At the recently concluded fashion show by the students of Hamstech Institute of Fashion and Interior Design, a five-member band kept the audiences on their feet as they performed in between the sequences.
From Eagles’ Hotel California to The Beatles’ Come Together, the band rocked the classics. But here’s why they stood out — all five band members were bet-ween 13 and 14 years.
The Lazee Weekends comprises lead vocalist Neil Bathina, 13, lead and rhythm guitarist Dhruv Sriram, 14, bass guitarist Abhishek Bathina, 14, drummer Abhay Daga, 14, and guitarist Arjun Andra, 13.
After performing in front of more than 500 people, the band explains why they were not at all nervous. “We are past that stage,” says Abhay confidently. “We have even performed in front of more than 4,000 people during the World Music Day concert,” says Neil. Their other gigs included shows at The TiE Young Entrepreneurs (2013) and private parties.
And why classic rock? “Because at school — all of us are part of a band and we sing pop songs. So we didn’t want to stick to pop songs. Our target audience is the adults,” says Abhishek.
The five were first brought together by their school teacher who wanted them to perform for the TiE summit. “All of us have been into music since a very early age. Arjun started playing keyboard at the age of 4, Neil started with Carnatic vocals at the age of nine, I started playing the tabla when I was seven and then the drums. Dhruv started playing keyboard at the age of four and then guitar from the age of seven, Abhishek started about four years ago. But performing at the summit made us realise that we are good as a band. We do have arguments, but they are more of ‘musical discussions’,” says Abhay.
The group trains during the weekends. “We called our band Lazee Weekends because we practice only during the weekends. Our schedule is not at all strict; we practise for half an hour, watch TV, grab a snack,” says Dhruv.
“We have practised 19 classic rock songs,” says Arjun, who along with Dhruv, is pursuing grade 7 in classical guitar. Abhishek takes classical guitar training while Neil trains in classical drums. “I believe I am speaking for the group when I say that music is much more important to us and is not just any other hobby,” adds Arjun.
Abhishek adds, “I love tennis, cricket; but I also love music, so being in a band and jamming together is definitely not a phase that we’ll grow out of.”
Excelling in academics and active in extracurricular activities and sports, the band has four more gigs in the pipeline. “We would love to perform at different venues, which are restricted to us right now as minors and they are places where alcohol is served,” says Neil.
