More rhythm,  less melody

Between Recess is ready to ignite Chennai’s love for rock music. The three-year old band will release two music videos soon.
More rhythm,  less melody

CHENNAI: The creative deviation in pop music during the retro era led to a unique exploration of another genre — ‘rock’. The main difference that gives rock music its prerogative stand is because it is defined by rhythm, not melody. CE catches up with a bunch of artistes from the band ‘Between Recess’ who share the lyrics of their musical journey and spill the beans on how they garnered the fan base to make their debut music video.

“It all started at a beach festival...we got the chance to be a part of a ‘gig’ (a single performance by a musician or a band where they play mainly pop or its sub genres) and were able to impress the audience. The word spread soon enough and here we are,” says Irfan Hyder, lead vocalist and founder of the band.
The band which was founded in 2014 has three permanent members. They have even started featuring other guest artists and instruments of late. “All members are my college mates. I was always into rock and got an opportunity to be a part of 2014 New Year gig and I decided to team up with the right people. Here we are, getting closer to our dream day by day,” adds Irfan.

The band, which until now was doing covers for English, Tamil and Hindi songs, is planning to release to separate music videos in the coming months — one in English rock genre titled 34th floor and other one in Tamil pop genre titled Enn Manasu. “The English rock is a collective composition. But, the Tamil song is my personal composition since I have a personal connection to the subject of the lyrics (smiles). The Tamil song is about my college crush and the funny part is, she still has no clue about this,” laughs Irfan.

The band believes that the rock culture is on a high road in the city. They state that the increase in the number of bands and rock-based events point to the expansion of that culture. “Chennaiites understand rock music better now. It is evident from the number of gigs that are happening in the city. What we believe is that if we give a good Tamil rock number, audiences will lap it up,” says Allen Joe Richards, lead guitarist.

Several organisers and sponsors offered funds to bring out their talents through a music video. The songs were ready in 2016 but it took them over 14 months to make it a reality and the reason is... “There were people who offered help but it did’t work out.  We realised that this middle-man business won’t take us anywhere. So, we directly contacted sponsors and we are starting to get some positive responses now,” says Karthick Ramesh, the drummer.

The band members claim that Irfan’s voice is a blend of Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and our own Farhan Akhtar. Does he think it will weigh him down as an ‘impersonator’? “No way, in fact I think it is an honour to be compared with their voices. I have always looked up to Farhan Akhtar and it is my dream to meet him. I think it is because of the resemblance to their voices that people like listening to me,” smiles Irfan.

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