Perfect strangers, a city-based band, harbours dreams to make it big in the music scene like most others. But what sets them apart is probably the fact that the current line-up of six members wants to be doubly sure — that the listeners are invested in their music, quite literally! The band has opted to go the crowdfunding route to raise funds for their debut album. While they will be releasing an original early this November, their full-fledged album will be released on January 31, 2018.
“We chose crowdfunding (on Fueladream) as we felt it’s a great way to get people invested in our music. Putting out an album is not just about recording music today... there is marketing, public relations, we need to shoot videos and then there is merchandise. So, rather than taking a step at a time, and struggling financially, we wanted to be sure on Day One, how much we can do.
Crowdfunding is a great platform to give us that clarity,” shares Debjeet Basu, the lead guitarist. The band initially rolled out in the year 2013, but the line-up of members has changed ever since. “Every band goes through different phases, our story is no different. Musicians have walked in and out, but we’re glad that with the changing members, we’ve been able to give promising individuals out there a chance. After we went through an evolution, our drummer Preran Gulvady got us many more people. The selection into the band has been through a healthy mix of references and auditions,” he explains.
The band currently comprises Preran Gulvady on the drums, Debjeet Basu on the guitars, Pranav DM and Raphael Emileennaa on the vocals, Steve Rajan on keys and bassist Prashanth Gnanamuthu.
Perfect Strangers has had many instances which can be perfectly summed up as instances of sheer serendipity. “From the formation of our band and how most of us came along to create music together, to the decision to crowdfund and get followers, things have fallen into place. It’s been a helluva ride. But, the only thing that matters is the fact that we cater to music lovers between the ages of 20 to 35. And a massive turnout at a gig is the only thing that actually keeps us going,” believes Preran, the drummer.
Speaking of their music’s genre, Raphael Emileennaa, one of the two vocalists states, “The most beautiful aspect is, we have always gone the unconventional way. There isn’t really a particular box or genre that you can fit our music into. It’s a mix of blues, jazz, RnB with a smattering of Western classical, and Hindustani classical music thrown in.” The band has put out eight originals, out of which seven will go into the album. And they are all products of their individualistic experiences. “No two songs sound the same. We’re grateful we have Raphael and Pranav as our two vocalists who infuse a distinct tone, giving us the opportunity to sound unique,” opines Steve Rajan, who is on the keyboard. Some tracks that the album comprises are Walk-on (which was penned down in support of the Queer community) Just for Kicks (a song on the current music scene and the challenges faced by musicians that not many talk of) and the like.
Unbridled music makers, as they like to call themselves, they believe in their music — and that makes all the difference. With an album on the cards, the days are packed. “The very thought of releasing a full-fledged album is giving us the jitters. But our hopes are pinned on the fact that if our listeners believe in our music enough to help us bring out the album, we’re heading in the right direction,” concludes Debjeet.
