Zehen is a Bengaluru-based Experimental Groove Band. It is a cornucopia of rhythm, mood, fun vibe, deep resonance – a mix of all kinds of music that you’ve loved listening to. A fusion of sorts, the band is still in the process of discovering itself! The five-member band known for their English-Hindi mash-ups and dance worthy tunes, have managed to form a unique sound and interesting groove for themselves. In the past three months alone, the troupe has managed to bag around 25 gigs at performance venues all over the city, and in a tete-a-tete, they tell it all...
Dedication, seems to be the factor that pushes the band to work despite the members having 9-5 jobs and jamming with other local bands as well! “Ashley and Tanushree used to jam together around a year ago and liked the sound they were creating together, so they decided to form a band,” says Naresh, the bass guitarist on how the band came to be. “The idea was to create music that gave the audience an experience they’d never forget. Hence the name Zehen – it’s an Urdu word which roughly translates into a part of the memory you can’t erase,” pitches in Tanushree, the vocalist who brings about a Bollywood/Hindi mix into the band. Apart from creating a different take on popular music, the band also has around 10 original compositions! “We want to get the crowd dancing, so that’s the kind of music we create. For most of our original compositions, I think apart from our own lives, we are also incredibly inspired by each others stories,” smiles Ashley, the acoustic guitarist who also doubles as the band manager.
Zehen, who have already performed at a number of venues including Hard Rock Cafe, Take 5, Big Pitcher and more, are all set to perform at the Bak Bak Bar this Saturday. And when they aren’t jamming together, they are seen binge eating and chilling. “We are like family now. We manage to make time to meet each other at least once a week, even if we aren’t gigging,” says Ashley who even teaches music. But do they ever get annoyed with each other or have any creative differences? “We have a very similar mindset and taste in music, so we don’t really squabble much. But we do make it a point to make a ton of fun of each other – both on stage and off. It’s all in good humour ,” adds Naresh, laughingly. Apart from each other, most of their parents too, are supremely supportive of the band and their choices. “My parents have always been very open minded and have even been to a couple of our gigs and ask questions about the instruments we play,” adds Naresh who occasionally also jams with Slain, another local band.
“I didn’t tell my parents in the beginning because I knew they wouldn’t approve, but they found out eventually from a few of their friends who saw it on Facebook, and are coming to terms with it. It’s all cool now because they love the sound we create as well,” says an enthusiastic Tanushree in conclusion.
