Band Faridkot has its own style of music inspired from greats like RD Burman and Tool. Vocalist Inderpreet Singh shares that they are looking forward to perform at NH7 Weekender in Delhi
How did you guys come togetherIJ
It was sometime in 2008, that I was writing songs and looking to form a band. One fine day, I got a call from Raj as he was also looking to form a band. We decided to meet and jam up. Rest as they say, is history.
Tell us about the kind of music you makeIJ
We don’t like the concept of sticking to one kind of music. As listeners, both Raj and I have had varied influences. From Nusrat Sahab to Tool, from RD Burman to The Beatles. But, I guess the idea is to make music that connects with people, make them feel that we are a part of them and vice versa.
What is your musical philosophyIJ
Keep creating, keep exploring and keep learning. We believe that music comes out best when there is honesty attached to it. Be it our album song or a commercial jingle, we try to give it all that we have. Our fans have given us so much love, that we feel obliged to put every drop of our blood and sweat in anything we do.
Who’s your inspirationIJ
Oh everywhere and everyone. The trees, the stars, children, grownups, living and the dead — one never knows how and when inspirations find you. But we try our best to acknowledge it when it finds us. Both Raj and I are believers of hope, but we know that we need to work hard.
What was the one big break for youIJ
I would say the biggest break was being on Channel V launchpad. At that time, it was hard to cut through and get seen. Being on the national television helped the band connect with so so many people, and that why we are where we are.
What can we expect from your performance at WeekenderIJ
We are really kicked about this. Festivals like Weekender gives artistes like us absolute freedom to play what we love. Expect a lot if juicy, tasty and fun songs
According to you, how easy/difficult it is to make a mark in the Indian music sceneIJ
We think its still tough, but its better than before. Youtube is big, festivals are happening, Bollywood is opening up to newer things. But I think one needs to understand that this is a profession, every profession has its risks. So artistes should know what they want to achieve from your music. That is what is important for musicians to know in order to thrive.
How about the hurdles of an independent bandIJ
Its tough. Its really tough. The hardest part is to get your music across to people, especially if you are a new band. Their is no such independent music scene at the national level, like there was in the 90s. So its important to be at the right place at the right time. Its actually like running with weights on. But you have to go through the process and do everything you can to survive.
Tell us about your best tracks.
I guess the audience can answer that better. And from what we’ve seen people like laila, Madho, Haaledil a lot from the album Ek and from the second album Phir seIJ, Suno, laparwah and Bijli connect a lot with the listeners.
What songs top your playlistIJ
Right now, Chemical Brothers’ new album Born in the Echoes, Tame Impala — currents, a bit of AR Rahman and Puscifer — Grand Canyon.
Any mainstream projectIJ
I just moved to Bombay a few months back, and for the same reason. Talks are on with a lot of people there and hopefully soon something for the mainstream will also work out.
How has Delhi been for youIJ
Delhi has been lovely and kind to us. We’ve lived in Delhi for a long time, we started making music here. A lot of musicians helped us in so many ways, guiding us and just growing together. And we love the combination of Delhi winters, chai and pakoda.
Any message to the newbiesIJ
Be honest with your music, give all your heart and soul to it. But use the brain when you handle the business side of it. Its a profession and one needs to be on top of the game. All our love and best wishes are with everyone who’s starting their journey
What’s in store for your fansIJ
Working on a few songs, planning a couple of videos, singles mostly. So yeah, soon.
The NH7 Weekender will be held on
November 28 and 29 at Dwarka