MUMBAI: Probably, the best way to describe Ankur Tewari would be the ‘musician next door’. Alright, not the best way, but considering how the songwriter’s creations can fill up a bedroom on a rainy evening with the same aura as it’d do to a music festival occupied by hundreds of souls on a bright sunny day propels one into believing that the musician is a perfect fit for all seasons. The charisma in Tewari’s songwriting reflects on his music and surely becomes one of the several reasons for venues’ consistent interest towards his band.
Now, six years after the first studio album, Tewari’s Hindi rock band Ankur & The Ghalat Family will release a set of twelve songs in the form of a double album, simply called ‘Side A/Side B’. “We have been extensively playing live and touring since the release of the first album. During the course, we composed new songs. In the past one and a half years, I started thinking about releasing the album.” The band had composed thirty songs – some often performed at live gigs – however Tewari narrowed it down to twelve. Comparing it with the concept of mixtape, the frontman recollects his childhood practice of listening to tapes during childhood where he would listen to the Side B of a record a few days after cherishing the Side A. The band will implement that practice with the double album by releasing Side B a few months after the release of Side A.
With artists like Karsh Kale, Sandunes, Grain, Warren Mendonsa and Yoad Nevo (previously produced works for Moby and The Dandy Warhols) contributing to Side A in respective forms, the sophomore album – apart from being the most elaborate effort – would continue to carry the trademark sounds that have gradually become the band’s identity. Karachi-based Zoe Viccaji will be the only vocal collaborator in the album for the track titled ‘Jhoom’ making it the first duet for the band in an album. The band’s management team – OML – too contributed musically with some members helping out with the chorus for the third track ‘Harkat’, informed Tewari.
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Side A speaks about unconditional love, an impending storm, revolution in Kashmir, promises, first love, summer days and more love. With uniquely interesting song titles like ‘Hmmm’ and ‘Wagairah Wagairah’, the band extends the Ghalat-esque element beyond its sound. Tewari also informed that the release date for Side B has not been decided yet, and the band would wait for the right time for the same. The ‘Side B’ however will feature no collaborators. The albums were recorded in Cotton Press Studio.
The songwriter recently tied up with Ola cabs for a promotional effort, asking the passengers to rate one of the songs from the upcoming album. The band will execute house gigs in another effort to promote the album and connect with the fans through the initiative.
Side A will release across all platforms in the first week of October.
June 2015 story Ankur & the Ghalat Family’s upcoming album expected to release later this year on the album when Radioandmusic.com spoke to the drummer Vivaan Kapoor.
