MUMBAI: Oscar winning composer AR Rahman’s recently launched band Nafs is all set to release three more singles in the coming months.
Nafs is powered by Qyuki, an online multi-channel network, which is founded by Shekhar Kapur, Samir Bangara and Rahman.
During the video launch of Nafs’ first single, Rahman also revealed that like his band, he has also not signed with any label, which is why he can function smoothly with Qyuki. “I am not signed under any one,” said Rahman, while adding that Qyuki had signed a non-exclusive deal with the Universal Music label.
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Like many musicians and bands, Nafs has taken a label-free approach but it is dependent on Multi Channel Network (MCN) to release its three new singles.
Award winning music director, arranger and conductor Arjun Chandy was specially commissioned to groom the young band. Apart from bassist Mohini Dey who is the non-member of KM Conservatory, other names have not yet been revealed. Rahman, who is very stringent about the sound of the band and quality of the vocals, said, “Nafs is a vocal band apart from Mohini Dey. Each band member is a character so it is a live act with a lot of harmonies. Since we wanted to set a standard, we had to rehearse a lot. My aim was that the band members should sound the same, anywhere it performs.”
Rahman also gives due credit to the video conceptualiser Chandy, who turned his visions into reality. Meanwhile Rahman is also contemplating making Nafs a complete experience on stage and the band is working towards the goal.
Speaking about the origin of the word ‘Nafs,’ Rahman said, “The word is very complicated and interesting. It could mean desire or the free will to choose whatever you want regardless of it being good or evil. Since it has got so much of depth, we wish to bring those elements out in the audio visual live experience in future. This is just the beginning.”
Apart from this, he is also busy preparing for his performance at the NH7 Weekender in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Pune later this year. “We are still working out what would be exciting for the audiences with the temperament. The youth comes there with a very open mind and they just come to enjoy pure music so we are yet to figure out what will work over there,” he revealed.
Rahman’s music academy, KM Conservatory, has added 38,000 sq feet offering full-time music courses for students. He is extremely happy with the singers who are now singing in Bollywood films and are winning awards and yet wish to be a part of the band Nafs.
