BENGALURU: Bringing back the magic of the 70s and the 80s to Bengaluru is classic heavy metal and hard rock band, Girish and the Chronicles (GATC). Originally from Sikkim, the band, which comprises Girish Pradhan (vocals and guitar), Suraz Karki (lead guitar and backing vocals), Yogesh Pradhan (bass guitar and backing vocals), Nagen Mongrati (drums),and Kaushik (keyboard), now call Bengaluru their home.
Speaking to City Express, Girish, tells us about making a mark as a rock band in a world that is dominated by music created on computers.
“While forming a band, the last thing you think about is how hard it’s going to be. It’s based purely on passion.”
Despite the rock scene having changed considerably in the country, with genres such as electronic and pop taking the forefront, Girish says that every decade has a different musical story to tell. He adds that despite there having been a larger audience for their genre of music about 10-12 years back, if you’re consistent, you can make a mark for yourself despite changing trends.
The seven-year-old band, which is heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Guns N Roses and AC-DC, has travelled extensively to perform - both in the country and abroad.
When asked about their favourite place to perform, Girish says, “Be it a pub filled with a handful of people, or a concert with 10,000 people, both have their own charm. So I can’t pick just one place.”
Having moved to Bengaluru a few years back, the band say that they love the music scene here. Girish says, “When I talk to old-timers here, they tell me the rock music scene here was huge. Nonetheless, the city has a beautiful music scene.”
They’ve moved around a lot, and Girish says that him and his bandmates have had gotten used to adjusting and blending in at new places and understanding different cultures. However, like most people living in the city, the traffic is something that they can never get used to!
Girish says that there are all kinds of challenges for independent artists - especially with a genre that isn’t consumed as easily as it was before. However, he also says that it’s important not to lose focus. To those starting out and wanting to form their own bands, Girish’s advice is to not lose your focus because of these challenges. “If you believe in your music and work with total dedication, you will see success,” he signs off.