<p>Mudroad, one of India’s handful of country music bands, was initially just a group of four friends. They would break into song at random to entertain others at whichever party they found themselves in. “We had a lot of fun doing this. We had been doing this for years, when we felt compelled to form a band,” says Sheridan Brass, the lead vocalist. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Country music is a less explored genre in India, but Brass and his friends — Daniel Selvaraj (vocals and drums) and Joshua Selvaraj (vocals and acoustic <br />guitar) — had grown up listening to the likes of the Zac Brown Band, George Strait, and Darius Rucker. That was the kind of music they enjoyed performing as well. So when they formed the band in 2016, they gravitated towards country music. The fourth member Mark Swaroop (bass guitar), now based in Scotland, joins in whenever he is available. While their repertoire is country heavy, they also cover gospel, blues and rock ‘n’ roll. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The way they harmonise, and their complementary voices that are soulful and comforting are some of the factors that sets them apart, believes Daniel.</p>.How popular cinema chooses its heroes.<p class="bodytext">“It’s easy for us because we are very connected to and comfortable with each other. Therefore, the whole process is smooth,” says Joshua.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Typically their performances are broken up into two sets. The first set is dedicated to country music, while the second covers retro hits that the audience can dance to. “Country music was popular with our parents when they were younger. That popularity has since died down in India. We want to reintroduce the genre here,” Joshua shares. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Over the years, the Bengaluru-based band has grown from four to eight members. It currently comprises Jerusha Verghese (vocals), Blesswin Winco (lead guitar and music director), Karun Verghese (rhythm guitar), Denvin Lawrence (keyboard) and Aashish Paul (bass), apart from Daniel, Joshua, and Brass.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Brass has shifted base to Dubai but flies down to Bengaluru regularly for gigs. “It’s not too challenging for us. I don’t necessarily have to be in the jam room during rehearsals. I typically arrive a few days before the event to practice. It has been smooth sailing so far,” Brass shares. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The Eagles is another major influence and Mudroad is currently planning a tribute concert for the American band in the second half of 2025. Also on the agenda this year are a few international gigs. </p>
<p>Mudroad, one of India’s handful of country music bands, was initially just a group of four friends. They would break into song at random to entertain others at whichever party they found themselves in. “We had a lot of fun doing this. We had been doing this for years, when we felt compelled to form a band,” says Sheridan Brass, the lead vocalist. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Country music is a less explored genre in India, but Brass and his friends — Daniel Selvaraj (vocals and drums) and Joshua Selvaraj (vocals and acoustic <br />guitar) — had grown up listening to the likes of the Zac Brown Band, George Strait, and Darius Rucker. That was the kind of music they enjoyed performing as well. So when they formed the band in 2016, they gravitated towards country music. The fourth member Mark Swaroop (bass guitar), now based in Scotland, joins in whenever he is available. While their repertoire is country heavy, they also cover gospel, blues and rock ‘n’ roll. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The way they harmonise, and their complementary voices that are soulful and comforting are some of the factors that sets them apart, believes Daniel.</p>.How popular cinema chooses its heroes.<p class="bodytext">“It’s easy for us because we are very connected to and comfortable with each other. Therefore, the whole process is smooth,” says Joshua.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Typically their performances are broken up into two sets. The first set is dedicated to country music, while the second covers retro hits that the audience can dance to. “Country music was popular with our parents when they were younger. That popularity has since died down in India. We want to reintroduce the genre here,” Joshua shares. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Over the years, the Bengaluru-based band has grown from four to eight members. It currently comprises Jerusha Verghese (vocals), Blesswin Winco (lead guitar and music director), Karun Verghese (rhythm guitar), Denvin Lawrence (keyboard) and Aashish Paul (bass), apart from Daniel, Joshua, and Brass.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Brass has shifted base to Dubai but flies down to Bengaluru regularly for gigs. “It’s not too challenging for us. I don’t necessarily have to be in the jam room during rehearsals. I typically arrive a few days before the event to practice. It has been smooth sailing so far,” Brass shares. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The Eagles is another major influence and Mudroad is currently planning a tribute concert for the American band in the second half of 2025. Also on the agenda this year are a few international gigs. </p>