|
SHAA’IR + FUNC IN FIVE EASY STEPS Smirnoff introduces you to one of India’s most exciting electronica groups. Talented duo - Shaa’ir +Func – are leading the charge to put Indian electronica and dance music on the world map. Ever since springing out from the local underground scene more than three years back, the group’s genre-bending albums and captivating live performances have drawn rave reviews from fans and critics alike: "The undergrounds most promising collaboration." – The Rock Street Journal "Shaa'ir and func is a band that is clearly changing how Indian music is perceived to be." – Mid-Day News "Fusing a mélange of poetry, funk, R&B, electronica, and a healthy side of jazz, Shaa'ir and Func live to serve up the unexpected." –Nirali Magazine Ok, so that is what the fans and critics are saying. But for those of you still new to the Shaa’ir + Func phenomenon, let Smirnoff get you up to speed with a short five-step introduction? STEP ONE: THE BAND MEMBERS Monica Sharma Dogra studied arts and performed her own music in New York City – including singing at Carnegie Hall when she was 16 years old - before listening to her heart and moving to Mumbai. Talented and beautiful, Monica infuses Shaa’ir + Func’s music with moving and, at times, haunting lyrics. Monica hits the stage and pens her writing under the moniker “Shaa’ir”, which translates from Urdu as “poet”. Randolph Savio Rosario Correia – in addition to starring with the axe alongside Shaa’ir - is a long time member of India’s premier rock band “Pentagram” as well as the founder of FUNCinternational in 2003, which is aimed at bridging the gap between national and international musical cultures. Func, as Randolph calls himself, is a talented producer and absolutely sizzles on the guitar. Check out some pics here: http://bit.ly/95gDsn STEP TWO: THE BIRTH OF SHAA’IR + FUNC Details might be a little sketchy, but we do know that, after meeting at a Mumbai party, Monica and Randolph were blown away by each other’s music. Not long after, Shaa’ir + Func the band was born - and the rest is history in the making. STEP THREE: THE SHAA’IR + FUNC SOUND The Shaa’ir + Func sound is a distinctive mix of bass-heavy rhythms, poetic lyrics, and haunting synth melodies. Ok, so that is the neatest way of saying it. In reality, there is no way to put a label on these guys. That’s because the band is in a state of constant evolution, fusing everything from poetry, R&B and funk to electronica and rock. Heck, we give up trying to explain it. It’s best if you just check out the band describing their music in their own words. Check this video! http://smirnoff.co.in/catchthebeat.aspx?beatid=21 STEP FOUR: CATCH THEM LIVE When hardcore Shaa’ir + Func fans hear you say that you like the band’s albums, they have one piece of advice – “see them live”. Shaa’ir + Func live shows are always high on energy, performance and costuming. Their unique ability to thrill audiences has seen them play at prestigious festivals such as Glastonbury, Big Chill (UK), Oya (Norway), c/o pop (Germany) and at world famous clubs such as Knitting Factory (NYC), Melkweg (Amsterdam) and Sound (London). For Shaa’ir, in particular, live music is a liberating experience that always pushes her to give her all. Listen to Shaa’ir describe her most exciting live moment standing before a sea of festival fans. STEP FIVE: THE INDIAN MUSIC SCENE AND SHAA’IR + FUNC Shaa’ir + Func are the forerunners of an Indian electronica and dance scene that is fast becoming vibrant and inspiring and beginning to feature on the world stage. Func thinks the scene is similar to 1960s rock’n’roll. Shaa’ir thinks it is “limitless”. Check out what else they have to say in this Smirnoff exclusive video. http://smirnoff.co.in/catchthebeat.aspx?beatid=15 So now that the introductions are all done – why not get to know Shaa’ir + Func a whole lot better by picking up one of their albums or catching a live show. For more information, you can visit www.myspace.com/shaairandfunc or check out the group’s Facebook page.
Related Articles -
Shaa'ir + Func, Smirnoff, electronica,
| 
