A Closer Look at the Rise of Rock Music in India as the Last Surviving Member of the Country’s First Rock Band Was Laid to Rest
Sinusoidal Weekly Highlights
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Music Buzz > What are the paparazzi after?
Pioneers of Bengali Rock 'Mohiner Ghoraguli' Last Soldier, Tapas Das
Kolkata mourns the loss of Tapas Das, affectionately known as Bapi Da, a prominent member of the legendary Bangla rock band Mohiner Ghoraguli. Often described as India’s first rock band, Mohiner Ghoraguli was known for their revolutionary ‘Baul Jazz’ sound.
The musician passed away at Kolkata's SSKM Hospital after battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences and acknowledged Tapas Das' significant contribution to the realm of music. She tweeted, "I mourn the death of Tapas Das (Bapi da), who was a part of India's first rock band in Bangla, Mohiner Ghoraguli. My condolences to the artiste's wife Sutapa, and the bereaved family and his admirers."
Founded in 1975, Mohiner Ghoraguli quickly became an icon of Calcutta’s music scene. The original lineup comprised Gautam Chattopadhyay (vocals, lead guitar, voice, saxophone, folk instruments, and lyrics), Pradip Chatterjee (bass guitar and flute), Tapas Das (lyrics, vocals, and guitar), Ranjon Ghoshal, Biswanath Bishu Chattaopadhyay (drums), Abraham Majumdar (piano, violin), and Tapesh Bandopadhyay (vocals, guitar).
Mohiner Ghoraguli was known for its avant-garde musical approach, pushing boundaries and experimenting with genres like Jazz and Baul music. Their unorthodox compositions which initially gained criticism as ‘devil’s music’, later captivated audiences and established them as arguably, the founders of rock music in India.
In 2006, the band's renowned track 'Prithibi ta naki' was remade as 'Bheegi Bheegi' for the Hindi film 'Gangster' by music director Pritam Chakraborty. Sung by Bangladeshi singer James, the Bollywood rendition became a chart-topping sensation.
The legacy of Mohiner Ghoraguli lives on and Tapas Das will be remembered as an integral part of the groundbreaking band that revolutionized the rock music landscape in India.
Music Through the Ages > Lesser known facts about how music shaped the world
The Evolution of Rock Music in India
Indian rock music has evolved significantly since the 1960s when Western influences began to shape the genre. Early pioneers like Kalyanji-Anandji and R.D. Burman introduced rock elements to Indian film compositions. Bands such as 'The Savages' and 'The Trojans' emerged in the late 1960s, establishing Indian rock.
In the 1970s, bands like ‘Mohiner Ghoraguli,’ 'Atomic Forest,' 'Great Bear,' and 'Human Bondage' embraced heavier and more experimental sounds influenced by Deep Purple and Pink Floyd. The 1980s witnessed a fusion of rock with Indian classical and folk music, led by 'Indian Ocean.' Social and political themes permeated their lyrics.
The 1990s brought commercial success for bands like 'Parikrama,' 'Euphoria,' and 'Indus Creed.' These artists blended rock with Indi-pop and alternative music. The 2000s marked a vibrant period for Indian rock, with bands like 'Them Clones,' 'Pentagram,' and 'Avial' pushing boundaries and experimenting with diverse sub-genres.
Today, Indian rock continues to evolve, with fusion, prog-rock, metal, and alternative styles gaining prominence. Digital platforms and streaming services have facilitated greater exposure and accessibility to Indian rock music. In recent times with the release of Bollywood flicks such as “Rock On!!” a wider community of fans have undertaken the Rock philosophy.
Indian rock music's evolution represents the fusion of Western influences with Indian sensibilities, reflecting social, cultural, and political changes. It provides artists with a platform to express their perspectives and connect with audiences on a profound level.
Sinusoidal Spotlight > Our pick of the latest indie releases
Aza Brown - Wasting Away
Aza Brown can make you miss a genre you might have never been your favourite. That’s how well he writes music and melodies. It is the true approach of a songwriter, with a jump, pep and swing. There’s no way this single will not be on your playlist for how fun it is to sing. His latest single is an eye-opener in terms of living our lives, with simple approaches. This one is called Wasting Away.
Musician’s Toolkit > Secret production tips for pros
Mastering Spatial Audio: Enhancing Immersive Music
Grammy winner Michael Romanowski is a rare master of immersive music mastering. With his Coast Mastering studio, he built one of the first immersive mastering rooms. Romanowski's approach involves a separate mastering engineer to provide a fresh perspective and ensure the music's best presentation.
Immersive audio offers diverse listening options, from sound bars to headphones, requiring mastering to ensure quality across platforms. Cohesion is another vital aspect, as albums often feature songs mixed by different engineers. Romanowski's expertise ensures consistent levels and tonality between tracks.
When working with immersive audio files, Romanowski prioritizes collaboration with mix engineers, aiming to maintain the intended balance and tone. He considers dialogue with them as an opportunity to improve the final material, while his role focuses on the last touches to create a translation-friendly master.
The immersive audio landscape resembles the experimental era of stereo, where bold panning techniques varied in success. Romanowski encourages exploration and advises creators to trust their ears. Immersive audio unlocks new possibilities for instruments to interact, resulting in captivating compositions.
While the industry primarily retrofits existing catalogue albums, the potential for original immersive compositions is vast. Instruments can now occupy different spaces, fostering unique dialogues or cohesive unity within compositions.
Mastering spatial audio is a precise craft, that demands expertise, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace the ever-expanding possibilities of immersive sound. With masters like Romanowski leading the way, spatial audio continues to revolutionize the music-listening experience.
Playlist of the week > Sinusoidal’s assortment of trending playlists for every mood
Sinusoidal’s Swamp Jazz
Welcome to our curated collection of jazzy, lo-fi, and smooth jazz tunes, perfect for a relaxing background ambience. Indulge yourself in the mellow vibes as the sounds of delicate pianos, velvety saxophones, and gentle guitar melodies create an oasis of tranquillity for your mind. Experience the charm of instrumental jazz, and enjoy a cup of coffee or delve into captivating moments while our suave tunes accompany you.