Delhi-based band Eka comprises of former members of a number of popular music bands. Benjamine Pinto or Benny, the vocalist, talks about the band’s compositions and the music scene in Delhi.
What sort of music can we expect from the band?
Our style is Swatantra Rock! We play a mix of our originals in Hindi and English with some popular classic rock and Bollywood medleys, and a little bit of sufi. Our music has influences of rock, jazz, funk, blues, classical, folk and other styles.
What is Swatantra Rock? Is it more than just independent rock?
We found it very difficult and limiting to classify our music under any one particular style or genre. This lead us to coin the term, ‘Swatantra Rock’. We define it as ‘Music beyond music, time and boundaries’. To us, it means music which is born free.
How did the band come together?
When we jammed together for the very first time, we knew that the chemistry was special. The rest, as they say, is history.
Why this name?
‘Eka’ is a Sanskrit word, which means unity and oneness. While short listing a name for our band, we chose Eka, as we felt that it truly brings out the very essence of a band as a team.
What do you think people remember most about your gigs?
We try to keep it entertaining and engaging for the audience. We try to offer something for everybody, irrespective of their age, gender or background.
What do you think of the music scene in Delhi? Has it changed over the years?
It’s a promising time to be a musician in Delhi. The music scene is continuously evolving here. There are good opportunities for live gigs and music production. Also, easy access to the internet, good quality of music education, release of films like Rock On, Rockstar, growing number of venues that encourage live music, have contributed to the scene.
How did the band come together?
When we jammed together for the very first time, we knew that the chemistry was special. The rest, as they say, is history.
Why this name?
‘Eka’ is a Sanskrit word, which means unity and oneness. While short listing a name for our band, we chose Eka, as we felt that it truly brings out the very essence of a band as a team.
What do you think people remember most about your gigs?
We try to keep it entertaining and engaging for the audience. We try to offer something for everybody, irrespective of their age, gender or background.
What do you think of the music scene in Delhi? Has it changed over the years?
It’s a promising time to be a musician in Delhi. The music scene is continuously evolving here. There are good opportunities for live gigs and music production. Also, easy access to the internet, good quality of music education, release of films like Rock On, Rockstar, growing number of venues that encourage live music, have contributed to the scene.
What has been the most inspiring song, event and artist for the band?
Most of our inspiration comes from life experiences and day to day things and happenings around us. We believe that every musician has something unique and special about them.
Do you guys enjoy performing in Delhi? Why?
Yes. Delhi is home for us. Though the Delhi audience is not always the easiest to please, it is one of the best in the country.
Does Delhi inspire artists?
Delhi has so much to offer everybody. With so much happening around us all the time in the city, it is difficult not to get inspired.
If you could play at any gig in the world, it would be...
The common dream for the band is to perform at a sold out Wembley Stadium.
The members of the band have played with some renowned bands. How different is the experience of playing together?
We have been fortunate that each of our previous bands were highly successful in their own way during their times. One of our biggest strengths is that each one of us is very different from the other in the team, and each member of Eka brings some very unique yet complementing skills to the team.
Catch them here
What: EKA live
When: April 20
Timing: 9pm onwards
Where: Tryst Cafe, Salcon Villas mall, behind Select City Walk, Saket
Entry: Free
Nearest Metro Station: Malviya Nagar on the Yellow Line
More music events in the city
Euphoria Live
This Indian rock band from Delhi will be performing for the city’s audience tomorrow. The band made its mark in the music scene of the country with its Hindi lyrics. The group is known for its numbers such as Dhoom Pichak Dhoom, Maaeri, Aana Meri Gully and Mehfuz, among others.
At: Terrace, Vapour, MGF Mega City Mall, second floor, MG Road, Gurgaon
On: April 21, 9pm onwards
Astitva in action
Head for a rocking weekend, as this Delhi-based band will belt out some of their most popular numbers. Born out of diverse western pop, rock and Hindustani classical influences, Astitva started in 2007. At: Pub Nirvaan- The Alternate Hub, MGF Mega City Mall, MG Road, Gurgaon
On: April 20, 8.30pm
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