UK-band finding ways to mix Indian with underground music

Kolkata: Highly influenced by Indian classical music, members of the UK-based music band Engine-Earz Experiment say they are finding ways of mixing various genres of Indian music with underground music. "Both Kabir and I are greatly influenced by Indian classical music. We try to bring the same passion into our big bass lines," Prash Mistry, founder of the band, said. Band member Kabir Kainth has been trained in classical tabla in India. "I honestly think that the Indian music scene is an important asset. It`s very exciting to learn more about the different Indian regions, their musical history and find ways of mixing that with the underground sounds from the UK," Mistry said. The band was in Kolkata to perform at the `VDOT EMERGE? gig where they electrified audiences with booming dub step and a mix of electronic dance music and heavy bass. "I personally feel that the West is exploring genres and are attuned to Indian classical music. There is a market and demand for the genre. A lot of Indian classical musicians such as Ravi and Anoushka Shankar, have been well received at their concerts held abroad," Mistry said. Asked about musical influences, the musician says he learnt about the stories of revolution and the journey back `to realising who we are and how we got here`. "I dedicate a lot of time to researching ancient civilisations as this is what really inspires me," said the musician, who has previously worked on studio productions with artists such as the Grammy award-winning jazz bassist John Benitez, Roots Manuva, Foreign Beggars and Aloe Blacc.