Midival Punditz

Midival Punditz Karsh Kale

Back in 1997 Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj were bored and tired of the Bollywood- Remix type music which was dominating the scene in India. As a reaction to this feeling they began producing original electronic music and sending out demo tracks to labels and other producers.

Simultaneously, their monthly parties ‘Cyber Mehfil’ began growing in popularity and quickly reached a cult status. Artists and producers from the UK and US began noticing them, word began to spread and they came to be known as ‘The new sound of 21^st century India. It was only in 2000 that Six Degrees Records, home label of producer friend Karsh Kale expressed interest in signing them on. Since then they have produced extensively with Six Degrees records. In addition to three studio albums, a remix album and a compilation, they have been featured on over 50 compilations across the globe.

Midival Punditz

To really appreciate Midival Punditz and understand the magic at work, you need to hear them live. By picking up experiences from all over the world, they have mastered a unique art that is electronic but still has room for jamming, innovating and remixing. The end result: no two live performances of the Punditz are ever the same. The live performances are also featured with a video background which is synchronized with the music and also captures real-time images and clips of the band performing on stage. This unique live setup has been pioneered by the Punditz making their performances unlike any other electronic act in the country.

Karsh Kale

Being a predominantly self-taught musician, Kale was able to break rules at an early age as he began experimenting with different instruments and styles. His own ingenuity and experimental nature helped Kale in developing his ‘Electric Tabla’. As he grew he found himself working with musicians like Mocean worker, Robert Moog, DJ Spooky, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Amel Larouix, Bill Laswell. His studio savvy and original style kept him in demand to this day and he has recently done sessions for artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Yoko Ono as well as his longtime collaborators, the Midival Punditz.  Kale has, as of date, recorded on over 50 releases worldwide as a session musician.

As the 20^th century came to a close, Kale found himself inspired and began creating his own solo work and created his first self produced E.P called ‘Classical Science Fiction from India’. A nationwide tour with electronica legend DJ Spooky allowed Kale to spread his sound and also allowed his music to fall into the hands of the then upstart record label Six Degrees Records. After the label took notice, curiosity brought them to NY to witness more of Kale’s work.  Karsh Kale was immediately signed to a multi-album record deal, making him the very first Indo-American to attain a solo record contract in the states. Kale released ‘Realize’, his first solo international release in 2001 and it featured collaborations from Ustad Sultan Khan, Gigi and some of NYC’s finest musicians

Karsh Kale

In 2005 Kale began work on Broken English, which for Kale was a new direction in sound and musical approach. But it was time for him to flex his songwriting skills. Broken English, which is Kale’s first album predominantly set to English lyrics, boasts collaborations with vocalists like Trixie Reiss (Crystal Method), Sol Seppy, Dierdra Dubois (Ekova) and MC Napolean.  Kale also worked with artists such as sitar genius Niladri Kumar and the Mumbai Cinematik strings.

Around the time of the release of Broken English, Kale began collaborating with sitar visionary Anoushka Shankar. Their collaboration eventually turned into the 2-year project, which became ‘Breathing Under Water’ released in 2007.  For both Kale and Shankar, the collaboration proved to be their most ambitious musical venture to date.  Kale not only played many of the instruments but acted as composer and co-songwriter which allowed him to pen songs for the likes of Sting and Norah Jones. The album also boasts collaborations with Pt Ravi Shankar, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Shankar Mahadevan and Sunidhi Chauhan and was co-produced by Gaurav Raina (Midival Punditz) and Salim Merchant.

As a film composer Kale has created music for crossover films such as ‘Chutney Popcorn’, ‘Ocean Of Pearls’ and ‘Indian Cowboy’. His music has also appeared in Bollywood hit films like ‘Fashion’ and recently ‘Luck’ and ‘Kambakht Ishq’. Kale’s music has also been featured on TV such as the HBO series ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ and ‘True Blood’. Karsh continues to share his musical vision with an ever-growing legion of listeners who continue to hold his music as paramount within the global music scene.

MPKK

India’s electronica pioneers, Midival Punditz (Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj) have teamed up once again with visionary composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist Karsh Kale to form their new film music production team Midival Punditz – Karsh Kale (MPKK). The trio will made their debut into the world of Indian cinema with their score of Farhan Akthar’s new romantic thriller Karthik Calling Karthik that released on February 26^th, 2010.

MPKK

Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale have worked together for nearly ten years now, producing each other’s music, performing together on albums and even touring the world together extensively. Recognizing their strength as a team, they have now formed their new production unit Midival Punditz – Karsh Kale (MPKK) to create music for film projects.

Their first foray into the world of film together began with them creating an entirely new background score to the 1973 Bruce Lee classic Enter the Dragon, which they have toured the world with. They recently completed the background score for Ajay Naidu’s independent crossover film, Ashes, which will make its debut in 2010. The trio’s filmography includes appearances on film soundtracks such as Monsoon Wedding, Closer, Chutney Popcorn, Kambakht Ishq, Fashion, Don and Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants II.

Karthik Calling Karthik, the much-anticipated thriller marks the first time MPKK have scored a major Bollywood film. Written and directed by Vijay Lalwani, the film stars Farhan Akthar and Deepika Padukone. Working as music directors has allowed Midival Punditz – Karsh Kale to explore the range and depth of their music influences; it allows them to step out of the realm of pure electronica and embrace a much larger soundscape. With this film, they have run a gamut of genres from a full orchestral set-up to rock and jazz to edgy electronica. Midival Punditz – Karsh Kale, as music directors combine a modern sound with a very classical approach; the Punditz bring a modern feel to the music utilizing electronic composition and modern soundscapes while Karsh Kale brings a more classical approach as an orchestral composer, pianist, guitar player and songwriter. The combination gives them great perspective as composers.

Karsh Kale and Midival Punditz continue to break new ground as artists and performers and tour the world with their genre-bending sounds. MPKK are poised to make 2010 the year that they are able to forge new avenues for their music within the world of film.

MPKK Performing

DID YOU KNOW
Midival Punditz

• Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj of Midival Punditz are childhood friends
• MP was the first electronic music act from India to sign an international album deal
• They’ve given music for video games like ‘Project Gotham Racing 3′ and ‘Need for Speed Carbon’
• They’ve also given music TV shows like ’6 Feet Under’ and ‘Prison Break’

Karsh Kale

• In his childhood he was inclined towards the drums and not the tabla.
• His father, a fan of the sound himself introduced him to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
• He began his career in music while a student at NYU (New York University) where he studied music production and performance
• Kale collaborated with Zakir Hussain and Bill Laswell on a track called Milan (named after his daughter) which has now become one of Kale’s most requested works
• Two of the songs from ‘Realize’, ‘Distance’ and ‘One Step beyond’ are now included in the Microsoft Vista Operating System

MPKK

The trio is able to perform the entire score of the soundtracks they compose live; something they plan on doing with all their releases

MPKK - Live

The duo of Delhi boys Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj, better known to the world as Midival Punditz were till this moment regarded as India’s most acclaimed electronic act. After being featured on multiple international compilations and being the first electronic act to sign an international deal, the band rightly dubbed as ‘The New Sound of 21st Century India’ has added another feather to their cap, this time being the first Indian band to compose the entire background score for a Bollywood movie – in this case the Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone starrer ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’. This break into mainstream came with the assistance of likeminded producer and composer Karsh Kale, who is featured along with the twosome on a few tracks of the soundtrack album, mainly the remix version of the movie theme plus a hard rocking version entitled Kartik 2.0.

Karthik Calling Karthik

The trio stopped by Blue Frog in Mumbai on the day of the movie’s release, February 26^th, to give the eager audience a taste of what to expect. Cementing their reputation as one of the best live acts around, the MP duo stepped on stage to spectacular atmospherics, lights and images on screens flashing in tandem with the crowd’s excitement. Taking their place at pre defined consoles; they were accompanied by Karsh Kale on Drums and Tablas. The scene was set perfectly to display MPKK’s unique blend of Indian classical and techno.

Playing songs predominately off of their 2009 release ‘Hello Hello’, the MP pair along with their KK counter part had the crowd in their grasp from the get go. Starting off with a remixed version of the ever popular ‘Tonic’, the south Indian folk rhythms of ‘Raanjhan’ soon translated into the smooth club vibe of ‘Kesariya’.

Songs that followed were stand out tracks like the up tempo ‘Electric Universe’ and 80’s dance rock ‘Atomizer’ complete with an electronic vocal track and a gratifying crescendo.  Their versatility of sound with songs ranging from instrumental to electronic rock to orchestral soundscapes pioneered the sonic approach to music providing those in attendance a night to remember.

Article by Divya Srinivasan & Shikher Chaudhary
Images Courtesy: Shiv Ahuja, Rafique Syed, Gaurav Vaz

The Magicians

A few phone calls, a delayed flight and after searching around the D.Y.Patil college grounds in Nerul, I finally spotted Amit Kilam (Drums) on stage. The Band had just arrived from Delhi for the performance, the sound check had been delayed, the scene was typical of any college fest – organized chaos. Looking slightly knackered and a bit bored after the long Delhi – Mumbai flight and a further hour or more by road, he walks over and says ‘Hello..’ seemingly quite relieved at my arrival. Rahul Ram (Bass guitar) and Susmit (Guitar) are nowhere in sight, when asked he says “Oh it would be difficult for all three of us to do an interview together during a show, sorry.” Apologies accepted.

Indian Ocean just finished their seventh tour of the US, spread over 45 days and 11 venues including the Jesuit High in New Orleans, a stage where Elvis Presley and Pink Floyd have performed! “Ours was the first show on that stage after hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, it was submerged under water but thankfully they managed to restore it back to how it used to be” he tells me. They also played at the famous Ashkenaz, a world and folk music venue in Berkeley, California.

Having often visited the US over the years, they have plenty of friends there who helped them organize shows and make merry off stage! “It’s almost like our second home, Rahul has studied there for three years, me and Susmit have got a few friends too, so now we have two bases – New Delhi and New York!” Amit quips coolly. The tour was a success, something they must probably be used to by now, seventh tour of the US, remember? Although, Amit feels this one was the best “Because in terms of performances I thought we were better than on previous occasions, the venues were good and the tour on the whole was a breeze!”

Asheem Chakravarty: Percussions & Vocals

However, the breeze turned into a dark storm for the men from Delhi and all their loyalists around the world. Band Percussionist, the man whose sonorous voice sounded like it emanated from the center of planet earth and darling of Indian Ocean, Asheem Chakravarty suffered a heart attack in Doha while the band were on their way back from the tour. He was hospitalized in a comatose state. The prayers, wherever they came from surely were heard when he managed to come out of coma, but, the joy was short lived. Nearly two months after the attack, it was Black Friday indeed. On the 25^th of December 2009, Asheem Chakravarty passed away. Christmas will never be the same again for the band and its legion of fans.

Amit Kilam: Drums

Asheem was multitalented in every sense of the word, so much so that the band may ultimately need two members to fill in for him. His ability to play the Tabla and sing along made him one of a kind, which makes it tougher for them to find a like for like replacement. “We are now officially on the lookout for a new member or maybe two” Amit informs. It looks like the band wants to focus on its future now; perhaps Asheem may have wanted that too. After all, it was him and Susmit Sen who founded Indian Ocean and ensured they stuck around until they hit upon the right line up, which upto the 25^th of December 2009 was – Amit Kilam, Rahul Ram, Susmit Sen and Asheem Chakravarty. It shall remain that way for generations to come, their work together has been immortalized by the numerous songs they’ve composed and the cornucopia of emotions they managed to evoke throughout the journey. Rest in peace, Asheem da. You will be missed.

“Everything happens for a reason, probably something else might evolve out of this disaster” Amit adds optimistically. They now have percussionist Gyan Singh filling in on the Tabla and singer Sudhir on vocals. This arrangement however is likely to be temporary, Indian Ocean hope to find a permanent member. They are prepared to wait for the right person to come along though. “If we find a suitable replacement now, its obviously good, otherwise probably in the next six months” he says.

Rahul Ram: Bass Guitar

Songs for their long awaited album have been ready for a while and they hope to release the album by March 2010. “What will be appearing on the album are songs that we have been playing over the last couple of years or so, a few of the songs had been leased out to films but we retain their rights.” Indian Ocean songs have been part of many a film that haven’t managed to see the light of the day “That’s the way it works in Bollywood I guess, Aaj hain toh kal nahin hain” says Amit. Not that he’s rueful about it “Its lucky in a way, this means they are first heard on our album rather than in a movie and also thanks to these movies, a lot of work has happened in the last two or three years”. As we discuss about the album, he reminds me of another important fact “Asheem is very much a part of it! Most of his work in the recent past might feature on this album.”

Numbers will make a difference for Indian Ocean, they hope to generate more hits on their website through active marketing and of course by using their live shows as a platform to attract a sponsor who can fund the production cost of this album. “It won’t matter too much if we don’t manage that, we’ll still release the album anyway. However, it helps when we get support from the fans, media, etc. and perhaps it might interest someone.” Each month, one song from the upcoming album will be made available for free download through their website, a truly unique marketing strategy designed to suit their needs. “Seven months, seven songs by the end of which we’ll release a special CD with a few extra songs or maybe different versions and videos too.” says Amit. They will only be making 10,000 copies of this premium CD which will also be signed by the band members. That number is miniscule when you consider the 5 lakh copies their previous album Kandisa sold. “Ultimately most of the people will hear these songs for free which for us is not a problem at all, whomever wants to buy the albums and support us can do that too!” he adds.

Susmit Sen: Guitar

Indian Ocean has also provided music for an Aamir Khan produced movie called ‘Peepli Live’ and no, this movie won’t be shelved. It is ready and is a satirical take on rural life in India. “The song ‘Darte ho’ from this movie was the final song recorded by the original line up” says Amit, with a hint of nostalgia in his voice. They were one of the first bands to be approached by Bollywood way back in 2003 when Anurag Kashyap wanted songs for his movie Black Friday and now Amit feels that Bollywood is certainly more receptive to new music “There is no monopoly now, new composers have come in and more bands are doing music too! All of which means there certainly is a change.” So maybe a KJO movie in future then? “Why not?! We’re open to anything too!”

They plan to tour the US twice next year. “In the US we will be playing at the world famous Carnegie Hall this time, so fingers crossed. We’re hoping for a good tour!” There have been a few complaints from their Indian fan base though, as people feel Indian Ocean play more abroad than in India. That accusation is brushed off “It might seem that way but we do play a lot more in India, in fact we plan to do a tour within India after the album is launched. We’ll probably play in 8 to 10 cities around the country.”

The band and Amit have simultaneously managed to finish the sound check during the course of our conversation. They’re a jolly bunch back stage, interacting enthusiastically with a few old friends, while also clicking pictures and signing autographs with their fans. As the sun sets, lights go on, the crowd

I got Lucky. I caught them LIVE !

On the 20^th of January, DY Patil College Nerul played host to renowned fusion band Indian Ocean who in prime form headlined the final day of the three day annual fest, playing to a relatively large crowd, their fourth time around at this prestigious university. Heavily publicized, this was also notably the first show since the passing of percussionist, vocalist and all around remarkable performer, the beloved Asheem Chakravarty. Nonetheless after the demise of the iconic singer, questions were visibly raised whether the band would be able to continue. All these questions were undoubtedly laid to rest as soon as the band stepped on stage to the deafening applause of students and fans that had waited eagerly for hours to witness this prolific band at work.

Indian Ocean - live in action

Clearly an emotional performance for the band, the crowd reveled in their poignancy as they dealt with the grief with what they do best, performing a string of songs which may be safely described as classics. The mood was however anything but somber as the band decided to forgo the clichéd mourning instead celebrating the life of its founding member, playing one exemplary song after another.

“They managed to move the audience in completely different ways, some to their feet; while others more affectingly to tears.”

Those lucky to be in attendance were able to witness first hand two unreleased songs ‘Baundhu’ dedicated to Asheem Da and ‘Zindagi se darte ho’ soon to be featured in an Aamir Khan production. By the time ‘Bandeh’ came up, even the most cynical of observers were swept up by the natural charisma of the group.

The original three members appeared in great form filled with passion and fervor playing Ma Rewa, Jhini, Hille Re giving the attitude of a jam session, the band feeding of each other’s energy, demonstrating the technical prowess they have come to be known for. Jugalbandi saw the utilization of eclectic instrumentation especially in the form of a ‘gabgubi’ by drummer Amit Kilam.

Ending the show on a high note with the ever popular ‘Kandisa’, the band although restricted to a short span of time, managed to move the audience in completely different ways, some to their feet while others more affectingly to tears.

• Shaleen Sharma on drums and Indrajit Dutta & Anirban Roy on bass, were a part of Indian Ocean before the band arrived at its final line up
• Kandisa, released in March 2000, went on to acquire cult status, becoming one of the most important, best-loved albums of contemporary Indian music
• Jhini, won the AVMax Award for the best produced album of 2003
• Desert Rain was a landmark album for its time and today, almost a decade later, still continues to sell. In 2006, it was no. 2 on the iTunes UK world music charts.
• Jaideep Varma of Cartwheel Features has directed a movie called ‘Leaving Home’ which is based on the life and music of Indian Ocean. The film is expected to be released in mid 2010

Article by Vignesh Iyer & Shikher Chaudhary
Images Courtesy: Indian Ocean

CHEER YOU ON - Akacod; Colley and Ortiz

Low Rock is a unique combination of equal parts jazz and equal parts blues, displaying a keen melodic pop/rock sense with darkly comic and ironic lyrics. Pioneered by the Boston band Morphine, a guitarless trio that reflected the sounds of the dark, winding, deserted streets after dark, smoke-filled bars and the seedy underbelly of the city, littered with cigarettes and scotch or whisky; whichever one prefers. With the daring to go into the world of grunge in the early 90’s with just an untamed saxophone, a drum set and a two string slide bass at their disposal and take on the likes of Nirvana and Pearl Jam for mainstream acceptance, Morphine were always fighting a losing battle in spite of which they managed to retain their bottom heavy sound through five full length albums. Even though they wrote pretty standard three-minute rock songs with verses, choruses, and hooks, the songs characteristically always revolved around a sensual groove akin to the rhythms of R&B.

UNCONVENTIONAL - Morphine, fronter by vocalist and bassis Mark Sandman

Bassist and vocalist Mark Sandman’s voice, deep and ravaged as the night, was the perfect instrument to deliver the menacing mix of dark lyrics and playful couplets featuring his classic laid-back croon and detached vocals. Evocative lyrics and affecting melodies that shined a light on the dark side of human nature made this band as addictive as its name.

A trio not built around the sound of an electric guitar, Morphine’s story begins in the country-blues rock quartet ‘Treat Her Right’ which featured a young Sandman exhibiting the innovation that would soon become Morphine’s trademark. Creatively restless, he began experimenting with low sounds playing a conventional six-string guitar, but did so through an octave-shifting effects pedal that made the instrument sound more like a bass. He then switched to a conventional bass, but one with just a single string, reasoning that all the notes he’d need to play were on that one string. By the time Morphine took off, he’d added a second string. Later, he would add a third, albeit one from a guitar, and call the invention the Tritar building a cacophonous sound that could stir your bones.

LEARNT TO FLY - Twinemen comprising of Colley, Billy Conway and Laurie Srgent. Twinemen chose their name as a homage to late Mark Sandman and his The Twinemen comic series. The Twinemen depicted three anthropomorphic balls of twine who play together in a band.

Low Rock is a style rich in free flowing jazz melodies with interwoven emotions full of intrigue, deep within the structure. A defining trait of the genre is acquiring the positive aspects of jazz, the implied notes, and the emotional depth without involving the pretentious nature of the art.
Inspired by Morphine’s wry pulp noir vignettes and ‘less is best’ aesthetic, the genre of Low Rock was joined by fellow bass-sax-drums combo’s. Bourbon Princess led by fretless bassist and vocalist Monique Ortiz brought a wider range of instrumentation introducing guitar, cello and mandolin in selected songs. Incorporating elements of acid rock and lounge into their sound, Twinemen, a band formed by Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley added to growing collection of bands representing the genre.
Following Mark Sandman’s heart attack on stage leading to his eventual death in 1999, Dana Colley and Monique Ortiz formed AKACOD as a tribute to this late indie rock icon and also established the Mark Sandman Music Education Fund in Boston. Bringing the deep dark mesmerizing sound to the new millennium, this trio has continued the legacy of Morphine, introducing and inspiring a whole new generation of bands to the psychedelic world of Low Rock.

Article by Shikher Chaudhary