Two Indian bands Swarathma and Bombay Bassment are a vote away from performing at Hard Rock Calling 2011 - an annual festival held by Hard Rock Café at Hyde Park, London. Hard Rock Calling is the biggest international rock festival in Europe will be held from 24th – 26th June. Scheduled to perform during the 3-day celebration of music are, legendry stars Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, Mike & the Mechanics, James Walsh, Barenaked Ladies, Bon Jovi amongst many others. On stage with them will be four amateur bands chosen from across Hard Rock Platforms all over the world.
It’ll be the first time that two bands Swarathma from Bangalore and Bombay Bassment from Mumbai, who won the Battle of the Bands in India, have a chance to perform at this renowned festival. Amit Keswani, VP Sales and Marketing said that Hard Rock Calling 2011 was a great moment for India. Whether they will be one the four bands from among the Battle of the Bands winners from around the world, will be known only after the vote which commences on April 12th at 3pm EST and ends on April 25th at 11:59pm EST.
Swarathma is a contemporary folk-fusion band that represents the sound of today’s India: rooted in tradition, yet with sights set firmly on the world. The sound is Indian folk and Classical with Reggae, Blues and Jazz in a blend that is one-of-a-kind. Swarathma released 2 albums on EMI in 2009, and have worked with the legendary John Leckie (Raidohead, Muse).
They were named Indie of the Year 2009 by Indiecision Magazine. They swept the Jack Daniels Indian Rock Awards 2009 winning Band of the Year (Critics and Popular Choice), Song of the Year and Album of the Year (Popular choice). The band is known for a visually electric stage act featuring faux-folk-horses, Bihari accents, and a Nehru Topis at various times. This act has won over audiences in the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Bombay Bassment is a eclectic 4-piece band formed in 2010. The lineup consists of MC/Rapper Bob, Drummer Levin, Bassist Ruell and Chandu (DJ/Samples). Their music is an upbeat blend of Hip-Hop, Rap, Reggae, Funk & Drum n Bass. Each member has varied influences & backgrounds making the sound of the band very unique.
Bob is a veteran MC and DJ originally from Kenya, his destiny led him onto the Mumbai scene over 12 years ago. Formulating his lyrics and sound around the rhythms of his life, Bob brings a distinctive flavor to the dance-floor. Levin & Ruell are the original founders of Bombay Bassment and have been active on the Indie scene for the past 8 years! With 15 years of experience, Chandu started off as a resident DJ at landmark clubs in Mumbai and is currently the co-producer of Bombay Bassment along with Deep, founder of Indiaudio (an Independent music label)