Songs of all ages, genres & languages

Whether it’s concerts or music programmes, there are a couple of genres that are more popular in any city — Carnatic/Hindustani or film music.
The Tuning Folk band during one of their terrace jamming sessions
The Tuning Folk band during one of their terrace jamming sessions

CHENNAI: Whether it’s concerts or music programmes, there are a couple of genres that are more popular in any city — Carnatic/Hindustani or film music. But imagine a concert which would play all variety of music — from films songs to folk from different states. On December 2, your wish comes true with Tuning Folk, a five-member city-based band that promises you an unforgettable evening. The band
has Monali Bala (vocals), Divakar Subramaniam (percussion), Gerard Joseph (Bass guitar), Karthik Ananth (Keyboard) and  Jaideep Vivekanand (lead guitar).

Though these musicians have been performing and teaching music for several years, the band is just over a year old and has been performing across the city. “The unique thing about our band is that we sing folk songs from across the country in different languages and add our repertoire to it. Be it Assamese, Rajasthani, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Tribal songs and Sufi, we perform it all,” Monali explains. The band will perform music from the 50s to the 90s.

They’re tight-lipped about the songs they will perform. “You will have to come to the venue and find out for yourself on that day! (laughs). We will be singing similar kind of raagas and retaining the original melody but will be giving our own rearranged interlude to it,” says Karthik. “When people leave after the concert, they should smile with satisfaction of having listened to good music,” adds Monali.
What’s the best thing about performing live? “You are one step away from applause or a tomato (chuckles). But the best thing is an impromptu solo or nice sawal-jawab (Q&A) or a nice improvisation during a jugalbandhi, etc. A musical connection is created then and there. It is like that most perfect canvas to paint some wonders onto,” Karthik smiles.

Tuning Folk will present TF Retro on December 2 from 6 pm onwards at The Learning Community
at Quest, Pallavakkam. For details, call 7358570749 

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