LOCALTURNON Band of the Week - AZAADI (Delhi)

#localturnon: What is the history of the band – how did it come into being, members, its journey (in brief) and what does the name of your band signify?

#Azaaditheband: : We attribute the band’s formation to Orkut. In those days we were all active on Orkut and that’s how it all started. The members slowly found each other and the band was formed in 2007.

The band’s preamble is to spread music with no boundaries. What we mean by no boundaries is that we are not restricted by any genre, form, style as long as our music touches everyone and thus we believe that there is an element of freedom i.e Azaadi in our music. That is what we live for and like to spread. A freedom of music expression that is meant for all segments, that is liked by all.

#localturnon: So who are your favourites/ Icons/ Role Models in the field of music? 

#Azaaditheband: Since we go by “Freedom of Music” when it comes to style and expression each and every artist has something unique, thus we like all. But yes, if you were to say an Artist or a Band that has had more influence than the others it would be Mohammad Rafi Ji and the Band Junoon. Its their versatility and the ease with which their music crosses over genres that we associate ourselves as well.

#localturnon: How do rejuvenate your creative insights / get the adrenalin going?

#Azaaditheband: One word for this is Jamming. We all get together regularly at jampads and this coming together of the members, spending time together, discussing, chatting, trying different things gets our creative adrenalin going!

#localturnon: Do your songs carry a message / a theme or a story? If so can you share more on it?

#Azaaditheband: While our music is meant for all, we believe that it revolves around the Youth of today, their feelings, their anguish, their issues and thus you will see a bit of romance, a bit of adventurism, a bit of rebellion and energy as a message in our songs.

#localturnon: Of all the songs you’ve created, which is your favourite one and why?

#Azaaditheband: It's tough for us to decide on one song but for us Sayonee by Junoon is a favorite. Even after so many years and versions its energy and influence can be gauged from the fact that whenever we play it gets the crowd into a different mood. Another one is Bheegi Bheegi from the movie Gangster.

#localturnon: Do you have any interesting fan stories to tell?

#Azaaditheband: We are lucky and blessed that our listeners love us. Call it fans, call it friends who call us for events and performances, call it the audiences who come to listen to us we are grateful for their affection and love.

#localturnon: Of all the performances the band has given which one is the most memorable and why?

#Azaaditheband: We have had an amazing journey so far and many memorable performances. A recent one that we can recollect is our performance at the PGI College. It was a 2 day event and we were to perform on the second day. Maan Sahib who was to come on day 1, when learnt about us remarked that we could have done a joint show had he known that our band was also slated to perform. This was the best compliment that we have had in recent times and needless to say our performance rocked (smiling).

#localturnon: Can you share about some funny incident that happened on-stage / during performance / with you or the other band members?

#Azaaditheband: : At the Big 92.7 FM show in Gurgaon  there was a request for Neela Neela Ambar song. The funny thing is that Amit could not remember the lyrics and had to rely on the internet to access the song lyrics. And the internet speed was so slow that he actually sang the same lines twice. (Smiling)

#localturnon: How has the musical journey been so far for you / your band and what are you looking forward to?

#Azaaditheband: Our journey has been remarkable in many ways. Yes, we have come up over the years and the band is today known in circles, people call us and we believe we are liked for our music. While this is one side of the story there are also challenges that we have faced and continue to do so when it comes to playing with suggestions from our members, there are conflicts that need to be balanced, egos that need to be overcome. But it’s been worth it all. Amit is now slated to play the lead singer in the upcoming movie Bombay 90 which is about the prevailing situation in Mumbai in the 90s. (This Varun Dhawan, Irfaan, Nawazuddin, Priyanka starrer is being shot in Mumbai)

#localturnon: Do you have any words of advice for youngsters who want to form their own bands or are thinking of getting into this line?

#Azaaditheband: We believe that it is not difficult to make a band. Anyone can get together, call it a band and start playing. The difficult part is sustaining it and evolving over time. In a true sense the making of a band takes time, needs dedication and efforts. Like a brand gets known for its attributes, a band is known for its kind of music and this can only come with time. Be known for quality rather than quantity. A band gets recognized for its professionalism, its creativity. We believe that bands need to think long term rather than quick gains.

You can book AZAADI The Band for your events, gigs, performances at www.localturnon.com/bookings

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