JOIN USThe power of sound
True to the name of their latest album release, ‘Andholan’, ‘Mekaal Hasan Band’, the Indo-Pak group has revolutionised the way music is produced. They have quite an inimitable style.
The Indo-Pak group has members from the two countries and includes Hasan on guitar, Ahsan Papu on flute, Sharmistha Chatterjee on vocals, Sheldon D’ Silva on bass and Gino Banks on drums.
Two of their latest albums are doing well. Andholan which has classic jazz rock numbers and features melodies from South Asian Eastern Classical ‘bandishes’.
The band was recently associated with the ‘Pepsi MTV Indies’ for the release of another single, Ghungat. They are currently working on a number of international music tours.
They draw a lot of inspiration from the art and culture of the country. “I find a lot of potential for the growth of ideas because people’s vision is not hampered. In Pakistan, the music scene has suffered due to extremism and intolerance which have disrupted normal activities,” says Hasan.
However, if one finds this statement surprising, Hasan clarifies that music thrived at a time when it was ingrained in Pakistani culture.
Post the Islamic indoctrination of the society, the performing arts dipped due to the lack of official patronage from government.
Hasan also has a plan to induct people from Bangladesh into his band. “We are all from the same land that once comprised of legends like Khusrao, Kabir and Tagore. We have to try and unify our commonalities.”
Sharmistha, who feels that honest music has the power to transcend barriers of country and religion, wishes for more live music in the Indian music scenario while Hasan says, “We just need to play more music and in Pakistan, sponsorship has to increase and government support has to improve.”
Although, the biggest success factor of the band is the ability to create friendship across the border, Sharmistha attributes it to the band members who have maintained the cultural diversity.
When asked about their most memorable tour, “The gig in Baroda,” the duo quip. Undeterred by the chaotic, cultural milieu in Pakistan, Hasan bravely says, “I’m not scared of failing but I’m scared of not trying.”
‘Mekaal Hasan Band’ truly believes in the power of sound amidst noise. “We are the same people who share similar interests, language and history,” says Sharmistha.