Exclusive Interview With Nigambodh

Nigambodh a five piece Hindi Metalcore band from New Delhi is playing at the Hornbill International Rock Contest this Year. Most Probably the first Band of its Kind to be featuring at the Rock Music Contest!!

“I would tell them to expect nothing but to close there eyes , open their mind absorb in the feel and if this takes them back to their nostalgic phases , then the mission is done from our side .”

Nigambodh- Interview MMI

MASSIVE METAL INDIA - We would love to take you back to when you started as a band. For those who don’t know, (band’s name), How did it come together? What is that made you decide on the name of (band’s name) and what story does it have behind them? Who are your members and what role do they have in the band?

Nigambodh, the idea was created in the falls of 2008, when members of different bands met at a competition to reshuffle and form a Hindi progressive band.

Name “Nigambodh Ghat” was decided randomly by the members while walking peacefully across the Ghats of Haridwar, later on to be called as Nigambodh. Our line up is as follows (Past/Present)

Gaurav Basnet – Vocals

Manish Kestwal – Ambient Guitars/Backing vocals

Tushar Mohan – Low end Generator

Sandeep Juyal – Lead Guitars

Prateek Suri/Udit Mahar/Siddharth Kaushik – Drums

MMI - We have 28 bands on list and the country witnesses’ bands coming up every year. What sets you apart and makes you different? Who are your favourite bands and influences? And why?

We create music and let it for the audience to absorb and categorise us.

Favourite bands/artistes is again a very subjective question as each band member has his own taste and likes , but if brought down to favourite Indian bands/artistes that have influenced us : Md.Rafi , Avinash Narayan, Avial .

MMI - lot of people as a band focus on subjects like social and political aspect. But what subject apart from the ones mentioned above do you have a keen interest in? What current messages do you convey which is important for the youth of today?

We try to portray our normal life experiences through the expression of music , lyrics are collectively inspired from the chunks of mythological texts and characters/life forms that have inspired us in our journey .We honestly don’t have anything to preach or convey to the youth but yes one should understand to be humble and respect the importance of cultivating righteous thoughts among each other .

MMI- If someone is interested in your music, what would you tell them to expect from your music? What are your favourite track you guys have recorded and Why?

I would tell them to expect nothing but to close there eyes , open their mind absorb in the feel and if this takes them back to their nostalgic phases , then the mission is done from our side .

We haven’t really recorded the best track yet , it is still surfing in our collective sub conscience in a formless state .

MMI- As India is concerned in music industry, financial situations are hard for a band and it seems people give up on the search for their Dream. What do you think the Dream for your band is and are you searching for it?

We have dreamed of playing across rural areas of India as Gypsies Dancing, drinking smoking along with the young’s and the olds on our tunes.

The quest is still on and the journey till now has been just wonderful.

MMI- Maybe this is your first time playing at HIRC, well If you had to name one of your favourite things that made you guys decide to register and play for the contest, what would it be and why?

It is unarguably the biggest competition for bands in India , being govt. sponsored and for constantly evolving as a platform to jump up your career in this underground industry , made us to register this year .

MMI- What do you feel has been the defining moment about Your Band?

I guess the first meet of the band members as strangers , talking and getting overwhelmed by each others presence was the defining moment for the band .

MMI - Which shows, gigs or concerts have been a turning point for you as a band? Tell us a stage where you had the most fun and the worst too?

Pub rock fest Delhi – turning point

Most fun – I.I.T Kanpur Prelims

Worst ever – Jynxx Delhi , damn.

MMI- There are so many bands and young musicians today and the completion gets more and more every year. What advice do you have for musicians who want to make music their full time career?

Give in time for your passion , devote it daily , record your music , self produce it , identify your sound and bring justice to it .

Full time career in just live shows can be a little risky so its better to equip yourself with the different means and trades of music as an industry.

MMI- you so much for giving Massive Metal India this interview, is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you for this interview , appreciate it .

We will be arriving in Kohima soon, hope to see some love from that beautiful side …

Jai Hind

Jai Bhole