SANAM teams up with global artistes for the world cup cricket anthem. In conversation with Ayushi Sharma, they tell us what they keep in mind while creating their melodies
What is common to the songs Waka Waka, La la Brasil or De Ghuma Ke? All three are sports anthems, the first two were for the football world cups and the last for the cricket one. With the Men’s Cricket World Cup having kicked off in the United Kingdom, there is a new one especially created for this edition. As part of its partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Uber and the band has released the song, Way-O, Way-O, to energise fans.
Since music has always evoked strong emotions and helped foster a global spirit of unity and togetherness, this rhythmic anthem is a cultural blend of harmonies. It is written by Sonal Dabral (Ogilvy) and composed, produced and curated by Michael (Mikey) McCleary. The makers include Sanam, a band known for its renditions of classical Bollywood songs, alongside other globally acclaimed artists such as Jahmiel (Jamaica), Catherine Taylor Dawson (United Kingdom), Simba Diallo (New Zealand) and a Choir group called Khayelitsha United Mambazo (South Africa).
How did the idea come about?
Sanam Puri (Lead vocalist): When McCleary approached us about singing an anthem for the world cup, we were thrilled. I have been a part of several of his jingles and I like working with him. I put him in touch with our manager, Ben Thomas, who discussed it with McCleary and then briefed all the members of our band. It took us about an hour to understand the song and then two to three hours to record our vocal parts.
Sports and music help to foster a global spirit of unity and togetherness. So how did you blend this sensibility in the anthem?
Samar Puri (Lead guitar): Cricket and music are two vital aspects of our culture. Many have tried to encapsulate this sport in a song but none so far have been able to strike a chord with the people. This anthem is an excellent piece of work and has the potential to connect people transcending geographies and cultures. With Way-O, Way-O we are confident that fans from across nations will come together and cheer for cricket and their favourite teams, thereby ensuring ‘every fan wins’.
I used to play cricket for the under 16/19 team in Oman when I was in high school. We also played cricket when we started jamming as a band in Keshav’s (Dhanraj) garage. We still play whenever we get time. It’s always nostalgic to be associated with something like cricket and it’s a sport that binds everyone together. You’ll hear it in the vocals where the words are — We’re on our way-O, we’re on our way; singing way-o, way-o; we’re on our way.
How is the creative process for the anthem different from that of film tracks or albums?
Keshav Dhanraj (Drum kits): This song is entirely composed by McCleary. We just stepped into the studio for backing vocals. He was busy trying to get together artists from across the world. I guess it was a new experience for him too and he pulled it off very efficiently in a short time.
Where are the global music trends heading?
Venkat Subramaniyam (Bass guitar): I guess hip-hop subgenres like Trap and Latin inspired music like Reggaeton are quite popular. I love how McCleary has used a dancehall beat for the anthem. It will help to bring people together along with the catchy group vocals and Indian inspired horn riffs.
You have remade so many old hits and people have cherished each of them. Do you think remakes lessen the value of old blockbusters?
Keshav: We just focus on putting out renditions of the classic tunes to the best of our ability without worrying about the criticism. Our approach has always been to maintain the essence of the song when we render a classic and that helps us connect with audience of all ages. We even get feedback saying how three generations within the family can connect while watching our music videos and listening to our songs.
What does fusion music mean to you and how do you plan to explore this genre more?
Venkat: In India, fusion music is generally associated with one form of Indian classical music being fused with another genre. The older film directors like Shankar, Jaikishan had a lot of fusion in their compositions. Even in the 80s, jazz fusion was very popular. It brought out a lot of innovation through unique improvisational melodic ideas as well as the use of unique effects that were new at the time. Fusion music can evolve with the time and I guess we are more of a pop/rock band in our style and don’t really play fusion music. However, we’ve got a new original music album and a lot of releases this year as well as collaborations and some more renditions.
How do you see the evolution of Indian music industry and how do you think you have changed as a singer since the time you started?
Sanam: Today, It’s possible to co-exist with the film industry and do your own work as a music artist. I always wanted to compose and make my own music. Playback singing was never my aim. So the freedom that I get working with a band is something I cherish and it empowers me to give it my all when I am making music. I am grateful for the love and support from my fans which enables us to do what we do today along with the invaluable help from our management.
