<p class="bodytext">Electro, funk, dance band, DCF_Shapes, was born out of a tribute concert for Bengaluru pianist Karan Joseph who allegedly killed himself in 2017. </p>.<p class="bodytext">“It was meant to be a one-time thing. But the response we got was phenomenal, so we felt compelled to continue performing as a band,” says Bengaluru-based Bharath Kumar, one of its members. This year, they completed seven years. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The band comprises Kumar on synth and keys, Lindsay D’Mello on drums and samples and Hash Bass on electric guitar and synth bass. Kumar met D’Mello through work — playing for singer Lucky Ali. “We had been playing together for years and we felt that our musical inclinations were similar,” Kumar shares. Bass, whose real name is Harshit Misra, an old friend of the duo, was also roped in. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Though their sound hinges on electronica, Kumar explains that jazz has been an important part of their journey. “The complexity that can be encapsulated in a few minutes in jazz or even progressive metal, is hard to achieve in any other genre,” he says, adding that some of their influences are Rush and Tower of Power. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Their music is also informed by the varied musical experiences and training of the members. Kumar’s training as a classical musician and performing with metal bands like Galeej Gurus figures in the track ‘Mentality’. “This is very popular at music festivals. It has interesting arpeggiated sounds and is almost like something a DJ would play. It suddenly breaks into raging metal and progressive rock, and then it turns more peaceful,” Kumar elaborates, adding, “It takes its inspiration from artistes like Joe Zawinul and Miles Davis.” </p>.<p class="bodytext">The trio has released two albums — both recordings of live performances. The decision to record live was a result of their “old school leanings”, Kumar shares. “It comes from a mindset that there is something special in recording live,” he adds. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Their latest release is a single, titled ‘Ploughshare’. It takes its name from a building bearing the same name, located next to the studio where they rehearse while in Mumbai. The Vulfpeck-inspired uptempo track leans more towards funk. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The trio has also collaborated with other musicians over the years. Popular on the music festival circuit, they are often joined on stage by musicians who play for the likes of Kailash Kher and Pentagram. In fact, the albums feature some of their friends from the music community. </p>.<p class="bodytext">As with most groups, their sound has evolved over the last seven years. “Not drastically, but what we bring to the music has changed, the musical content has become richer,” he states. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Jazz has always been about improvisation and being on the cutting edge of what is acceptable and that is what DCF_Shapes is driven by, Kumar says.</p>
<p class="bodytext">Electro, funk, dance band, DCF_Shapes, was born out of a tribute concert for Bengaluru pianist Karan Joseph who allegedly killed himself in 2017. </p>.<p class="bodytext">“It was meant to be a one-time thing. But the response we got was phenomenal, so we felt compelled to continue performing as a band,” says Bengaluru-based Bharath Kumar, one of its members. This year, they completed seven years. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The band comprises Kumar on synth and keys, Lindsay D’Mello on drums and samples and Hash Bass on electric guitar and synth bass. Kumar met D’Mello through work — playing for singer Lucky Ali. “We had been playing together for years and we felt that our musical inclinations were similar,” Kumar shares. Bass, whose real name is Harshit Misra, an old friend of the duo, was also roped in. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Though their sound hinges on electronica, Kumar explains that jazz has been an important part of their journey. “The complexity that can be encapsulated in a few minutes in jazz or even progressive metal, is hard to achieve in any other genre,” he says, adding that some of their influences are Rush and Tower of Power. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Their music is also informed by the varied musical experiences and training of the members. Kumar’s training as a classical musician and performing with metal bands like Galeej Gurus figures in the track ‘Mentality’. “This is very popular at music festivals. It has interesting arpeggiated sounds and is almost like something a DJ would play. It suddenly breaks into raging metal and progressive rock, and then it turns more peaceful,” Kumar elaborates, adding, “It takes its inspiration from artistes like Joe Zawinul and Miles Davis.” </p>.<p class="bodytext">The trio has released two albums — both recordings of live performances. The decision to record live was a result of their “old school leanings”, Kumar shares. “It comes from a mindset that there is something special in recording live,” he adds. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Their latest release is a single, titled ‘Ploughshare’. It takes its name from a building bearing the same name, located next to the studio where they rehearse while in Mumbai. The Vulfpeck-inspired uptempo track leans more towards funk. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The trio has also collaborated with other musicians over the years. Popular on the music festival circuit, they are often joined on stage by musicians who play for the likes of Kailash Kher and Pentagram. In fact, the albums feature some of their friends from the music community. </p>.<p class="bodytext">As with most groups, their sound has evolved over the last seven years. “Not drastically, but what we bring to the music has changed, the musical content has become richer,” he states. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Jazz has always been about improvisation and being on the cutting edge of what is acceptable and that is what DCF_Shapes is driven by, Kumar says.</p>