Mumbai's Chabuk talk about new EP and debut gig at the Indiepalooza music festival in Hyderabad

Hip-hop, rock, progressive metal, folk and Bollywood — each of Chabuk’s members brings different genres and influences to fore, which they believe makes their music stand out. As an entity, the Mumbai-based outfit doesn’t like to limit its sound by categorising it. However, if you listen to their latest EP, Downmarket, you are most likely to call their style — rap-rock. Drummer Dhevanshu Sampat agrees saying, “The midpoint where we all connect with our varied influences is what makes it interesting. None of us compromises on our music, while also coming together to create the perfect combination.” Apart from Dhevanshu, the band comprises vocalist Tanmay Bahulekar, bassist Roop Thomas and guitarist Raja Pradhan. 

Released a few weeks ago, Downmarket brings together the band’s groovy music with poetry and hard-hitting rap. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mumbai-based Rockcage Studios, the four-track EP opens with Kaun Hip-hop — an attempt to take a dig at ‘wannabe hip-hop artistes’ with witty lyrics and energetic vibes. This track also has a video (on YouTube) and made a mark in the top Indian hip-hop songs on playlists across Apple Music. Pyaar, on the other hand, is on the softer side and is about love and relationships. 

Tanmay, who is the man behind the lyrics and goes by moniker Microphone3, takes his writing skills to a new level with the title track, Downmarket. Using metaphors and straightforward lines, Tanmay talks about class distinctions in everyday life. “The theme behind this track comes from personal experiences where a media channel told me how the name of my blog with the word ‘bhukad’ sounds downmarket,” he recollects. 

This weekend, Chabuk is set to make its debut performance in Hyderabad at the second edition of Indiepalooza music festival by Tabula Rasa — Cafe & Bar. “We’ve heard quite a lot about the city and this venue, specifically. So, we’re looking forward to the gig. Expect some high energy tracks including our latest EP,” says Dhevanshu.

At Tabula Rasa — Cafe & Bar. 
September 28, 8 pm. 
 

The Indie circuit: Others on the line-up
Akram ul haq is a percussive finger-style acoustic guitarist from Hyderabad whose repertoire is a new-age translation of Western Classical music fused with influences of progressive rock and metal. He will be playing an all-original set from his upcoming solo eponymous album. 

The Detour is a city-based band led by singer-songwriter Niteesh Kondaparthi. With shades of folk, funk and jazz, expect unreleased material from Niteesh’s upcoming albums — Lekha and Lemon Tea.

Ahmedabad’s Heat Sink will make its debut with eclectic sound and influences spanning across genres. Look out for tracks from their debut EP, Euphony.

City-based Songsmiths will take you through a variety of styles while keeping you in the flow all the way through. With funky grooves, jazz and rock ’n’ roll, they will be playing unreleased material from their upcoming album.

Popular singer Meghna Dundi’s Meghna Dundi Collective is known for metal, classic rock and reggae, among others.