02 June,2009 09:43 AM IST | | Omi Gurung
Three music albums, 24 original compositions, 5 channel nominations and over 364 rocking performances across 17 Indian cites is proof enough to suggest Aurko's growing fan following in the Indian music space Method and madness: Members of the band Aurko performed in a city mall over the weekend
Supratik Ghosh, lead singer and composer of Aurko, talks about what the Indi-pop band has been busy with over the last few years.
Tell us the story behind Aurko. How was the band formed?
Seven musicians from across India, perhaps by a certain divine mechanism, met each other in Bangalore on August 14, 2000 and Aurko was born. The band members bring in different cultural influences. I am from Kolkata, Jeet (lead guitarist) is from Arunachal Pradesh, Yathi (drummer) is from Kasargod, Biplab (percussionist) is from West Bengal, Avik (bassist) is from Siliguri, Imran (lyriscist) is from Kolkata and Manash (guitarist) is from Guwahati. We are bound by our passion for music, and we share a common goal. We want to touch millions of hearts.
Why did you name the band Aurko? What does it mean?
Aurko is derived from the Sanskrit word Aurk, meaning the first rays of the sun, which also means rays of life and hope. We dream to touch every soul with our music. We want to popularise Hindi rock.
You came out with a super hit, Nadiyaa, in 2006, but it's taken you two years to come out with your next Hindi album. Why?
We launched our first Hindi album Nadiyaa in April 2006, and got busy with other projects. On October 7, 2007 we launched our first regional (Bengali) album ABAH (Aschhe Bochhor Abar Habe). Phire Elam, our second regional album, was launched on October 1, 2008 in Kolkata. We performed in 17 cities across India and we were a part of McDowell's No 1 Concert Tour Series in 2007 and 2008. All thisu00a0 kept us terribly busy.
How is your new album different from your first, Nadiyaa?
Our second album will have flavours of Southern India. We have songs with a dash of rock and a pinch of folk. The sound is earthy yet contemporary. Aurko has been experimenting with Indian music in all its forms, and we've been infusing western elements to it. The songs capture theu00a0 energy and the adventurous spirit of today's youth, their angst and their pain. Kya Yeh Anth Hai is really the voice of the youth. It deals about their problems. Nadiyaa, on the other hand, was about our carefree years.
When will your studio in Koramangala be operational?
In a few months, hopefully. We intend it as our "practice pad" but it will also be used as a platform to promote Indi pop for aspiring musicians in namma city.
What keeps Aurko fully charged?
We believe in ourselves as a band. We stay together in joy and sorrow. We are the happiest while giving expression to our musical thirst, writing and composing new music, new songs, hook lines and riffs. Nothing equals the adrenalin rush after a successful live concert.
Your observations on music in the city?
Bangalore is our base. It is Aurko's hometown. Our most memorable moment so far have been at the IIPM's Global Warming concert, which had a record audience of over 35,000.u00a0u00a0 Bangaloreans are young at heart and have a taste for good music.
Your most unnerving moment....
A gentleman approached us after our recent performance at a mall, and asked, 'Do you people perform at marriages?' We were too stunned to reply!
Your message to aspiring musicians...
Play music from heart. Never compromise on quality of sound. Go on stage with lots of positive energy. Keep rehearsing. There must be that madness and mayhem in your performance, but there must be method too. Believe in what you do and be original.
