MUMBAI: Strengthening its commitment of building a platform for independent music in India, Sennheiser announced its third edition of Sennheiser Top 50 which is a battle of Indian bands to compete and make their way to the coveted list of Top 50 best bands in India. . In the first year 2014, it was Delhi based band ‘The Local Train’ taking the crown, followed by Mumbai based Progressive Rock band ‘Parvaaz’ taking the honors last year. This season, after a grueling competition between 500 plus bands from across India and two rounds of selection, Sennheiser along with the jury selected it’s zonal finalists’ basis the on-ground zonal battle held in four zones comprising East Guwahati, North- Delhi, West Pune and South- Bangalore. it’s now time to pick the best of the best with the grand finale in Mumbai’s iconic Hard Rock Cafe, with these four awesome bands (and two very special headliners). To add further, the bands will be adjudged by none other than leading music stalwarts Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Raghu Dixit and Papon. Before the final takes place, here’s a look at the top 4 bands that have made it to the final round
Knight Shades- North Zone Winners
Knight Shades are a Delhi based band formed in 2008. They’re veterans in the competition circuits around the country, winning close to a staggering number of 60. Their up tempo, fast paced Rhythm and Blues style molded with Modern Rock and Roll gives their live performance quite the impact. They are known to have brilliant stage presence and it seems it was the combination of these two things that got them through. It’ll be interesting to see what they can offer on a big stage.
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Avora Records- East Zone Winner
Avora Records was formed in 2013. The band was initially influenced by Punk and Indie Rock but has gradually branched out onto a mixture Jazz and Pop music elements. They have been a regular feature on Aizawl’s most prominent gigs like The Bayberry Sessions, The Live Show and musically driven TV shows like ROAR TV. In April of 2017, the band won the state’s most celebrated beat contest ‘The MZU ROCK FEST’. The band has released two successful singles Sides and Anna’s Anthem , the latter of which was shortlisted by VH1.
The Family Cheese- West Zone Winners
The Family Cheese is an Indian Rock Fusion outfit based in Bombay. The trio started their journey in 2011 as music students in Chennai and right from the beginning have stood out for their interactive and seamless blend of Levity and Attitude in their performances. They are known best for taking their Indian influences and blending elements of ‘Konnakol’ amongst other classical Indian musical concepts into their rock compositions. They are also popular for breaking away into Psychedelic and free form improvisational sections. In 2016, “The Family Cheese” self-titled album was released with a video for hit single “Baw”. This dance between different genres might give them an edge over the other bands, as their style is pretty unique.
Hailing from Kerala, When Chai Met Toast has some really interesting music. The core of the music is made by Guitar Player Achyuth Jaigopal (also plays in Raghu Dixit Project) and Singer Ashwin Gopakumar. When Chai Met Toast takes inspiration from the lighter side of life to create music that is heart-warming, happy and smile worthy. With an amazing ability to connect with their audience and create a wonderful mood, they will surely be someone I’ll be expecting to take the grand prize.
Our top four finalists will now further battle it out for the grand finale in Mumbai on 21 September to bag prizes worth 20 Lacs and get two year endorsement by Sennheiser which will give them access to the Sennheiser gear by being the face of Sennheiser for the next year. The headliner act for the grand finale will be by none other than Raghu Dixit himself and Parvaaz.
All this makes Sennheiser Top 50 a perfect platform for Indian bands to showcase their talent and create a place for themselves in the competitive and growing music industry.
Sennheiser Professional Segment India, Vipin Pungalia, Director , commented on Sennheiser Top 50 saying, “We have received an exceptional response this season. All the four zonal on ground battles were beyond thrilling. It was as it is difficult to shortlist top 12 but the real struggle was finalizing the zonal winners as there is so much of talent in our country. To make this a bigger success and support the bands, we received an exceptional response from the audience as well.”
