Acclaimed Bangalore-based folk rock band to embarks on a landmark ten-city “Restless Tour’
Will hold innovative contests to promote Topiwalleh where winners can bag a hand-painted guitar, host private in-home acoustic concert or win a chance to join one of India’s leading bands on tour
Bangalore based folk-rock band Swarathma are set to embark on a ten-city ‘Restless Tour’ to mark the launch of their second studio album titled Topiwallehwhich was released on May 11, 2012. The songs in the new album examine current views of everyday issues from politics to media, from relationships to consumerism amongst others in an honestly satirical, sometimes hard-hitting manner, and yet deliver some social message. Their music and stage-act is a kaleidoscopic rush of Indian folk blended with Western influences.
Since their first album three years ago, Swarathma has quickly grown to become one of India’s premier live acts, with performances over the world including festivals across the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Morocco. Topiwalleh represents a subtle shift in the Swarathma sound – while they stay true to their folk roots, the compositions reflect the development in the band members’ individual musicality over the last three years since their first album.
For Topiwalleh, acclaimed composer/producer Loy Mendonsa worked with the band, helping them polish their new compositions, while retaining the ethos of the band’s identity. Loy Mendonsa, the producer of the album says, “They are a great live band with a lot of color and a nice Indian touch to the performance. I have always liked the kind of songs they have written and the social messages their lyrics carry. I have tried to bring in the theatrical angle of their performance into the album.”
“We are obliged by the fabulous response from fans across India, and the word spread by them about our music”, says lead vocalist and rhythm guitar Vasu Dixit, “Like our previous album and songs played during live performances globally, Topiwalleh promises some innovative and everlasting folk rock music that will grow with you.”
Swarathma will also launch a slew of contests and giveaways to celebrate the release of their new album. They plan to take a fan on tour with them giving him a unique chance to be a part of the band’s touring experience. Secondly, they will be playing acoustic concerts at fans’ homes exclusively for their friends and family. They will also give away a hand-painted Epiphone guitar, which will accompany the band on tour, to one lucky winner.
Jishnu Dasgupta, bassist of the band says, “We have always believed in reaching out to our fans both on-stage and off, and this series of contests is a way to open up our world to the people who have supported us all these days. This album launch tour is a way for us to strengthen the bond we share with them and create wonderful memories for us and our listeners.”
As a build-up to the Topiwalleh’s launch, Swarathma will be giving away singles as free downloads. Fans of the band on Facebook will be able to digitally wear their trademark colourful topi and share that image on their profiles to instantly download three songs free. The band will be going digital for this release, offering the album for sale via Flipkart.com’s Flyte digital music store in addition to selling physical CDs and download cards at shows.
Topiwalleh follows their critically acclaimed eponymous debut release ‘Swarthma’ in January 2009, which introduced the world to their brand of folk rock and won the band the JD Rock Award for Best Band, Album and Song of the Year. They were also featured on iconic TV series The Dewarists where they collaborated with Hindustani classical legend Shubha Mudgal, who also featured on their award-winning debut music video for the song ‘Pyaasi’.
Topiwalleh available at: http://www.flipkart.com/Swarathma
