panache, which backed the release of Bismillah. Pillai admits the association helped them improve as music producers because the band now knows what they are looking for in their next album.
For now, the decade-old band is on the move, having travelled to Bengaluru in July before setting out for their multi-city tour starting with Jaipur on September 9. The Mumbai performance will precede events in Pune and Kolkata later this month. Pillai also joins band-mates Bhola and Singh as part of Begum, a lo-fi experimental group that will accompany Peter Cat Recording Co. at their Mumbai performance. The guitarist shares that they are looking at a busy year. “We hope to give the audience great shows and a surprise or two perhaps,” he chuckles.
On whether the band is now looking at a new direction in terms of music or style after their last release, Pillai reveals that it is not a conscious choice. “We always want to evolve as musicians or artistes. You do not want to change the sound for one reason or another. Rather, it is something you consistently try to do.”
That transformation might be in the works already. The guitarist reveals that the band has hunkered down to work on their next release. He goes on to add that this time around, the band has three members contributing to the songwriting process. “Of course Suryakant [is there], but Dhruv and I are also in it. It should be an interesting tracklist,” he promises. About the launch itself, he says, “I cannot tell you a date, but we are through with five songs and have some more to record. This year is going to be about tours and recording songs,” he signs off.
Five other indie bands to plug in to
£Parekh and Singh : Check out their Wes Anderson aesthetic.
£Clown With A Frown: Their songs blend rock, jazz and pop elements in style.
£Parvaaz: This outfit is one of the most popular groups of this decade.
£The F16s: They are Chennai’s very own alternative pop-rock band.
£When Chai Met Toast: A band that is perfect for those in the mood for something mellow.
On: September 17; 6 pm
At: Dublin Square, Phoenix Marketcity, LBS Marg, Kurla West.
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 1,599 onwards
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