To music lovers in the country, Coke Studio is no stranger and neither is Clinton Cerejo. The Mumbai based singer-composer, whose voice wooed us with contemporary classics like Madaari, and gave Bollywood innumerable hits like Kya Karoon (Wake Up Sid) and Sooraj Ki Baahon Mein (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) is lined up to perform with a bunch of equally electrifying performers this weekend—the fusion folk tunes of city based rockers, Swarathma.
Cerejo’s Madaari may have been a pivotal tune in the indie music scene but his new single Agla Savera promises to be even better. A collaboration with Bianca Gomes, another Mumbai based singer and Swarathma, Cerejo can barely contain his excitement about the upcoming gig where Agla Savera will be heard for the first time. “It took us a while to bring this one out but I’m so happy with this song! I did a feature with Bianca about a year ago and I loved how it flowed organically. We are very excited to present this,” he says.
The song portrays life like an unopened gift box- full of surprises. “Life can take you aback sometimes, both in good ways and bad but what counts is grabbing the opportunity when it arrives; staying positive though the lows and putting your everything into it.”
The gig’s other one third Swarathma, is bringing in their signature style into his compositions. “Swarathma is completely insane!” he exclaims and laughs, “You can expect an evening of Swarathmised versions of my Coke Studio hits. A blend of both styles, it’ll be punchy, it will be fun and completely mad; musically of course!”
It is no secret that indie music has a niche crowd and to some musicians it is a matter of pride but to Cerejo, it is quite the opposite. He seems to believe that if music doesn’t touch all, what is the point of it? “More often than not, I’m accused of being too eccentric!” he complains playfully, “I’m my worst critic and I think I’m done appealing to only a slightly niche crowd. I want to do music that every Indian can connect with, something that is relatable to all. I want to write stuff that is more commercialized.”
Cerejo is working on producing music for an upcoming film by Excel Entertainment, the giant behind Bollywood hits like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Fukrey. “It’s a story with an inde soul is all I’ll say. It actually has a bit of everything in it,” he says.
What: Clinton Cerejo ft. Bianca Gomes and Swarathma
When: June 24, 9 pm
Where: The Humming Tree, 12th Main Road, Indiranagar
