Life often feels like a relentless race – from our hometowns to bustling metropolises, always seeking the next big thing. In this constant pursuit of ‘elsewhere,’ we sometimes forget the grounding power of our roots. Swarathma, the acclaimed folk-rock band from Bengaluru, beautifully captures this universal yearning for escape in their debut Tamil song, ‘Aiyanar Kudurai’.
This poignant song, crafted over seven years, narrates the journey of a temple horse that embarks on a quest for something grander, only to return to the familiar embrace of its banyan tree, realizing that its sense of belonging was always there, simply overlooked. This weekend, Swarathma is excited to perform this very special track in Chennai for the first time, in the very land that first sparked its creation.
Jishnu Dasgupta, the band’s bass guitarist, expresses their fondness for Chennai’s musically astute audience. ‘We love performing in Chennai because the audience there truly understands music, and it’s incredibly creatively satisfying to play for them,’ he shares. This marks Swarathma’s return to the city after a two-year absence.
What truly sets Swarathma apart is their commitment to creating a dynamic, interactive experience. Their concerts are less a performance and more a lively dialogue with the crowd. ‘The audience’s reaction is never just passive. It’s a powerful exchange of energy,’ Jishnu explains. Sanjeev Nayak, the band’s violinist, adds, ‘Our singer, Vasu, often ventures into the audience, engaging with everyone up close and personal, effectively blurring the lines between the stage and the spectators.’
Among their diverse repertoire, tracks like ‘Manwa’ and ‘Raah E Fakira’ are particularly notable for their intricate musicality and the electrifying energy they unleash live. Sanjeev highlights ‘Manwa,’ noting, ‘It has such a good vibe, and I particularly enjoy playing the violin solo.’
The band meticulously curates each setlist. ‘For Chennai, our aim is to showcase tracks that are reflective, soulful, and creatively challenging,’ Jishnu states. ‘These are songs we don’t always get to perform but feel particularly vibrant in this city.’ They craft their performances like a musical journey, seamlessly blending beloved classics with fresh compositions, inviting the audience to join them through moments of high energy and profound introspection.
This thoughtful approach to their live repertoire mirrors Swarathma’s musical evolution over the years. ‘We are all passionate music lovers,’ Sanjeev remarks. ‘The sounds we absorb constantly inspire new ideas for the band. Sometimes, a melody might spark during a traffic jam, or a simple guitar riff can kick things off. We then jam, let the ideas mature, and revisit them until they fully coalesce.’ Consequently, their signature folk-rock blend has organically grown to incorporate disco influences and more vibrant, dance-inducing numbers, perfected for both their electrifying stage presence and captivating studio recordings.
For the band members, certain moments on stage hold an almost ritualistic significance. Jishnu eagerly anticipates playing ‘Naane Daari,’ a Kannada song from their second album, Topiwalleh, co-produced by Loy Mendonsa. ‘By that point, the audience is fully immersed and ready to soar. The energy becomes truly transformative,’ he describes. He fondly remembers a performance at the Ziro Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, where ‘around 3,000 people were jumping in unison. It was an incredible sight, knowing we were part of creating that moment.’ While the Chennai crowd might be smaller, the band is convinced that with the right atmosphere, even 300 people can generate the energy of 3,000.
Catch Swarathma live at The Madras Taproom on October 11th at 8 PM. Tickets are available starting at ₹599.